What is the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies?
The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies is the officially-elected representative roof-body and voice of the Jewish community of New South Wales.
It is recognised by the NSW government, its agencies, the media and other ethnic and religious groups as the representative body of the Jewish community. The Board leads, speaks and advocates on behalf of the NSW Jewish community, with 61 major communal organisations as its constituents.
Structure of the board
The governing body of the NSW Jewish Board is the elected plenum of 147 Deputies, which meets monthly to consider issues of communal importance. Half of the Deputies are elected every two years by a general franchise and half are appointed by the constituent organisations. The plenum elects an Executive, which conducts the organisation’s administration.
Purpose
The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies leads, speaks and advocates on behalf of the NSW Jewish community.
Vision
A united NSW Jewish community, adequately resourced, enjoying physical and political security as part of a harmonious, inclusive and democratic Australian society.
Strategic Goals
- Represent and advocate on behalf of the NSW Jewish Community
- Ensure the political and physical security of the NSW Jewish Community
- Combat antisemitism and other forms of racism
- Increase understanding of Israel and its centrality to Jewish life
- Promote social inclusion of all segments of NSW society
- Maintain the unity and cohesion of the NSW Jewish Community
- Ensure the continuity of a vibrant NSW Jewish Community
Committees
The work of the Board is carried out by professional staff and the following committees:
EDUCATION:
Initiates, facilitates and supports programs in Jewish and intercultural education for primary and secondary students, as well as networking and resource sharing between educators in the Jewish and wider communities. Chairperson: Alan Charak
HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE:
Organises Holocaust educational and commemorative activities and awareness campaigns for the Jewish and general community. Chairperson: Danny Hochberg
SOCIAL JUSTICE:
Articulates Jewish values in relation to human rights and social justice issues which arise within both the Jewish and general communities; raises awareness with the Jewish community about such issues; and distributes information and organises activities in relation to Jews experiencing oppression or distress anywhere in the world. Chairperson: Emeritus Professor Bettina Cass AO
PUBLIC AFFAIRS:
Interacts with the media, government and other institutional arms of the public and private sectors; works to combat racism and antisemitism; monitors the media and works to ensure the physical security and well-being of the Jewish community. Administers a Speaker Service and keeps the public informed of issues relating to Israel and the Jewish community. Chairperson: Lesli Berger
COMMUNITY RELATIONS:
Works to build constructive partnerships with non-government organisations, interest groups, religious bodies, women’s’ groups, think tanks and other civil society groups in a manner that will assist the NSW Jewish community in meeting its strategic priorities as determined from time to time by the relevant organs of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies. Chairperson: Gael Kennedy
