Standing together, building the future
For eight decades, the NSW JBD has been a voice for Jewish people in NSW.
This year marks a milestone of deep significance for our community: 80 years since the establishment of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies. It is a moment to pause and reflect on the generations who came before us – leaders and volunteers who, with courage and vision, built the foundations upon which we stand today.
For eight decades, the NSW JBD has been a voice for Jewish people in NSW.
Our predecessors stood firm in moments of crisis, nurtured Jewish identity in moments of growth, and forged alliances that helped ensure the security and vibrancy of Jewish life in NSW.
Their resilience reminds us that we are not only beneficiaries of their work but custodians of their legacy.
I often think about what motivated those early leaders in the 1940s.
The world was still reeling from the devastation of the Holocaust, and our fledgling community was small but determined. They understood that to survive and flourish, Jews in NSW needed representation, advocacy and unity.
From those early days, through the waves of migration that enriched our community, to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, the NSW JBD has never lost sight of its mission.
Today, as I look across our state – from the vibrant synagogues to the growing communities, from schools and cultural centres in Sydney to families living further afield – I see a diverse, dynamic Jewish community. Every one of us deserves to feel supported, protected and connected.
We know that our work is as vital today as it was 80 years ago.
Antisemitism has resurfaced globally in new and troubling ways, and we are resolute in countering it wherever it appears, whether in schools, on university campuses, in workplaces, on our streets, or in the media. Our voice ensures that Jewish concerns are heard and respected, and our alliances with government, media, faith leaders and civil society give us the channel to ensure fair laws and safe spaces for our people.
But advocacy alone is not enough. The heart of the NSW JBD’s mission has always been about connection – bringing people together, educating the wider community about who we are, and ensuring every Jew in NSW feels part of something larger.
From programs in schools that inspire pride in Jewish identity, to interfaith dialogues that build bridges of understanding, to supporting smaller communities who may feel isolated, we remain steadfast in our commitment to every corner of Jewish life, and we are committed to expanding this.
As I reflect on the past, I am filled with gratitude for the leaders who carried the torch through each decade: those who fought for Jewish refugees, who secured kosher food in hospitals, who defended Israel’s legitimacy on the world stage, who championed social justice, who stood up against racism in all its forms. Their courage teaches us that leadership is about service, the very essence of what this organisation stands for.
Looking forward, our vision is clear: a safe and thriving Jewish community, secure in its identity, protected by lasting alliances, and empowered to flourish in an Australia where antisemitism is rejected, diversity is celebrated, and communities live in harmony. We will continue to be the trusted first point of call for media, government and civil society in NSW.
What excites me most about the years ahead is the opportunity to continue the incredible legacy of impact.
We are investing in education to nurture the next generation of Jewish leaders. We are strengthening partnerships with other communities to promote respect and inclusion. We are using new technologies to engage more widely, ensuring that no one is left behind. And above all, we are committed to building a community where every individual feels they belong.
As we celebrate 80 years of the NSW JBD we do so with immense pride and deep determination. Our story is a story of resilience, of contribution, of a community that has thrived in this great country. It is the story of a people who with hard work and commitment have invested in the country that has provided them a home.
With hope in my heart and resolve in my actions, I can say with confidence that the NSW JBD will continue to represent our community – today, tomorrow and for generations to come.
To every Jewish person in our community – wherever you live and whichever community you belong to – know that the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies is here for you. Together, we will write the next chapter of our shared story, one defined not only by resilience, but by strength, pride, and a flourishing Jewish life.
Michele Goldman is the CEO of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies (JBD).