Time for renewal
"The JCCV has led our community for 85 years … As a community, we have rarely faced times as dark as they are now." Philip Zajac
Newly elected president Philip Zajac took the reins at the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) AGM last week, replacing Daniel Aghion.
Former UIA Victoria president Hayley Southwick was elected vice-president.
Zajac comes to the JCCV with a wealth of communal, business and philanthropic experience, including most recently as CEO of the Erdi Foundation.
He said, “The JCCV has led our community for 85 years … As a community, we have rarely faced times as dark as they are now. But I am confident that with strong, cohesive leadership we can continue to work to ensure every Victorian Jew lives safely and freely.”
Reflecting on his presidential term, Aghion said, “I am incredibly proud that the JCCV, through the hard work of our executive and staff, and the support of our generous patrons, donors and the community is meeting the goals I set to restore the credibility of the JCCV, lead the community by example, put the organisation on sound financial footing and identify the issues that unite our community.
“My executive has been an incredible support during the past few difficult years. As a team, we have led the community through the pandemic, addressed ongoing antisemitism, particularly in schools, and undertaken a wide range of special projects on a range of important issues.”
Hannah Greenberg remains as treasurer, while the remainder of the board comprises Frank Greenstein, Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann, Natalie Gunn, Alissa Wolff, Rachel Flitman and Yossi Goldfarb (ex-officio).
At the AGM, the JCCV also expressed its appreciation to executive members who have stepped down. They include Doron Abramovici, Frances Prince, Howard Sachs, Sam Strunin and Greg Kirshon.
JCCV CEO Naomi Levin, who herself recently stepped into the role to replace Judy Fetter after serving as chief operating officer, said, “It is a time of renewal at the JCCV. We have new faces on our board and in the office. However, the JCCV will continue on the solid footing that Daniel has left it on.”
Also at the AGM, Pauline Rockman was presented with the General Sir John Monash Award for exemplary and outstanding contribution to the Victorian Jewish community, recognising her involvement in the Melbourne Holocaust Museum since 1994, where she was the first woman to join the board and held the role of president or co-president for 17 years.
Noah Loven received the Sylvia Gelman Young Leadership Award.
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