JBOD’s changing of the guard
THE Jewish community must be united in order to overcome the challenges of a changing political and security environment, new NSW Jewish Board of Deputies (JBOD) president said this week.
THE Jewish community must be united in order to overcome the challenges of a changing political and security environment, new NSW Jewish Board of Deputies (JBOD) president said this week.
Jeremy Spinak assumed the presidency at JBOD’s annual general meeting on Tuesday, taking over from Yair Miller, who spent four years in the role.
He said that while we are extremely lucky to live in one of the best places in the world for Jewish people, “we must be always vigilant”.
“The NSW Jewish community faces political and demographic challenges that are only going to be exacerbated in coming years,” he said.
He cited an increase in anti-Semitism, a fraying of bipartisan support for Israel and sections of the media holding Jews collectively responsible for events in Israel as examples. “In this new climate the board’s work has never been more important,” he insisted.
But he said one “significant silver lining” over the last few weeks was the unity of the Jewish community. “Unity is possibly the single most important element that we need moving forward. We’re all in it together,” he said.
Spinak said he was humbled to stand in the shoes of former JBOD presidents, making special mention of Miller. “Yair’s contribution to the Jewish community is nothing short of monumental,” he said. “He has spent countless hours in this community’s service … Yair is a profoundly good man, a mensch among mensches.”
Miller repaid the compliment when interviewed by The AJN. “Jeremy, and the team around him, have vast experience and talent. They will serve and lead the community in an exceptional manner,” he said.
Reflecting on his term as president, Miller said he looked back “with extreme pride at what the team at the board has achieved”.
“We have dealt with some of the most complex and sensitive issues and events with the utmost professionalism and in a manner that has always allowed our community members to hold their heads up high,” he said.
He listed as highlights of his tenure the board’s campaign against Marrickville Council’s ill-fated support of the BDS campaign in 2011, the relaunch of the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Israel in 2012, the signing of the London Declaration Against Anti-Semitism by a number of parliamentarians last year and the community’s recent rally in support of Israel, which 10,000 people attended.
GARETH NARUNSKY
From left: New JBOD president Jeremy Spinak, NSW Premier Mike Baird and former JBOD president Yair Miller. Photo: Giselle Haber
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