Smorgon named new president
BARRY Smorgon OAM has replaced Lisa Borowick as Maccabi Australia’s new president after a decision was announced at the organisation’s annual general meeting last week.
As a key member of the MAI board since 2009, Smorgon has brought a number of reforms to the organisation, most notably a sense of national perspective. In addition, he spearheaded the introduction of the Member Protection Policy, a landmark initiative that includes protocols for the safety and care of all Maccabi members.
Smorgon said, “It is the board’s intention to develop the next generation of leaders and we are determined to position the organisation for the future.”
Supporting Smorgon in his role is an Executive Committee made up of Sydney Kahn, Jeff Sher, Phillip Sheezel, Ian Sandler and the Executive Director of MAI Ellana Aarons. They are preparing for a busy 12 months, with three international teams travelling to sporting competitions in 2015 and the planning for the next Maccabiah soon to get underway in earnest.
Next year also marks the 90th anniversary of Maccabi in Australia. Sporting and cultural events are being planned, which Smorgon says, will augment Maccabi’s position in the community.
“Maccabi’s key objective is to connect the Australian Jewish community through sport, and we will use this 90th year to reach our heritage members as well as current members to build the connections even further,” he said.
As Australia’s premier Jewish sporting body, boasting over 9000 members and 50 sporting clubs, Smorgon said, “The reach of Maccabi is unmatched within the Jewish community and this anniversary will be a great opportunity to celebrate the rich history of the organisation and engage current Maccabi members as well as Maccabi and Maccabiah alumni.”
Meanwhile, after four years at the helm and a total of eight years on the board, outgoing president Borowick has decided to retire from her position at MAI.
Borowick has served the Maccabi organisation for over 35 years, which includes undertaking management roles for four Maccabiahs, involvement as a player or administrator in over 15 Maccabi Carnivals and heading the Australian delegation for the 11th and 12th Pan American Games.
AJN STAFF
Photo: Outgoing MIA president Lisa Borowick (right) with her successor, Barry Smorgon.
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