Recognising our volunteers
Voting for the 2020 B'nai B'rith and JNF Jewish Changemaker Awards closes on November 16.
FOR Haim Ayalon, winning the 2019 Changemaker Award for Contribution to the Jewish Community “was one of the most important achievements in my life, and has only inspired me to do more”.
The 35-year-old – who volunteers with a number of communal organisations including Friendship Circle, CBDChabad, United Israel Appeal NSW and Dover Heights Shule, to name a few – became involved in community work through a friend who said he should “give it a try”, and he has never looked back.
“I am passionate about spreading kindness, being selfless, giving tzedakah, and seeing the light within everyone,” Ayalon told The AJN.
IF you know someone in the Jewish community who is making the world a better place, nominate them in this year’s B'nai B…
פורסם על ידי Jewish Change Maker Awards ב- יום שלישי, 29 בספטמבר 2020
“It is our role as Jews, and it is mentioned in the Torah many times.
“It has been so inspiring to see how many incredible people behind the scenes are giving their time to assist those in need in our Jewish community.”
Ayalon was among the young adult winners in last year’s Changemaker Awards – hosted by B’nai B’rith and JNF Australia, and supported by The AJN – and is encouraging members of the community, from around Australia, to nominate someone they know who is making the world a better place.
The nationwide competition is divided into two age groups – youth (14-18), and young adults (18-35) – with categories including contributions to the Jewish community, Australian society and the State of Israel.
Young adults also have the opportunity to enter the B’nai B’rith Award for Leadership. The youth category winners will receive $700, while the young adult category winners take home $1000, thanks to key sponsor Meriton Apartments.
“Winning the award last year was an incredible honour,” 17-year-old Miriam Itzkowitz, who won the youth award for contribution to the Jewish community, told The AJN.
Involved with organisations including Friendship Circle, JNF, MDA and Betar, she said she is passionate about lending a helping hand because “ultimately, one of the most important Jewish concepts is tikkun olam, and if I can repair the world in any way that I am capable to do so, I will”.
“Volunteering is an incredibly rewarding experience, not only for the people you’re helping, but also for yourself.
“It gives you insight into areas you would otherwise be oblivious to, and it also feels great knowing you’ve made some kind of change, whether it be making someone’s day or raising money for a charity – everything counts,” she added.
Voting for the 2020 B’nai B’rith and JNF Jewish Changemaker Awards closes on November 16. To enter, visit jewishnews.net.au/changemaker.
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