February 24, 2010

David Smorgon OAM Calls on Community to Support People in Crisis

At Jewish Care’s Gala Dinner, held 23 February at Leonda on the Yarra, David Smorgon OAM called on the community to champion Jewish Care’s 2010 Annual Appeal in support of people in crisis in our community.

Mr Smorgon said he was “honoured to be the Patron of Jewish Care” and stressed the organisation’s vital role in responding to 5,000 people in crisis that call each year.

“Our Jewish community is a representation of the wider community with all of its issues. Yes, we do have poverty, domestic violence, drug and alcohol issues and even homelessness in our own backyard,” Mr Smorgon said. “Jewish Care is at the forefront of helping people to meet the challenges they face. Jewish Care now needs our support.”

The Gala Dinner launched Jewish Care’s 2010 Annual Appeal with donations and pledges on the night totaling several hundred thousand dollars. Bruce Rosengarten, President of Jewish Care commented, “I am heartened that so many of our supporters have chosen to increase their donation, having understood the enormity of the care we provide.”

Speaking before a capacity crowd of 400 people, Mr Rosengarten said this year’s target of $2.5 million was “absolutely critical to enable us to continue to provide support services to our community.”

“80 people in our community face homelessness every month; 2,000 households in our community survive on less than $249 per week; one in five adults struggle with mental illness; one in 10 Jewish Victorians over 65 are affected by dementia and one in three families have experienced some form of family violence.¹ These are not just numbers – these are lives of people in our community.”

“Our neighbours, our friends, our families, our community,” Mr Rosengarten continued. “Anyone,” he pointed out “…can be hit by crisis.”

As Manager of Community Support Services, Lorraine Raskin’s heartfelt presentation helped bring to light the range and complexity of the calls which are received by Jewish Care on a daily basis and how the organisation impacts on individual lives.

The organisation estimates 30,000 people in the Victorian Jewish community are affected by the services it provides.

The evening provided an opportunity for the community to be addressed by Jewish Care’s new Chief Executive Officer Bill Appleby, who commenced with the organization on 1 February. “I am excited by the potential, the mission and the human spirit at Jewish Care,” he said.

Mr Appleby made reference to the upcoming holiday of Purim, “ whose hero figures represent faith, determination and the courage to stand up for one’s convictions.”

“I will be standing firm in my resolve and have courage in my convictions,” Mr Appleby continued, “ … to ensure that Jewish Care’s services continue to evolve to respond effectively to the changing needs of our community.”

Mr Appleby and Mr Rosengarten also extended their appreciation to David Smorgon and the organising committee of Annette Smorgon, Jasmine Dindas and Karen Goldenberg for their “time, effort, commitment and dedication in making [our] Gala Dinner a tremendous success. Their involvement with Jewish Care is a model of support and partnership which we hope will have a ripple effect on our entire community to support the important work that we do,” Mr Appleby said.

If you need help, contact Jewish Care on (03) 8517 5999 or email info@jewishcare.org.au.
If you wish to help, donate today at www.jcappeal.org.au or call 1800 JEWISH (539 474).

¹ This figure was supplied by the Taskforce Against Family Violence.