The Sydney Jewish Report - February 2022 edition

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VOL. 82 Tuesday, 15 February, 2022 / 14 Adar 1 5782

Fostering a closer Jewish community

Jewish International Film Festival p20 Photo: Here Today

HSC Feature middle pages

ATTITUDE SHIFT

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BANNING MAUS A MISTAKE p4

MEDICAL EXCELLENCE

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A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY

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the sydney jewish report | February 2022

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Summit UIA: Book now Gordis’ history of Israel, entitled Israel: A Concise History of a Nation Reborn,

UIA

received the 2016 National Jewish Book

UIA is excited to share with the community news of its planned annual event for 2022: Summit UIA in February and March.

Where UIA used to bring the community together for one communal event, Summit UIA expands the organisation’s offering to five nights of engagement, education and entertainment.

The cause remains support for the People of Israel.

From Sunday 27th February to Thursday 3rd March participants can join one night, three nights or all five in a series of UIA special events featuring a diverse line up of speakers and topics.

Sunday, 27th February: Politics with a senior politician and member of Knesset Monday, 28th February: Culture with acclaimed actress Shira Haas, known for her roles in the hit Netflix shows Shtisel and Unorthodox.

Tuesday, 1st March: Sport with Linoy Ashram and Omri Casspi Ashram is the first Israeli woman to win an Olympic gold medal in any sport and the first Israeli rhythmic gymnast to win an Olympic medal. Former professional NBA player for 10 consecutive seasons, Casspi was the first Israeli to play in the NBA. Casspi runs the Omri Casspi Foundation, which sponsors trips for NBA players, WNBA players and other celebrities to

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COMMUNITY

Award as Book of the Year.

Thursday, 3rd March: Security with Yossi Cohen, former Director of Mossad and instrumental negotiator of the Abraham Accords Simply buy a Summit UIA pass online and join from the safety, comfort and convenience of your own home.

Funds raised from Summit UIA will go towards UIA Australia’s continued support for Aliyah.

The surge in global anti-Semitism along with social and economic instability as a result of the global pandemic has resulted in a rise in Aliyah as thousands of Jews from around the world seek better futures in Israel.

With the help of the community’s generous donations, UIA assists new immigrants with the many challenges of rebuilding their lives, while at the same time realising their dream of making Israel “home”.

Actress Shira Haas Israel. He is also the co-founder and managing director of an early-stage venture capital fund focusing on the Israeli technology eco system.

Wednesday, 2nd March: Global Jewry with Israel advocate, author and creator of the popular blog and podcast, Israel from the Inside, Daniel Gordis.

Book now at summituia.org Follow UIA on Facebook and Instagram (@uiaaus)

for

updates

to

its

2022

Campaign.

Attitude shift to make it positive. “I will never be able to reverse park into that spot” can be

ANNE-MARIE ELIAS The term “attitude” refers to an individual’s mental state, which is based on his/her beliefs or value system, emotions and the tendency to act in a certain way. A person’s attitude reflects how one thinks, feels and behaves in a given situation.

Some of our attitudes are enduring, whilst others are subject to change.

An attitude can be positive or negative. “Glass half full” or “glass half empty” is how we often categorise the way people see the world. Are they optimistic, hopeful, reliable and confident or pessimistic, resentful and doubtful?

Some of our attitudes are explicit. That means they are conscious beliefs that can guide decisions and behaviour. For instance: “Junk food is unhealthy. I don’t keep any unhealthy food at home and will only eat at venues that offer healthy options”.

Implicit attitudes are unconscious beliefs that can still influence decisions and behaviour. They are thought to reflect an accumulation of life experience.

An implicit attitude refers to something that is suggested or implied but never clearly stated. An example of an implicit

flipped to “I will give it a go and try to park in that spot”.

Interact within positive environments and with positive people. Are you surrounding yourself with those who are energy givers or energy takers? We can change who we interact with, how long we spend with them or how we think about them.

We can change the environment we are in and how we think about that environment.

Be of service to others. This may be reflected in a small random act of kindness, such as letting someone into your busy lane of traffic.

Get pleasure out of the simple things in life. Take a moment to “smell the roses”.

Ensure there is a connection to others attitude is when your partner gives you a dirty look when you drop your socks on the floor.

Our attitude determines how we react to adversity, how we grow and learn, how we overcome challenges and create bonds with others.

It reflects the way we see the world and how we live in it. It affects every aspect of our life – our happiness, relationships, health and wellbeing, and level of success. Developing a positive attitude can change the way we live,

regardless of the challenges or adversity we face.

Attitude is a choice. It is the way we speak about someone, the way we act, even the way we say something. We can become better people when we have a positive mindset. And, of course, even people with a positive attitude can improve.

In order to develop a positive attitude, we can take the following steps: Listen to our voice within. When faced with a negative thought, turn it around

through love, respect and approval.

Our attitude affects others. A person who displays negative attitudes such as discontentment and boredom will behave accordingly.

In a work environment, people with this kind of attitude can not only affect others, but reduce their own efficiency and effectiveness. Perhaps it is time for a change … for the better.

Anne-Marie Elias is a psychologist in clinical practice for 25 years.

SUMMIT UIA 5 NIGHTS | 5 CONVERSATIONS

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To be announced closer to the date CULTURE WITH SHIRA HAAS

Israeli actress and star of the hit Netflix shows Unorthodox and Shtisel SPORT WITH LINOY ASHRAM & OMRI CASSPI

2 MARCH

Israeli Olympic gymnastics gold medallist & first Israeli NBA player GLOBAL JEWRY WITH DANIEL GORDIS Author and advocate for Israel

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SECURITY WITH YOSSI COHEN

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the sydney jewish report | February 2022

CO NS I D E RE D

OPINION

DR. YVETTE ALT MILLER COURTESY: AISH.COM A Tennessee school board’s decision to remove the Pulitzer-prize winning book from its curriculum furthers the ever-increasing ignorance about the Holocaust.

While much of the world prepared to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day in January, 2022, one school district in Tennessee decided to remove the two-volume Holocaust graphic novel Maus: A Survivor’s Take from its school curriculum.

Art Spiegelman, a prominent cartoonist and the son of Holocaust survivors, published the first volume of Maus in 1986 and the second volume in 1991.

This unusual work, which describes Spiegelman’s father’s harrowing experiences during the Holocaust, won a Pulitzer Prize for best fiction, the first and only graphic novel to do so. All of the characters in Maus are drawn as animals.

Jews are depicted as mice, Nazi as cats, Poles as pigs and Americans as dogs.

The books toggle back and forth between an adult son’s conversations with his father, who is an unhappy, crotchety old man and the terrible memories his father describes. The effect is both to draw readers in with compelling illustrations and dialogue, while also providing some sense of distance from the terrible story within Maus’s pages.

Reading Maus can be a gruelling experience. Volume I is subtitled “My Father Bleeds History” and begins with the son, an artist named Art, visiting his father Vlatek and his father’s wife Mala. The names are those of Art’s actual family. During the Holocaust, Art Spiegelman’s parents, Anja and Vlatek, endured terrible hardships and survived Auschwitz. Anja Spiegelman died by suicide in 1968.

Vlatek begins to describe his once happy life in Poland in the 1930s, but his memories soon grow dark. After the Nazis invaded Poland, food grew scarce. Jews were forbidden from taking part in an increasing portion of public life. Maus depicts the growing horror in bold black and white sketches, which fit the sombre mood of the book. In one early panel, Vlatek returns home looking upset. “There was another riot downtown today,” he tells his wife and young son.

“Everyone yelling, ‘JEWS OUT! JEWS OUT!’ … Even two people killed. The police just watched!”

Vlatek and Anja watch as their friends and relatives are murdered one by one.

They send their son Richieu away to live with his aunt in a different town, hoping he will be safe there, only to learn that when Anja’s sister discovered that all of the Jews in her town were about to be deported to Auschwitz, she poisoned herself, her two children, and Richieu.

Volume II, subtitled “And Here My Troubles Began,” describes Vlatek’s experiences in Auschwitz, where he was forced to remove the remains of Jews who’d been murdered in the gas chambers.

Novelist Umberto Eco observed that “Maus is a book that cannot be put down, truly, even to sleep … slowly

Banning Maus from schools is a mistake

A Tennessee school board’s decision to remove the Pulitzer-prize winning book from its curriculum furthers the ever-increasing ignorance about the Holocaust through this little tale comprised of suffering, humour and life’s daily trials, you are captivated by the language of an old Eastern European family …” When it first came out, the Los Angeles Times called it “enormously effective … an extraordinary accomplishment, a new way of looking at the experience” of the Holocaust.

Maus’s raw power made it a natural choice for teachers in McMinn County, Tennessee, who have used it as an “anchor text” for their 8th grade English class’ months-long unit on the Holocaust.

Yet there have long been some complaints in the district.

Some parents objected to images of naked mice in the Auschwitz scenes.

Some also complained about the book’s use of profanities in some of its dialogue.

To assuage these concerns, teachers in the district covered up the images of naked mice and swear words in the text.

Yet objections remained.

McMinn County teachers were meant to begin assigning Maus to this year’s 8th grade students in January 2022, but they waited, sensing that the book might be banned. And that’s what happened after an acrimonious school board meeting on January 10. “It shows people hanging, it shows them killing kids,” complained school board member Tony Allman. “Why does the educational system promote this kind of stuff?” he questioned. “It is not wise or healthy,” Allman declared at the meeting.

Some people present at the meeting defended Maus. “I was a history teacher and there is nothing pretty about the

Holocaust and for me this was a great way to depict a horrific time in history,” explained Julie Goodin, an instructional supervisor in the district. The district’s other instructional supervisor, Steven Brady, defended the book, saying “When we think about the author’s intent, I could argue that his intent was to make our jaws drop. Oh my goodness, think about what happened.”

Their defence fell on deaf ears. In a unanimous vote, the 10-member McMinn County school board voted to remove Maus from the district’s curriculum. In a statement on Thursday, January 27, they defended their actions, explaining that Maus is inappropriate because “of its unnecessary use of profanity and nudity and its depictions of violence and suicide.”

Yet Mr Brady and Ms Goodin captured why it is crucial that books like Maus are read. The Holocaust was a uniquely horrific event in history. It’s not easy or pleasant to study it. But if we don’t remember the Holocaust, if we don’t arm ourselves with the knowledge of what happened and honour the memory of the Holocaust’s millions of victims, then we have learned nothing.

As the Allied forces advanced on Auschwitz 77 years ago in January 1945, the Nazis responded by desperately trying to erase evidence of their crimes.

They dynamited the gas chambers in which nearly a million Jews had been murdered. They forced 60,000 Jews on death marches through the freezing January winter towards Germany, so that when Allied troops finally entered

Auschwitz they wouldn’t witness the full extent of the Nazis’ crimes.

In many quarters, those attempts to erase and minimise the world’s knowledge about the Holocaust are still going on.

Holocaust distortion and denial are rampant, and they’re having an effect.

A 2020 survey showed that 63% of American millennials didn’t know that six million Jews were murdered in the Holocaust. Globally, only 54% of people have even heard about the Holocaust.

Ignoring or minimising the Holocaust is being complicit in the Nazi effort to hide their depravity from posterity.

When I heard about McMinn County’s school board removing Maus from the 8th grade curriculum, I asked my own son, who’s also in 8th grade, what he thought.

To the objection of Maus’s nudity, he was incredulous: “They’re naked mice!” he pointed out, not people. “Maybe this was just an excuse,” he wondered.

One school board member who objected to Maus at the meeting, Mike Cochran, said he didn’t object to students learning about the Holocaust in general. Maus was simply too disturbing a book for kids to read.

Yet the Holocaust is disturbing. And with so much ignorance about the Holocaust today, it’s more important than ever that we ensure the Holocaust is being taught effectively in schools, and that we educate ourselves and our communities.

Art Spiegelman’s two volumes of Maus is a good place to start.

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Holocaust knowledge fractured

GANDEL FOUNDATION As countries around the world commemorated International Holocaust Remembrance Day on 27th January, Australia’s first national survey of Holocaust knowledge and awareness had some alarming findings.

Notably, 24% of the population aged 18 years or older has little to no knowledge of the Holocaust, with that number rising to 30% among millennials.

More than 70% know nothing about Australia’s own connections to the Holocaust.

However, there is overwhelming agreement among Australians (88%) that “we can learn lessons for today from what happened in the Holocaust”.

78% of Australians think that Holocaust museums and memorials are valuable.

Two-thirds (66%) believe it should be compulsory for schools to teach students about the Holocaust.

The survey was commissioned by the Gandel Foundation, one of Australia’s largest independent family philanthropic funds.

The Gandel Holocaust Knowledge and Awareness in Australia Survey was undertaken by a team of researchers at Deakin University.

It was broadly based on similar research in the USA, Canada, the UK, France and Austria. The study was conducted in September 2021, followed by analysis of the findings.

There were more than 70 questions posed, with 3,522 responses from Australian adults across all states and territories.

That made it the largest survey of its type yet undertaken.

The sample matches key demographic parameters – including age, gender, education and geographic location – of the Australian population.

A key objective of the Gandel Survey was to understand not just how much Australians know factually about the Holocaust, but also how aware they are of the catastrophe and its impact.

While a number of findings were largely positive, there were still some critical gaps

identified. Overall, Australians of all ages showed comparatively high levels of Holocaust knowledge, with almost 70% correctly identifying that the Holocaust refers to the genocide of Jews.

80% knew that Holocaust occurred between 1933 and 1945, and just over half (54%) correctly identified that the number of Jews murdered was six million.

Respondents also registered low levels of Holocaust denial and overt antisemitism.

Only 25% of Australians have visited a Holocaust museum in Australia or overseas, while 81% have never heard an in-person talk or lecture from a Holocaust survivor.

The Gandel survey found that higher levels of knowledge about the Holocaust are associated with undertaking specific school courses or visiting museums, rather than general levels of education.

Notably, the survey also found that, on average, those with comparatively higher level of Holocaust awareness had warmer feelings towards minority or disadvantaged groups.

The research team made eight recommendations in the report.

They included a call for the introduction of a consistent approach to Holocaust studies in schools across Australia, with proper and accredited teacher training.

Further, there is a need for resources that explore Australia’s Holocaust connections and the development of strategies to drive engagement with Holocaust museums.

Challenging antisemitic stereotypes through educational programs and enabling students to hear Holocaust survivor testimonies was also considered important.

CEO of the Gandel Foundation, Vedran Drakulic OAM said while a lot has been achieved recently to strengthen Holocaust education, much work remains to be done.

“The Gandel family is committed to continuing their decades-long support for the development of Holocaust education across Australia, to help build a more compassionate, cohesive and humane society.”

The researchers would like to see the survey repeated in five and then 10 years.

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the sydney jewish report | February 2022

IS RAE LI

N E W S SHAARE ZEDEK MEDICAL CENTRE In 2022, Shaare Zedek Medical Centre celebrates 120 years of delivering medical excellence in Jerusalem.

In honour of this historic anniversary the walls of Jerusalem’s old city and iconic Strings Bridge were lit up with the hospital's logo.

The hospital was established in 1902 with 20 beds and 40 cows providing fresh milk to patients.

It has now grown to a world-leading hospital with 1,000 beds across two campuses, treating nearly one million patients annually.

Shaare Zedek Director General Professor Ofer Merin said it was a tremendous honour to be part of such a remarkable heritage of caring and advanced medicine.

“Even as we look back on this incredible accomplishment, our eyes are always focused on the future.

“Our pledge is to continue to expand and embrace new areas of medicine, science and patient care on behalf of the people of Jerusalem, Israel and the global medical community."

As a centre of both clinical and research excellence, Shaare Zedek

Medical excellence employs more than 4,000 medical professionals. The hospital has served the citizens of Jerusalem through war, terror attacks and the many medical challenges that face a thriving city.

Shaare Zedek is one of the busiest maternity hospitals in the western world, with in excess of 20,000 births yearly.

The

values

of

compassion

and

innovation have always been the hallmarks of the Hospital with a Heart.

The

Australian

community

has

supported Shaare Zedek for many

Shaare Zedek Director General Professor Ofer Merin (photo: Arnon Busani)

decades.

The late Mr Joseph Feiglin worked to raise funds to support the hospital in Jerusalem until his passing in 1988.

Dr

Allan

Garfield

established

the Australian Friends of Shaare Zedek in 1991 and has served as Chairman since then.

Now, as a health promotion charity, the AFSZ is focused on supporting the hospital and sharing the best of contemporary

medical

initiatives

between Israel and Australia.

If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it is the increased need to promote healthcare

initiatives

across

international boundaries.

The walls of Jerusalem’s Old City were lit up in honour of Shaare Zedek Medical Centre’s 120th anniversary (photo: Arnon Busani)

Whoopi, what were you thinking? of the Jewish people – who they deemed

BY RABBI BENJAMIN BLECH COURTESY: AISH.COM In today’s world where just about anyone who has an opinion that somebody disagrees with is immediately shamed and shunned as a racist, Whoopi Goldberg “explains” on The View that “The Holocaust isn’t about race.” Then she went on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and actually defended her views, saying, “…Nazis were white people and most of the people they were attacking were white people. So to me, I’m thinking, ‘How can you say it’s about race if you are fighting each other?’”

Somehow those guilty of mass exterminations of Jews manage to escape the horrific label of racist.

Perhaps it may come as a shock to Whoopi Goldberg that there are hundreds of thousands of Jews who are coloured – Yemenites, Ethiopians, Sephardic Jews from many lands, converts of varying degrees of darkness – all of whom, by virtue of their Jewish identity, would have been victims of Nazi ideology. Goldberg’s claim that “the Holocaust is of no concern to persons of colour because it’s all about white people killing other white people” is nonsensical, not only because it ignores the primary racist motivation of Aryan worshiping Germans but seems totally unaware of the racial identity of so many of its victims.

Hitler’s plan to rid the Aryan German population of its Jewish inhabitants –

to be an inferior race.’ I stand corrected.

The Jewish people around the world have always had my support and that will never waiver. I’m sorry for the hurt I have caused.”

ABC Network suspended her from The View for two weeks. Kim Godwin, ABC News’ president said in a statement, “While Whoopi has apologised, I’ve asked her to take time to reflect and learn about the impact of her comments.

The entire ABC News organisation stands in solidarity with our Jewish colleagues, friends, family and communities.” I am gratified by the level of outrage sparked

by Whoopi’s insensitivity and ignorance.

Yad

Vashem,

Israel’s

Holocaust

Museum, has invited her to visit and learn and then to do the same eventually in the rest of the world – was openly and clearly dominated by his racism. The whole point of the Holocaust was to eradicate the Jewish “race” from the earth. Hitler repeatedly said, “The Jews are undoubtedly a race, but they are not human.”

In the Yad Vashem Memorial to the victims of the Holocaust there is an extensive display of the racial categorisation the Nazi regime created.

The guides demonstrate “a Nazi pyramid of the races”, with Aryans at the very top and “lesser” racial groups below. The Jews never made it to the pyramid. They didn’t

deserve even a bottom rung because, as the Nazis explained, “including a Jew in the pyramid would be like giving cockroaches a seat at your dinner table”.

Jews simply were not considered human – just as Louis Farrakhan defended his hatred of Jews with the claim that he was not anti-Semitic, but rather “anti-termite.”

After the firestorm erupted, she posted an apology online: “On today’s show, I said the Holocaust ‘is not about race, but about man’s inhumanity to man.’ I should have said it is about both. As Jonathan Greenblatt from the Anti-Defamation League shared, ‘The Holocaust was about the Nazi’s systematic annihilation

about the Holocaust. I sincerely hope she takes them up on the offer. Whoopi is not an anti-Semite; she’s ignorant, as is much of the world when it comes to the Holocaust.

There are millions of people who are ethically and morally challenged by what they view as expressions of racism, yet remain silent and apathetic to the very real reappearance of antisemitism, both in America as well as the world at large. It is time for us to respond as vigorously and as forcefully to the dual threats to our democratic system, both of which made the Holocaust possible.

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COMMUNITY With more free time than usual as a result of lockdowns over the past two years, Gaby Steinberg has turned her creative endeavours into a small Judaica business.

The 21-year-old now produces and sells personalised Jewish-themed wedding designs, along with artworks and holiday cards. Her sister, Talia, was married in Melbourne the day after a lockdown lifted in July last year.

Gaby created a monogram (a motif of two or more interwoven letters) using her favourite art form – micrography – that was used for her sister’s wedding invitation and the bentcher (a prayer book for after meals). Micrography involves minute writing to craft a design or image. In this case, the words of the Sheva Brachot made up two intertwining Hebrew letters, representing the bride and groom’s first names. Soon thereafter, a good friend asked Gaby to design her ketubah (Jewish marriage certificate). She hadn’t done anything like that before, but she saw it as a golden opportunity to expand her skill set.

“Sometimes it's not until you invest in opportunities that you realise you are passionate about something new,” Gaby says. She says she loved the artistic endeavour. Next, she worked on a personalised front cover of a bentcher for another friend in Sydney. Around the same time, Gaby visited the local scribe to ask for advice about calligraphy, in which she was self-taught. He asked if Gaby could help out by filling in the details

A golden opportunity

Gaby Steinberg for ketubot. Her requests for ketubot, bentchers and wedding monograms started increasing.

A Beth Rivkah graduate, her artistic journey was heavily influenced by residing among the art galleries of Nachlaot in Jerusalem in 2011 and 2012.

During a gap year after completing her VCE in 2018, she lived alongside the art-filled Cardo in the Old City.

That same year, she received the Jewish theme prize in the B'nai Brith Jewish Youth Art competition for her main VCE artwork.

Now she enjoys mixing micrography with calligraphy, watercolour creations, gold leaf designs and hand paper cut outs.

To reach out to Gaby, email her at gabysteinberg@gmail.com or give her a call on 0468 495 271. Check out her artwork on Instagram: @gabs.artwork

Ketubah

Bentcher

Soldiers' Monogram

Monogram

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the sydney jewish report | February 2022

CO NS I D E R E D

OPINION

Russia/Ukraine crisis affects Israel

SHELDON KIRSHNER The undercurrents of Ukraine’s current border tensions with Russia are lapping ominously on Israel’s shores.

With about 130,000 Russian troops and armour massed along Ukraine’s frontier, fears are growing that Russia may invade Ukraine. Russia denies the accusation, but the United States and its allies are sceptical and believe an invasion could be imminent.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his lieutenants claim that Russia’s security has been compromised by NATO’s expansion eastward into Eastern Europe since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.

The Russians demand a guarantee from the West that Ukraine – formerly a Soviet republic that Putin deems to be an historic part of Russia – will never join the Western military alliance.

Last summer, Putin said that Ukrainians and Russians are the same people and should unite, like Jews from different countries who emigrate to Israel.

The two sides are currently at odds over this emotive issue, stirring apprehension that Europe could be engulfed by a war.

The diplomatic impasse has rattled Israel, which has cordial bilateral relations with Russia and Ukraine, both of which have sizeable Jewish communities. In the past three decades, some 500,000 Ukrainian Jews and more than 400,000 Russian Jews have settled in Israel.

At least two of Israel’s regional neighbours support Russia’s demands.

Syria and Iran, two of Russia’s closest allies in the Middle East, are unreservedly proRussian.

Turkey, which condemned Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and has sold attack drones to Ukraine, reportedly supports Ukraine’s desire to join NATO. By contrast, Israel has treaded carefully, trying to antagonise neither Ukraine nor Russia.

Eight years ago, following Russia’s invasion of Crimea, Israeli diplomats at the United Nations walked out of the General Assembly to avoid having to vote on a resolution condemning Russia.

And at Russia’s request, Israel has cancelled arms deals with Ukraine and Georgia, which was invaded by Russia in 2008.

The Israeli government has offered to be a mediator in the standoff between Russia and Ukraine, but Putin has apparently declined. It is unclear how Vlodomyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s first Jewish president, has responded. But recently, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba invited Israel to play a mediation role, as has U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Israel’s sensitivity to Russian interests is dictated by the hard realities of realpolitik: Israel has much more at stake in its relationship with Russia than with Ukraine. Compared to Ukraine, Russia – the successor state of the Soviet Union – is

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has requested Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system

a superpower and a major player in the Middle East.

Russia has very close relations with Syria, which has fought several wars with Israel and has been enmeshed in a civil war for the past decade.

In 2015, Russia significantly expanded its military footprint in Syria to save President Bashar al-Assad’s Baathist regime from defeat on the battlefield. If not for Russia’s assistance, Syria would not have been able to recapture land it lost in the initial phase of the civil war.

Russia is not Syria’s only ally on the ground. Iran and Hezbollah, two of Israel’s most formidable enemies, have worked with Russia to pummel Syrian rebels opposed to Assad’s rule.

In the process, Iran has entrenched itself militarily in Syria, particularly on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights. Hezbollah has used Syrian territory as a land route from which to transport Iranian weapons to its base in Lebanon.

The Israeli Air Force has launched hundreds of raids against Iranian bases in Syria and attacked Hezbollah convoys heading toward Lebanon.

Despite its alliance with Syria, Russia has generally stayed aloof from Israel’s shadow war with Iran and Hezbollah, both of which have called for the destruction of Israel. Russia understands that Iran’s presence in Syria is provocative, causing instability and posing a clear and present threat to Israel’s security.

Shortly after Russia reinforced its garrison in Syria, Israel and Russia signed a deconflict agreement to forestall the possibility of accidental clashes between Israeli and Russian aircraft. In general,

this arrangement has worked to Israel’s advantage, giving it air superiority over the skies of Syria.

Israel’s former prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, was instrumental in establishing this arrangement, having conferred with Putin in Moscow no less than nine times to shore it up. His successor, Naftali Bennett, has adopted an identical policy.

On January 24th, as tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalated, the Ministry of Defense in Russia made an important announcement, stating that Russian and Syrian aircrafts had carried out a joint patrol along Syria’s border with Israel. The Russians added that joint patrols would be a regular occurrence in the future.

The news threw Israel’s deconfliction accord with Russia into doubt and triggered speculation that Israel would have to curtail its air campaign in Syria. According to reports, Israeli military officials contacted their Russian counterparts to clarify the situation. A week later, Israeli jets struck a Hezbollah base near Damascus, with no Russian response.

As Russia’s conflict with Ukraine escalated, Kuleba told an Israeli reporter he was seeking greater cooperation with Israel. “We are interested in deepening cooperation on defence technology, in particular to air defence,” he said in an apparent reference to Israel’s Iron Dome anti-missile defence system.

Early in February, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid expressed doubt that Russia would go to war with Ukraine. “I don’t think a world war is about to start there,” he said, implicitly bolstering Russia’s claim

that it has no aggressive intentions toward Ukraine.

He added that Israel will proceed with “caution” in its dealings with Russia and Ukraine.

Ukraine’s ambassador to Israel, Yevgen Korniychuk, was “deeply appalled” by Lapid’s remark. In a Facebook post, he chided Lapid, accusing him of failing to grasp the nature of Russian aggression against Ukraine, either now or in the past eight years in eastern Ukraine, where proRussian separatists have made territorial gains.

As he put it, “Unfortunately, (Lapid) reiterates rhetoric of Russian propaganda and ignores the disturbing messages from (Israel’s) strongest allies – USA, Britain and the European Union – regarding the high possibility of a fullscale Russian invasion into Ukraine in the coming weeks.”

By way of reaction, Israel’s Foreign Ministry summoned Korniychuk and reprimanded him. With tensions still simmering along the Ukraine-Russian border, Israel has adopted a neutral position with respect to the current crisis.

But it is debatable whether Israel’s policy will be tenable or sustainable should Russia invade Ukraine.

Certainly, the United States, Israel’s chief ally and benefactor, would expect Israel to fall into line with the West and express public support for Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty should Russian troops and tanks storm into Ukraine.

Sheldon Kirshner is a journalist in Toronto. His online journal can be found at SheldonKirshner.com

HSC FEATURE Kesser Torah College dux Shani Spielman KESSER TORAH COLLEGE Kesser Torah College dux and Girls’ High School captain Shoshana Spielman encapsulates what it means to strike a successful balance in life.

She worked diligently towards her HSC, resulting in a successful university path ahead in medicine.

First, she will spend a gap year at a seminary in Israel, pursuing her passion for Torah. She said the key to success lies in “loving what you do, keeping a clear image of what the end goal is and not to stress too much.”

Sage advice from a student who topped the state in two subjects – Classical Hebrew Continuers and Classical Hebrew Extension – achieving an ATAR of 98.95.

She studied Advanced English, Biology, Chemistry, Maths Extension 1, Maths Extension 2, Classical Hebrew Continuers, Classical Hebrew Extension and Modern

Hebrew. Expressing her gratitude to everyone who supported her, Shoshana said that “it is very fulfilling knowing that all the hard work paid off.”

Shoshana said her success was predicated on “consistent studying, not leaving everything to the last minute, taking breaks and having a social life somewhere in the mix”.

Her advice to incumbent HSC students included “loving what you learn and choosing things you enjoy”. College principal Roy Steinman said Shoshana approached everything she did with an acute focus and sense of purpose.

“We thank her for her leadership.

Together with vice-captain Rivka Niasoff, she had an incredible impact on the Girls’ High School.

“She set a very high standard of personal engagement with each student and helped organise a number of very meaningful and impressive programs.

“We wish her well for what we are sure will be an amazing future,” Mr Steinman said.

Preparing Our Students For Every Journey

70%

35%

Distinguished Achievers in: Visual Arts Mathematics Advanced Mathematics Extension 1 English Advanced Legal Studies Modern Hebrew Continuers

of our HSC students placed on the NSW State Distinguished Achievers list

of our students achieved an ATAR greater than 90%

First in State

Classical Hebrew Continuers Classical Hebrew Extension Shani Spielman College Dux ATAR 98.95

of our students achieved an ATAR placing them in the top 5% of the State

Our Kesser Torah College graduates continue their tertiary level education at select, world class institutions around the world.

Ohel Chana

Yeshiva Gedolah

18%

‫בס״ד‬

HSC feature | February 2022

Top marks to Moriah

MAZAL TOV TO THE CLASS OF 2021

We are so proud of your achievements and contribution to the life of the College, and the community.

STUDENTS ON THE HONOUR ROLL

68

%

15

COURSES WITH

100%

IN BANDS 5/6

SCAN THE QR CODES TO SEE OUR:

99

.5%

ATAR 99+

7%

ATAR 95+

33%

ATAR 90+

56%

ATAR 80+

79%

(top 1% of the state)

OF RESULTS IN THE

TOP 3 BANDS

(top 5% of the state)

STUDENTS AS NSW TOP ALL-ROUNDERS

(top 10% of the state)

17

(top 20% of the state)

Comprehensive booklet, highlighting the achievements of the Class of 2021

MORIAH COLLEGE

OnShow digitial exhibition of Major Works

Moriah College’s HSC cohort was one of only two non-selective co-educational schools in the State in the top 20.

68% of year 12 students attained a place on the honour roll, with 17 on the All-Rounders List.

The school had four State rankings, while 56% of those undertaking HSC received an ATAR over 90 (putting them in the top 10% of the State).

The results affirm the work and attitude of the students and teachers. In speaking proudly of the school’s achievements, College principal Rabbi Yehoshua Smukler referenced commitment, positivity, agility, resilience and tenacity.

“Our true measures of success are the character of our graduates and the Jewish values they take with them beyond school, along with the passion with which they follow their ambitions,” Rabbi Yehoshua Smukler said.

“Our students are confident to face challenges head-on, inspire others, grow their skills and give back to the community.

This is a by-product of a caring learning environment and our focus on wellbeing and personal excellence.”

Jessica Zeltzer was the year 12 dux, with an ATAR of 99.85.

Jessica was joined on the list of AllRounders by Asher Breuer, Lexi Fleischer,

Jessica Zeltzer Heath Gassner, Allie Goldman, Jason Hirsch, Sage Katz, Lara Kopelowitz, Aaliyah Kotlyar, Benjamin Milner, Jema Roozendaal, Elisha Shifroni, Samantha Shub, Danielle Shulkin, Sam Wein, Ariel Weininger and Tali Wunsh.

Noah Joshua placed 3rd in the State for Classical Hebrew Continuers, Daniel Kulikovsky 5th in Portuguese Continuers (through the NSW School of Languages), Sage Katz 10th for English Standard and Ethan Agosin 12th for Mathematics Standard 2.

Overall, 15 courses resulted in 100% of students achieving band 5/6.

85% of the cohort’s results were achieved in the top two bands and 99.5% in the top three bands.

The Tree of Life (part 1of 2) YERACHMIEL ISACOWITZ The Eitz Hachayim (The Tree of Life) was the tree in Gan Eden (the Garden of Eden) that gave those who ate from it eternal life. Torah is called Eitz Chaim.

Why does it have a similar name and how is Torah similar to The Tree of Life?

Torah is made up of a number of components. To begin with, we have Torah Shebichtav (Written Torah) and Torah Shebeal Peh (Oral Torah.)

When Moshe received the Torah (in 1313 BCE), Hashem dictated the Written Torah in parts, stopping from time to time.

This was when Moshe was instructed to refrain from writing and integrate into his mind the Oral Torah (explanations of the written content).

In later generations, the Written Torah was expanded to include the books of the Neviim (Prophets) and Ketuvim (Writings) (circa 1273-300 BCE).

Due to the spiritual/ intellectual decline of the generations, Rebi Yehudah Hanasi (circa 190 CE) was concerned that the Oral Torah would be forgotten if not committed to writing. So, he composed the six sections of Mishnah. Similarly, Ravina and Rav Ashi (circa 410 CE) wrote down the essential oral debates on the Mishnah, called Gemora (collectively their works constitute the Talmud.)

Subsequently, we have more leading rabbinic authorities (primarily the Rishonim and Acharonim: 11th Century

– present day) proffering their thoughts

and understanding of The Chumash. We

and understanding.

cannot alter either of these.

Collectively, all these works are like the

The trunk is Mishna, the first stage of the tree that is above the ground,

make-up of a tree.

The Chumash (the Five Books) is the

accessible and of some practical use.

seed. The roots are the rest of Written Torah

From the Mishna we gain the principles,

which

which lead to halachah (Torah law).

engender

deeper

knowledge

The branches are the Gemora, affording us much more interaction with the tree, be it for shade, climbing, hanging etc. The Gemora extracts the practical lessons from Mishnah.

The leaves are the Rishonim. They provide oxygen. They distill the laws and lessons from all sections of Torah at an elevated, yet applicable level.

Finally, the Acharonim are the fruit, the application of Torah in our modern world, be it in halacha (law) or hashkafah (outlook).

Therefore, for instance, a Torah sage is able to give a definitive ruling on nanotechnology, even though this technology did not exist when the Torah was given.

There is no valid halachah or Torah statement that can be made today that does not have roots in the Written Torah, Mishna or Gemora. Thus, the tree maintains its integrity and continues to provide boundless instruction.

It is this structure that equates Torah with The Tree of Life. It is the vehicle by which, through toiling to attain understanding and as a guide to living correctly, we earn the eternal world to come.

(Part 2 will appear in the next issue of the paper.)

Yerachmiel Isacowitz is an independent Torah educator.

E: risacowitz@optusnet.com.au W: torahconcepts.com FB: The Mem Channel

HSC feature | February 2022

Masada – high achievement MASADA COLLEGE Masada College HSC students performed particularly well in 2021.

College principal Mira Hasofer praised their resilience considering the unprecedented challenges of the past two years.

“Our students took it all in their stride and emerged as confident, capable young men and women.

“Not only did this cohort spend weeks learning online during their preliminary studies. They also endured lengthy eLearning during their HSC year.

“They embraced their inner strength, set their minds on succeeding and achieved their personal best,” Mrs Hasofer said.

Kevin Lin was the 2021 Masada College dux. He achieved an ATAR of 99.70.

Kevin joined Masada in Year 10 and believes the experienced and passionate teachers at the school made a huge difference to his education.

“I’m very grateful for the way the College has supported the Year 12 students during COVID and thank my teachers for their support and dedication over the last two years,” Kevin said.

He is considering studying finance at university this year.

The College celebrated All Rounder Achievers, Aiden Bergheim, Kevin Lin and Ilana Stitz.

From left: Masada College captains Zac Silber and Lulu Feldman, with school principal Mira Hasofer 53% of Masada students made the distinguished achievers list.

31% of students had an ATAR of more than 90.

Karen Qiang was selected for ArtExpress for her film “A Way Out”.

Accelerant Shir Goodwin (Year 11, 2021) achieved a Band 6 in Modern Hebrew and Stanley Liu (Year 10, 2021) achieved an E4 (Band 6 equivalent) in Extension 1 and 2 Mathematics.

“Putting aside the band rankings, we are equally proud of all our students who can hold their heads high,” Mrs Hasofer said. The College was pleased to move up 45 places to 68th in the 2021 HSC school rankings.

These HSC results affirm Masada College's place as an outstanding Jewish independent day school.

It remains unique in its ability to help students from all backgrounds and

competencies

to

achieve

excellent

academic results.

“As the class of 2021 enters the adult world in a range of fields and locations, we know the values instilled in them at Masada College will stay with them for life. Chessed and Kavod, the critical thinking skills and the community spirit that are a way of life at Masada will serve our students well,” Mrs Hasofer said.

The JNF family wishes you a Shana Tova

JNF 120TH ANNIVERSARY VIRTUAL GALA EVENT 5 OCTOBER 2021, 8PM BUILDING ISRAEL SINCE 1901

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HSC feature | February 2022

Emanuel School impresses EMANUEL SCHOOL Under the shadow of the COVID pandemic, Emanuel School’s Class of 2021 exceeded expectations. The students’ resilience throughout their remote learning journey, not to overlook the extended build up to the HSC Exams, has been impressive. This ability to work independently under difficult conditions is a highly prized mindset and skill they will carry with them.

Emanuel celebrated four All-Round Achievers – Lara King, Jessica Lowy, Ruben Mihalovich and Jordan Stein – and Liam Engler who ranked an impressive 4th in the State for Modern Hebrew Continuers.

Guy Rein made Emanuel School history with his Music 2 Composition and Music Extension Performance being selected for ENCORE. Almost half of the cohort achieved an ATAR of 90 or more, 30% attained 95+ and 8% received an ATAR of 98 or more.

The school ranked 36th in the state and 6th in the state for non-selective coeducational schools.

Principal Andrew Watt said while many students excelled, it was equally important to acknowledge those who performed at their personal best.

“I would also like to highlight the achievements of those students who faced a range of personal challenges and yet persevered to complete their

final year. Their courage and tenacity were impressive”.

Emanuel’s teaching staff share the honours as the heroes of this journey. Their commitment to preparing and delivering engaging lessons and providing emotional and academic support have made a genuine difference.

With an ATAR of 99.5, Emanuel School dux Jordan Stein provided insights into his HSC year.

“Despite the many challenges faced in our senior years due to the pandemic, my teachers rose to the occasion and acted as resolute role models of determination, resilience and adaptability.

“I was inspired to develop and cultivate these same qualities until the very end, culminating in results that I’m very proud of. I feel that my HSC results reflect my newfound understanding of the power of this mindset, and the potential it has to transform feats of strength into rewarding, character enhancing experiences”.

Looking ahead Principal Watt said: “As the graduates start the next steps of their life journey, they are reminded that while we celebrate their impressive ATAR results, it will be their character, personal values, and experience at Emanuel that will be their foundation, as they embark upon further studies or enter the workforce.

“As Emanuel alumni, they graduate equipped to be the best that they can be and to contribute to both our Jewish and broader communities as informed and ethical changemakers.”

Jordan Stein

SCAN TO HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS

OUR TOP RESULTS

at a glance

Overall State Ranking

36th

Non-selective co-educational Schools State Ranking:

6th

ATAR 90+

ATAR 95+

ATAR 98+

48%

30%

8%

ALL-ROUND ACHIEVERS

Band 6/E4 for 10 or more units

77%

66%

of students achieved a Band 6 of students achieved all Bands 5 & 6

STATE RANKING Liam Engler 4th in State for Modern Hebrew Continuers

HSC SHOWCASE – ENCORE Guy Rein selected for: Composition - Music 2, Cerebrum and Performance - Music Extension, Quartet for Saxophones III, Movement

Lara King ATAR: 98.15

Jessica Lowy ATAR: 99.25

Ruben Mihalovich ATAR: 99.40

Jordan Stein ATAR: 99.50

“Whilst we celebrate the Class of 2021’s impressive ATAR results, it will be their character, personal values, and experience at Emanuel that will be their foundation as they step into the world as informed and ethical changemakers.” Andrew Watt, Principal

13

the sydney jewish report | February 2022

AROUND

T H E

COMMUNITY

Intergenerational remembrance

SYDNEY JEWISH MUSEUM 2022 marks 30 years since the Sydney Jewish Museum was founded.

Located in a quiet corner on the museum’s top level is a space for reflection, known as the Sanctum of Remembrance.

Within this space, hundreds of plaques dedicated over three decades line the walls.

They bear the names of Holocaust victims and survivors, all of which hold personal meaning to their descendants.

A generation on from the establishment of the Sanctum, its function as a place of commemoration continues to grow.

Earlier this year, Danny Hochberg – the son of Holocaust survivors – was compelled to dedicate a plaque in memory of his paternal grandmother whom he never met.

Gittla Hochberg was born in Berlin in 1887. She was deported to Riga in Latvia in 1942, where she was murdered.

Upon the placement of the plaque to Gittla on the Sanctum walls, Danny recounted his grandmother’s story to his extended family.

While he was destined never to meet her, he inherited a strong connection to

From left: Andrew, Danny and Joel Hochberg

her through his father and uncle, who survived the war and talked about her.

Danny was joined at the plaque dedication by his brother, cousins, their

spouses and the latest generation of children in the family. This is the power of intergenerational memory and the importance of preserving the stories of

Holocaust victims and survivors. Danny had earlier dedicated a plaque in the names of his maternal grandparents, who were murdered at Auschwitz.

Be the voice for their memory to live forever

Good Music, Good Food, Good Company!

Honouring a loved one with a plaque in the Sanctum of Remembrance ensures their memory lives on forever alongside the names of other Holocaust victims, survivors and Righteous Among the Nations.

For yourself, your relatives, your friends.

“Now that they are gone, it is incumbent on us to remember them and keep their memory alive.”

MIRI SONNABEND Granddaughter of Holocaust Survivors

Club COA every Monday and Wednesday at Sydney’s only Jewish Seniors Drop-In Centre.

Bring your friends along to discover a world of connection.

All rst time visitors can join in for free.

$10 covers your day at COA including: Playing Games, Lunch, Live Music and Dancing, Language Groups, Shiurim, Chair Exercises, Special Events.

COA Members can book transport to the Centre for $5 Double vaccination certi cate and willingness to abide by COVID rules required for entry.

COA Krygier Centre, 25 Rowe St, Woollahra Phone: 9389 0035 Email: kmow@coasydney.org Web: www.coasydney.org To visit the Sanctum or for details on dedicating a plaque, please contact Rita Prager on rprager@sjm.com.au 0416 252 526 or 02 9360 7999.

CONNECTIONS to community and culture OPPORTUNITIES to volunteer, learn, socialise, get involved ACTIVITIES six days each week

14

the sydney jewish report | February 2022

JUDAI C A

QUIZ

RABBI DAVID FREEDMAN Over the past year, the popularity of quizzes has soared worldwide, and this has also been true for our Judaica Quiz. Thank you to all who reached out to let us know how many engaging conversations were initiated as a result of the questions below around happy (and sometimes heartfelt and heated!)

Shabbat and Yom Tov tables.

Rabbi David Freedman’s knowledge is impressive and extensive, and he expertly weaves his way across historical timelines, via geographically significant locations – think Jerusalem – and deftly brings in the Torah, arts, politics and so much more for this terrific trivia trek!

Here we go – let’s see how many you and your crew get right!

1. Chazan Naftali Herstik and Chazan Chaim Adler served as cantors of which synagogue in Jerusalem?

2. Who established Aish HaTorah in Jerusalem in 1974?

3. According to the Book of Daniel what were the Babylonian/Chaldean names of the following three people: Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah?

4. Dama ben Netina is mentioned in

Test your knowledge the Talmud as a non-Jew who was a role model in connection with which one of the Ten Commandments?

5. What is the purpose of the prayer known as Mi Sheberach Refuah Shelemah?

6. Which actor played Oskar Schindler in the movie – Schindler’s List?

7. On releasing an album, The Best Christmas Ever, which performer said that she had stuck to her religious

9. Which institution established the British Mandate for Palestine in 1922?

10. In the case referred to by the media as "History on Trial" who sued whom?

11. Which of these Israeli towns is furthest north: a) Akko b) Karmiel or c) Tiberias?

12. Which two actors are Jewish:

15. Hafuch is what type of drink found in Israel?

16. Was Jeffrey Hoffman a famous American Jewish: a) Olympian b) Astronaut c) TV presenter or d) Shopping centre magnate?

17. In which suburb of Jerusalem would you find the Knesset?

18. Where, according to legend,

Good luck. Enjoy. Hopefully, learn something new about your Jewish heritage and tradition.

would you find the body of the Golem?

19. Name 5 Semitic languages.

20. In what year was Tel Aviv founded?

21. In which Biblical book do we find the expression ‘Tel Aviv’?

22. After Moses’ brother, Aaron died, what form of mourning took place?

23. Born Jacob Bruskin Gershowitz in

beliefs by making sure that none of the songs mentioned Jesus: a) Carly Simon b) Barbra Streisand c) Paula Abdul d) Helen Reddy?

8. In which Hebrew month was the mitzvah of Machatzit HaShekel (donating a half shekel for the upkeep of the Temple) observed in Temple days: a) Shevat b) Adar or c) Nisan?

David Suchet (Poirot), David Jason (Frost), Stephen Fry (Qi), David Tennant (Dr Who), Daniel Craig (James Bond), Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter)?

13. Name three rabbis or sages who are mentioned by name in the Haggadah Shel Pesach.

14. In which decades were the following Sydney synagogues first opened?

The Great Synagogue, The Central Synagogue, Mizrachi Synagogue and North Shore Synagogue?

1898 in Brooklyn, he became America’s greatest composer. By what name is he better known?

24. What was composed by the ‘schools’ of Tiberias, Sepphoris and Caesarea?

25. What is a ‘Wandering Jew’: a) a small asteroid b) a species of fish or c) a type of plant?

ANSWERS PAGE 19

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15

the sydney jewish report | February 2022

AROUND

T H E

COMMUNITY NOMI KALTMANN COURTESY: TABLET MAGAZINE In the early 1990s, Yehuda Kaplan was gravely ill with lymphoma and was urgently seeking a bone marrow transplant. That is a lifesaving procedure that removes blood-forming stem cells from a healthy donor’s bones and transplants them into a person who does not have enough healthy blood cells due to a serious illness. While the transplants are highly effective, they are quite rare, as they require both the donor and recipient to be a perfect genetic match.

Kaplan said that in Melbourne, where he was living, there was “not a lot of awareness” about the procedure.

“So, we went to the leadership of the Australian Jewish community, rabbis as well as doctors and specialists, and asked them to promote the idea of joining the bone marrow registry in the community.”

In response to Kaplan’s public campaign, hundreds of Australian Jews responded to the call from community leaders, donating small vials of blood and joining the Australian Bone Marrow Registry. While Kaplan didn’t end up getting a bone marrow transplant because no match was found, the call for potential donors helped spearhead awareness of bone marrow transplants in Australia, particularly among Australian Jews. And Kaplan ended up surviving lymphoma using an experimental treatment.

Now decades after this event, within Australia Jews continue to join the bone marrow registry in numbers disproportionate to the size of the community. From these donors, matches for gravely ill persons have been found all over the world, including in America, Europe and Israel.

Soon after the positive response to Kaplan’s call for donors, and in response to growing global awareness that Jews were more likely to match with each other, Gift of Life Australia was created

by Sydney-based Jewish geneticist Shula Endrey Walder.

In response to multiple international requests for assistance to find bone marrow matches for sick Jews around the world, in the early 1990s she decided to encourage more Australian Jews to join the bone marrow registry. Prior to Gift of Life Australia, smaller organisations, such as Keren HaYeled in Melbourne, had been active in recruiting bone marrow donors in Australia.

The original American organisation called Gift of Life was created by Florida resident Jay Feinberg. In 1991, when he was ill with leukemia, he launched a global search to find himself a match.

“The collaboration [between Australia and America] started in the early days when Shula Endry Walder, of blessed memory, contacted Arlene Feinberg, my mother, and offered to run drives to help find a match for me,” Feinberg said.

“Donors recruited are included in the Australian Bone Marrow Registry, which is a long time international colleague

Close to the bone How Australian Jews became blood marrow donors to the world

Esther Lever with Einat Zinger on her wedding day in 2016. The two remain friends after Lever donated her bone marrow to Zinger in 2006 (photo: Esther Lever) and partner of the Gift of Life Marrow Registry,” in the United States.

“Bone marrow is the largest medical collaboration on the planet. If you are on the registry [somewhere], you are on the registry everywhere,” said Dovid Slavin, a rabbi who also holds a doctorate in philosophy, and who has been a board member of Gift of Life Australia since its inception. “In Australia, the bone marrow registry is run by the government, which subcontracts the collection of blood samples to the Australian Red Cross. Any sample collected by Gift of Life Australia is then given to the Red Cross and added to the Australian Bone Marrow Registry, which then hooks in with the global bone marrow registry.”

At the time Gift of Life Australia was founded, the Jewish community was considered one of the “hard to match communities” in Australia. “There were not many people from our community on the registry,” said Debbie Redelman, another long time Gift of Life Australia board member. “So, the Australian Bone Marrow Registry contracted Gift

of Life Australia to collect samples [from the Jewish community] to increase the chance of finding matches.” Jewish donors are much more likely to be matched with other Jewish recipients because tissue type is inherited, so the best chance of finding a transplant is from someone with the same genetics (often family members) or from people of a similar ethnic background.

In Australia, Slavin estimates that 10,000 Jewish Australians have been signed up to the registry by Gift of Life Australia and more than 30 have provided transplants to recipients around the world. For a community of approximately 100,000, this is quite a high number, considering that the Australian Bone Marrow Registry only performs a handful of transplants each year for the whole country.

In America, Gift of Life operates differently. It is privately run and operates its own registry, which then shares its data with other bone marrow registries across the world. To date, it has recruited over 300,000 Jewish Americans to join the registry and has facilitated 20,974

matches and 4,012 transplants.

Collecting DNA samples to the registry is also done differently, with the Australian register operated by the Red Cross, therefore requiring all Australians to provide a small blood sample to join the registry, rather than a cheek swab scraping, as is standard protocol in America. However, that is about to change.

In Australia, the COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to almost all in-person collection drives and many prospective donors found it difficult to join the registry as many Australian cities locked down for months. As pandemic restrictions ease, there are plans for mail-order kits that will allow people to self-swab their cheeks and join the registry without the need for a blood sample.

As this transition takes place and more people sign up to join the Australian Bone Marrow Registry, there is a greater chance of matches being created. That widens the chances that desperately ill people can find a perfect match from the Australian Jewish community.

Esther Lever remembers lining up with her parents in Melbourne to donate a small vial of her blood in the early 1990s, in response to the community call for donations to help Yehuda Kaplan. She wasn’t a match, though, and didn’t think much about it after that. However, in 2006, more than a decade after donating her blood, she received a phone call out of the blue. “The Alfred Hospital received a phone call from the world bone marrow registry advising that I may be a potential match for someone,” she said.

After undergoing further testing Lever was stunned to find out that her DNA was a genetic match, with one hematologist telling Lever that the odds of two nonfamily members having this kind of match were about “one in a million.” The transplant was a success. Eleven months later, Lever received a phone call from Schneider’s Children Hospital asking if she would be interested in meeting up with her beneficiary. She was and the coming together was emotional for both.

Lever’s stem cells were transplanted into 15-year-old Einat Zinger, an Israeli who’d been battling cancer since she was 12.

“When we met, we stood there and hugged, and everybody was crying,” said Lever.

That night, the story of the miraculous match was the top news story in Israel. To this day Lever and Zinger remain friends, with Lever flying to Israel for Zinger’s wedding in 2016. Lever hopes that stories like hers will continue to encourage other Jews in Australia to join the registry.

This story originally appeared in Tablet Magazine (tabletmag.com) and is reprinted with permission.

16

the sydney jewish report | February 2022

RABBINIC

THOUGHT RABBI MOSHE D. GUTNICK THE KASHRUT AUTHORITY This lunar calendar year of 5782 is a Jewish Leap year. Within, the month of Adar features twice. While the festival of Purim occurs during the second Adar, in the first we celebrate a minor version called Purim Katan.

Something truly major happened on that ‘minor’ day. Ninety-five years ago, an event took place in Moscow with profound consequences, not just for the individuals immediately present but for all of Soviet Jewry.

Upon the overthrow of the Tsar and the commencement of Communist rule in that region, instead of promised freedom and equality, a cruel persecution campaign began. Any hint of free speech or religious practice was viewed as counter-revolutionary, and subjugation and oppression ensued, especially for those who practiced the Jewish faith.

Within the broader Communist party there were members of a Jewish subbranch called the Yevsektsiya. These Jews detested those who opted to observe their own faith. If they discovered any rabbi or teacher espousing thoughts about the belief in G-d or the Torah, they had no qualms in ordering executions or

Purim Katan 1927 sending Jewish scholars to the Gulag.

In this hostile environment arose a Jewish leader who was not frightened of humans with political power – he did, however, have a fear of G-d. He was the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe and his name was Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, OBM. He would direct teachers, along with many shochtim, or ritual slaughterers and mohalim (those who perform circumcisions) to locations

Rebbe was in Moscow where he held a farbrengen, a Hasidic gathering, in the Chabad Shule within the grounds of the famous Archipova Street Synagogue.

The older chassidim begged the Rebbe not to speak, as they were certain Russian agents were stationed within the crowd.

Yet he was undaunted and stated: “The Jews (in the time of the persecution of Haman) accepted upon themselves

Chassidim were of government spies in their midst. He spoke passionately and defiantly and all pledged their loyalty to the Torah and the Mordechai of their generation.

Indeed, spies reported his talks and ongoing religious activities and four months later the Rebbe was arrested and sentenced to death. The United States government intervened on his behalf; his sentence was commuted, and he was eventually exiled from the Soviet Union.

The seeds were sewn and for almost

“My grandfather was sent by the Rebbe to Tbilisi in Georgia to be a Rabbi, from where he eventually escaped to Palestine.”

seven decades a secret network of shochtim,

teachers

and

mohalim,

operated throughout the Soviet Union.

Years later, a former Director of the Mossad incredulously stated that the Rebbe’s son-in-law, the next Lubavitcher Rebbe OBM, through this established network, knew more about clandestine Jewish activities in the Soviet Union than the Mossad did. The light of Yiddishkeit continued to burn, albeit behind locked doors and in darkened basements.

throughout the Soviet Union to assist various communities. He tirelessly raised money locally and internationally to fund those activities.

My own grandfather was sent by the Rebbe to Tbilisi in Georgia to be a Rabbi, from where he eventually escaped to Palestine with the NKVD on his heels. During Purim Katan of 1927, the

that which they had already accepted at Mount Sinai.” Regardless of the extreme threat level, they were loyal to Mordechai and the Torah. No force on Earth would prevent them from maintaining their Jewishness.

The longer the Rebbe spoke, the more inspirational he became and simultaneously, the more fearful his

One incredibly brave rabbinic leader radiated the light of Yiddishkeit which outlived seventy years of Communism.

Today, throughout the former Soviet Union, Jewish schools and shules thrive, all run by the direct descendants of his students.

Truly a Purim miracle. Happy Purim Katan to all.

Are You Here? Are You Present?

RABBI LEVI WOLFF CHIEF MINISTER THE CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE Now more than ever these are difficult questions to answer truthfully. The intrusion – or near total takeover - of modern technology across so many mediums, swallowing countless hours each day for so many has been deemed out of control by social researchers. It's no wonder the demand for mindset coaches has been on the up and up.

Are we here? Are we present? The honest answer is … so often, that is simply not the case.

In Exodus we learn that after giving the Ten Commandments, G-d invited Moses to sojourn back up the mountain so he could essentially have a series of private tutoring sessions explaining it all.

G-d said to Moses, “Aley eylai ha-harah - come up to Me on the mountain”. At first glance this physical directive is self-explanatory. Intriguingly, G-d then added the following: “v’heyei sham – and be there.” Appreciating

that there are no superfluous additions within our timeless holy and moral compass, why is this included?

Many explanations abound but right here, right now in the 21st century I have reflected upon these words and have discovered a deeper meaning. G-d

age demographics think it is solely a problem for our youth alone! Not so.

We are all implicated.

It is so revealing that a major complaint of children these days is that their parents are on their phones too much and are not present with

“G-d instructed Moses: ascend the mountain and leave your (metaphorical) mobile phone behind.

When you are there, I need you to be present and not distracted!”

instructed Moses: ascend the mountain and leave your (metaphorical) mobile phone behind. When you are there, I need you to be present and not distracted!

Last year, Australians spent an average of almost 1500 hours on their phones. Many lament that this veritable addiction to smart phones is a teenage problem. Yet so many in other

them. We deep dive into the sea of technology and we are very much often ‘there’ but not here – not present.

When I was younger, David Williams was one of the great NFL pro football players on the American national radar.

I will never forget when his wife gave birth to their first child on a day his team was scheduled to play its biggest game of the year. He was contracted as the

offensive lineman, yet her contractions were a bigger pull and he opted to be present for the birth.

The Houston Oilers management fined him $125,000 for missing the game.

A media storm ensued. A reporter asked, “If you had known about this fine, would you have still missed the game?” His answer: “Of course, isn’t family what the money’s for?”

Dave Williams knew that being a football player is what he does for a living, being a husband and father is what he is. And as a husband and father, it requires V’heyei sham, it required his complete presence.

In fact, modern mindset coaches, such as Ben Crowe recognise how pivotal this all is. He is credited with recently helping our tennis world number one, Ashleigh Barty, break the forty-four-year drought for Aussie women at their home grand slam - the Australian Open. He said afterwards, “You saw it on court, she was so focused and clear and present …”. Yes! Then and now, as Moses was with G-d on Mount Sinai, let us resolve to be present - v’heyei sham. And with that, it will be a biblical game, set and match every time - guaranteed!

17

the sydney jewish report | February 2022

MOV I E

REVIEWS

Bittersweet look back

BELFAST (M) ALEX FIRST The Troubles in Northern Ireland were a shocking time.

Kenneth Branagh was just nine years of age when his life and that of those around him changed.

When COVID-19 lockdown happened, he decided to write his story and turn it into a film, which he also directs.

As he tells it, it was pretty much a pictureperfect start to life for the character known in the film as Buddy (Jude Hill). He enjoyed the company of his friends and family and all was well with the world.

A Protestant, he lived in harmony alongside Catholics and there was never an issue between them.

Then, one day, in the late 1960s, militant Protestants started targeted Catholics in his neighbourhood … in his street.

They detonated explosives and started fires.

They went house to house, smashing windows and threatening inhabitants.

Jude’s mother, Ma (Caitriona Balfe), quickly bundled Jude and his older brother Will (Lewis McAskie) into the house and under a table, and there they cowered in fear.

It was just the start.

Jude’s father, Pa (Jamie Dornan), was a tradesman working in England and coming home on weekends.

Partly through his gambling, the family was in strife with the tax man, owing back taxes that they couldn’t afford.

But Ma and Pa had been together since they were youngsters and despite her aggravation, the love between them was evident.

Pa could see the writing on the wall and suggested the family all move to England, but that was resisted by Ma and by Buddy.

Buddy was also close to his grandfather, Pop (Ciaran Hinds), who used to work in the mines and had developed lung disease, and his grandmother (Judi Dench).

Pa and the militant leader of the Protestants didn’t see eye to eye and suddenly there was a target on Pa’s back.

The family had a critically important decision to make.

Belfast is told with a mix of drama, good humour and a ripping score from Van Morrison. The music is sensational.

It starts off in the present day in colour and then quickly switches to black and white.

From then on, the only colour interludes are when young Buddy goes to the movies, which he loves, or the theatre.

The use of shadows works particularly well. The film has a theatrical feel to it.

Newcomer Jude Hill makes a huge impression. He is incredibly expressive and puts a great deal of power into his performance. So much so, that you can’t look away.

Caitriona Balfe is well cast as Buddy and Will’s caring but no-nonsense mother, who is not afraid to call a spade a spade. Still, she brings a softer edge to her characterisation, too, when that is required.

As the boys’ dad, Jamie Dornan comes across as a nice guy with obvious flaws.

Ciaran Hinds has a fine time of it as a granddad who doesn’t mind a bit of scheming to help Buddy get closer to a female classmate he is interested in.

Judi Dench adopts an Irish accent as Granny and, as usual, nails her part.

While the juxtaposition between the good times and bad is evident throughout, there is often what I would call a magical gloss or sheen over the piece.

I dare say that is Branagh fondly remembering his glory days.

Belfast, the movie, is nostalgic and a pleasant watch, but a tad too romantic in my mind, given the horror associated with the Troubles.

Nevertheless, there will, no doubt, be many who will disagree with that assessment and appreciate their heartstrings being tugged.

Rated M, it scores a 7½ out of 10.

Charming comedic romance MARRY ME (PG) ALEX FIRST Slickly produced, Marry Me is a most enjoyable, entertaining comedic romance, starring Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson.

Kat Valdez (JLo) and Bastian (Maluma) are superstars of song … and the hottest couple on the planet.

Their social media presence is in the stratosphere and their megahit Marry Me is about to come true in front of 200 million fans.

Valdez has been hitched three times before, but still believes in true love.

With the cameras rolling at a splashy concert, where the wedding is due to take place, a shocking revelation changes everything.

Bastion has been caught out with Valdez’s assistant.

Understandably, Valdez is shell shocked and upset.

On the spur of the moment, she decides to go ahead with the nuptials, only with a total stranger she picks out in the crowd. That happens to be Charlie Gilbert (Owen Wilson), who is only at the event by chance.

Gilbert is a maths teacher with an intelligent 12-year-old daughter, Lou (Chloe Coleman), whom he shares with his ex-wife.

Lou is at the concert with her father, along with the friend that invited them, colourful school counsellor Parker Debbs (Sarah Silverman).

Gilbert is a nice guy, but conservative – absolutely nothing showy about him.

Suddenly, his modest, quiet life is left behind as paparazzi follow his every move.

What starts out as very much a shortterm circuit breaker develops into something more.

It’s testament to a line in the movie, which points to the folly of always following the same path that has yielded a negative outcome.

The pleasant, inoffensive script is by Harper Dill, John Rogers and Tammy Sagher, based on a graphic novel by Bobby Crosby.

With a talented cast, strong score and production values, and fine direction from Kat Coiro, Marry Me is feel good material.

Several of the scenes are charming and the movie put a smile on my face.

I walked away believing the filmmakers had nailed it.

The unlikely pairing of JLo and Wilson works. You want to believe in them.

That’s because for all the pretence with which the movie deals, their characterisations are grounded.

Chloe Coleman exudes confidence as Gilbert’s daughter, while Sarah

Silverman has fun bringing Parker Debbs to life.

John Bradley eschews decency as Valdez’ manager Collin Calloway, while Maluma fits comfortably into the role of flirtatious pop star.

There is much to like about the treatment of the subject matter, which immediately elevates the offering above standard fare for the genre.

A fun-filled, good looker with an uptempo soundtrack, Marry Me appears set to garner an appreciative audience.

Rated PG, it scores a 7½ out of 10.

18

the sydney jewish report | February 2022

F O O D I E S'

CORNER RAMONA FREEDMAN THE KASHRUT AUTHORITY It has been a really busy summer here in Sydney – many within our community opted for a ‘staycation’ due to Covid and there was so much on offer across our ‘kosher foodscape’.

To begin our summer recap: a new KA-certified kosher space opened in January called Upper Heights – it is a bakery and café situated in the heart of Dover Heights and offers many pareve and Dairy (not Chalav Yisrael) treats. In addition, a brilliant barista is on hand to expertly make hot beverages with many non-dairy options too.

From challah to pastries to biscotti to Jerusalem bagels, pita, focaccia and more – visit Upper Heights soon (details below).

The KA-certified Friendship Bakery is going from strength to strength and in the kitchen, it is a fun and inclusive environment for people with disabilities to enjoy valued helpful roles. There is now a Salad Bar in store, a fabulous Friday menu and new Care Packages on offer. These are available midweek for families going through Covid isolation or for anyone who has been ill

Kosher KApers or is experiencing challenging life cycle events.

On offer are salads, soups, quiches, desserts and more. It is so wonderful that the bakers are the superstars, and you can order, for example, Mikey’s Lime and Pistachio Shortbread or Jonty’s Tahini Shortbread – yes please!

The team at Beaches Kosher Catering has decades of experience and can cater for any sized event or budget. In response to requests for scaled down affairs, they have created the Island of Appetisers, a more cost-effective solution.

This offers different cuisines from all around the world with chefs on hand at each station to serve delighted guests.

Enjoy exquisite food presentation, all top quality. Beaches now has a new website showcasing a sensational snapshot of all on offer (see details below).

The KA also wanted to give you a glimpse into a novel kosher concept coming up in the near future. It is a new kid on the meat block, so to speak.

Created by Jesse Meguidiche, owner of Jesse’s Café and Bakery, Meat Me Here, or MMH, will be a completely self-contained Food Truck permanently parked adjacent to Jesse's Bakery.

It will be offering beef, chicken or vegan burgers on brioche or gluten free rolls or you can opt for black buns.

You will also be able to find homemade dumplings, DYO hot dogs – beef or

KA PRODUCT UPDATES

vegan - and so much more. The plan is

• Three new 7-Eleven Slurpee flavours have been KA-approved in accordance with our soft drink policy: Mystery Green, Mystery Purple & Mystery Yellow • Six flavours of South African Rose’s Cordials are now kosher certified Pareve by the South African Beth Din. The following are acceptable with or without the kosher logo: Passionfruit; Lime; Kola Tonic; Lemon; Blueberry and Ginger • Four KA-certified Bubeleh Bakery products are now conveniently available via Harris Farm online: Classic Pita Pockets & Mini Pita; Wholemeal Pita Pockets & Mini Pita (www.harrisfarm.com.au) • Platinum Potatoes are KA-certified and Pareve: Fresh Vacuum-packed potatoes; peeled potatoes, potato chips, purple potatoes, sliced potatoes (a selection sold at Harris Farm stores or visit www.platinumpotatoes.com.au • Absolute Natural Australian Mustard Oil 2L now KA-certified (made by EcoFarms, with the KA logo on label) • Malfy Gin Rosa - Sicilian Pink Grapefruit Gin (Pareve) • The Pareve single cream replacement, Oatly Organic Creamy Oat 250ml is back in stock and can be purchased at Woolworths or Woolworths online • Bio Cheese Dairy free cheese products are only acceptable when Made in Greece – any made or packed in Australia are not acceptable (see range at www.ka.org.au) • Chef’s Choice Artichoke Hearts Product of Tunisia are not acceptable even when bearing KA logo.

• The following three Ostelin products are acceptable: o Kids Calcium & Vitamin D3 - Berry Tingle Flavour Chewable Tablets o Kids Vitamin D3 Liquid o Vitamin D3 1000IU Liquid • These three Nespresso capsule flavours are now kosher (Pareve): o Caramel Crème Brûlée o Cocoa Truffle o Vanilla Èclair • The following five COYO products are no longer produced: o Chocolate Sweet & Creamy + Probiotic Coconut Milk Yoghurt 125gm & 500gm o Mango Probiotic Coconut Milk Kefir 250ml o Natural Probiotic Coconut Milk Kefir 700ml o Strawberry Probiotic Coconut Milk Kefir 250ml o Vanilla Bean Probiotic Coconut Milk Kefir 250m

for all to be made fresh to go and the sauces are guaranteed to have an incredible depth of flavour too. It will be a completely independent kosher kitchen to that of Jesse's Cafe - yet positioned so conveniently for our community. We can’t wait!

The KA wishes a hearty mazel tov to bread company Falcone’s for three KAcertified bread products winning awards from the Royal Agricultural Society – these include a terrific trio within the Supersoft range: Smooth wholemeal (winning gold), in addition to 9 Grain and White Sandwich Fibre Plus, both taking silver awards. All are 700gm and all are conveniently Pat Yisrael.

More celebrations for members of our KA Family of companies. COYO takes coconut yoghurt products to the next level. It is smooth and creamy dairy free yoghurt that is certified organic, all natural, plant-based, gluten free, refined sugar free and happily houses beneficial bacteria from added Plant Powered Probiotics. And … drum roll please … it was just inducted into the Sunshine Coast Business Awards Hall of Fame.

There is so much in store for 2022 – we can’t wait to share with you!

Here’s a snapshot of kosher news around town: • Upper Heights is located at 155 Military Road, Dover Heights - to place an order call Zohar on 0450 545 194.

• To order a Friendship Bakery Care package, visit: www. friendshipbakery.com.au. Orders must be placed by 5pm Tuesday for delivery on Wednesday between 10am-1pm. Orders over $50 receive free delivery for the following postcodes: 2022; 2023; 2026; 2028; 2029 and 2030.

• Bubeleh Café closed for renovations (scheduled to reopen after Pesach).

• Jesse’s Café has a new phone number for takeaway orders or café enquiries only: 02 8054 3937. To place an order email: orders@jessesbakery. com.au or call 0407 371 828.

• The Bagel. Co has temporarily shifted its tuna supply to OU-certified tuna. This is due to supply chain shortages as a result of Covid-19, OU-certified tuna will be used for Tuna Dip & Tuna Sushi.

• The unique Spirit of Bondi alcoholic beverages are now available at Cambridge Cellars in Melbourne by popular demand. These include the Kvint Brandy, Cabernet Sauvignon

and Merlot (all OU-certified).

• Visit the new Beaches website: www.beacheskoshercatering.com. au or call Michael Atlas on 0419 404 444.

• Sweet Chick has moved premises and is now located at 75 Fitzroy Street, Surry Hills. You can also pick up freshly baked treats at the Pareve Pop Up each Friday, located at Pita Mix between 10am-1pm.

• Kosher vegan Middle Eastern restaurant Simply Hummus Bar will not be reopening for the foreseeable future.

From left: Upper Heights Focaccia, Jesse's Food Truck 'Meat Me Here' Burger, Friendship Bakery Chocolate Brownie and Beaches Kosher Catering Island of Appetisers

19

the sydney jewish report | February 2022

Zionist Federations calls out Amnesty International ZIONIST FEDERATION OF AUSTRALIA The Zionist Federation of Australia has condemned an Amnesty International report released at the start of this month in the stronger possible terms.

ZFA President Jeremy Leibler called the document, titled Israel’s Apartheid Against Palestinians, appalling.

"It makes a mockery of both objectivity and the victims of Apartheid South Africa, who suffered under an evil regime that bears absolutely no resemblance to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” Mr Leibler said.

He said the report is about Israel’s very existence, not about Palestinian rights or occupation.

“Given Amnesty calls for an end to the Jewish majority of Israel, the inescapable conclusion is that Amnesty has come to the position that Jews, alone in the world, may not exercise the right to self-determination.”

Mr Leibler said the report is a one-sided attack on Israel, where the conclusion of “apartheid” was predetermined and aspects of the conflict were selected on the basis that they could be made to fit that conclusion.

“If they couldn’t be twisted or decontextualised in a way to fit the apartheid lie, they were ignored.

“In creating such a report, Amnesty will fuel the antisemitic attempts to hold Israel to a standard not applied to any other country and will further motivate those who enact violence against Israelis and Jews around the world,” Mr Leibler said.

The ZFA President said full participation of Palestinian citizens of Israel is ignored or downplayed.

“That Israel’s governing coalition has an Arab party, that there are Arab cabinet members, Arab High Court justices and more are all ignored

by Amnesty, because they are unfortunate truths that would prove the lie of Amnesty’s claims.

“What is tragic is that such an important organisation has allowed itself to be manipulated by key members who are much more interested in pursuing their ideological hatred of Israel than they are of pursuing human rights,” Mr Leibler said.

He called on Amnesty International to withdraw the report and for those who want genuine Israeli-Palestinian peace to reject it.

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15. Cappuccino

someone who is unwell

16. b) First Jewish American male

6. Liam Neeson

astronaut

7. d) Helen Reddy (In 1968, she

17. Givat Ram

converted to Judaism before her

18. In the attic of the Altneuschul

marriage to Jeff Wald)

in Prague

8. a) Adar

19. Hebrew, Arabic, Aramaic,

9. The League of Nations

Akkadian, Assyrian, Coptic,

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Ethiopic, Ugaritic, Phoenician,

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20 AROUND

the sydney jewish report | February 2022

T H E

COMMUNITY

Dozens of premiere films greatest opera singers. Japanese documentarian Mirai Osawa’s Where But Into the Sea shines a light on the underreported asylum process for Jewish people in wartime Japan and Japanese occupied Shanghai – many of whom made Australia their home.

JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2022 JIFF 2022 (which runs from March 2nd to April 3rd) features 55 premiere films from 20 countries.

The program includes 31 feature films, 25 documentaries and six short films.

“Adapting to change has been a theme for all of us over the last two years and our selection of films only highlights the challenges that come with adapting to change, a story all too familiar to Jewish people,” says JIFF Artistic Director, Eddie Tamir.

Opening the Festival is Olivier Dahan’s moving biopic Simone Veil: A Woman of the Century, which deals with the life and legacy of the French feminist icon through pivotal events of the 20th century.

Closing night will see two episodes of Israeli period melodrama The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem.

The series spans three generations of a family set against the backdrop of the Ottoman Empire, the British Mandate and the establishment of the Jewish state.

Festival features Tales of unlikely and generation defying friendships are an important part of the program.

They include the dramedy Here Today directed by and starring Billy Crystal and Tiger Within, which recounts the friendship between a Holocaust survivor, played by Ed Asner and a teenage runaway.

Photo: Simone Veil, A Woman of the Century The history and plight of the Jewish diaspora is highlighted in films including French filmmaker Sandrine Kiberlain’s directorial debut A Radiant Girl.

The handsomely lensed black and white film Shadow Country is a unique account of life in a small Czech-Austrian village, examining the dire effects of nationalism in the aftermath of WWII. Haunting drama The Conference, shot on location at Wannsee Lake in Berlin, marks 80 years after the Nazi conference, which conceived the idea for the systematic mass murder of millions of Jews across Europe.

Israel’s submission for Best International Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards and winner of Best Film at the 2021 Ophir Award (the Israeli Oscars) is the bittersweet satire Let It Be Morning.

That is a snapshot of the IsraeliPalestinian tensions as seen through the eyes of a Palestinian-born Israeli man.

Also nominated for Best Film at the 2021 Ophir Awards is acclaimed Israeli director Avi Nesher’s Image of Victory, an antiwar epic that tells the little-known story of the Battle of Nitzanim in Israel’s War of Independence.

Australian stories Mother Mountain is the story of a young, restless Jewish mother and her family set in idyllic country at the base of a mystical and sacred Aboriginal mountain.

Marianne Mathy & Her Legacy documents a momentous figure in Australian music history who, after emigrating to Australia from Germany in 1939, went on to train many of Australia’s

Documentaries Documentaries that reflect JIFF’s 2022 theme of heroes of change include Sigmund Freud, a Jew Without God, Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song, Helmut Newton: The Bad and the Beautiful and I Am Here.

The latter is about spirited South African Holocaust survivor Ella Blumenthal.

Intimate profiles of past Israeli leaders include Upheaval, an incisive portrait of Menachem Begin, Shamir: War, Peace and a Dream and What If? Ehud Barak on War and Peace.

Special Events JIFF’s film program will be accompanied with a Festival-long suite of special events spanning comedy, cabaret, scriptreading and live music.

2022 Jewish International Film Festival Screening Dates 3rd March – 4th April Ritz Cinema, Randwick 3rd March – 23rd March Roseville Cinemas, Roseville Website: www.jiff.com.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/ JewishIFF Twitter: www.twitter.com/jewishiff Instagram: www.instagram.com/jiff_oz/

See the best of Jewish-themed and Israeli cinema at the 2022 Jewish International Film Festival, screening only in cinemas from March 3.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE —

Inspiring Opening Night Film Simone Veil, A Woman of the Century; rom-com Here Today, starring Billy Crystal; documentary Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song, about the beloved performer; and Closing Night presentation The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem (pictured).

All tickets are now on sale jiff.com.au