Taking the helm of AUJS
THE Australasian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS) has elected its executive for 2016, with 20-year-old commerce/law student Michael Fisher to take the top role.
THE Australasian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS) has elected its executive for 2016, with 20-year-old commerce/law student Michael Fisher to take the top role.
Fisher, who attends Monash University, is currently national treasurer of the organisation, and said he was thrilled to be elected national chairperson at the annual general meeting in Melbourne recently.
“AUJS has made such incredible strides this year under an enthusiastic and talented team across the board,” the Bialik College graduate said. “I am excited to have the opportunity to build on that and find innovative new ways to interact with Jewish students.”
Fisher will succeed current chairperson Dean Sherr from January 1, while Cameron Graf, current AUJS president at the University of New South Wales, will replace Elenore Levi as vice-chairperson.
Sherr paid tribute to Fisher, Graf, and the entire new executive.
“Michael and Cameron have been two of our most impressive and most enthusiastic leaders this year, and AUJS will be in safe hands under their leadership,” Sherr said.
He also lauded the outgoing executive for their work throughout the year.
“With their efforts, it is little surprise we have seen significant increases in participation with all our conferences, regional events and campus membership. They can be proud to leave AUJS in such a great place.”
Looking forward, Fisher told The AJN he wants to take the current enthusiasm and grow it even further.
“The best thing we can do is make [AUJS] a really warm, really inclusive, passionate and energetic environment.”
He said there are “tons of different reasons” Jewish university students should get involved in AUJS. Some may be attracted to the tight-knit community it fosters and simply want to enjoy a bagel with friends; others see it as a means to advocate for Israel, while certain members want to take on a leadership role and impact the community.
“It’s pluralistic, it’s inclusive … It’s a really accessible point into the Jewish community,” he said.
Other appointments included Ethan Kravietz as national treasurer, Liam O’Callaghan as national political affairs director, Samantha Khavin as national conferences convener, and Anita Berman as national campaigns coordinator.
AUJS’ national assembly and AGM ran over two days from September 30 to October 1, and included opportunities for the participants to meet with Jewish communal leaders, as well as local and federal politicians.
PHOEBE ROTH
comments