Jewish Aid’s stand up new name
JEWISH Aid Australia has rebranded itself, officially launching its new name, Stand Up: Jewish Commitment to a Better World, at a function in Sydney on August 28.
JEWISH Aid Australia has rebranded itself, officially launching its new name, Stand Up: Jewish Commitment to a Better World, at a function in Sydney on August 28.
Aunty Madeline “Madge” McGrady, an elder from the Boggabilla community addressed the 100-strong crowd about the way in which Stand Up has been able to give her community opportunities most Australians take for granted, such as dental care.
“We just want to say to the Jewish community that we have really, really appreciated your support and help. And I know it will continue to go on,” she said.
Hafiz Tokka also spoke, expressing gratitude for the programs Stand Up regularly facilitate with the Sudanese community.
Stand Up, which involves close to 200 volunteers across Melbourne and Sydney, launched in Sydney three years ago and is currently working across three main areas.
First, it engages with the Jewish community on issues of social justice and educating members on how to make a difference. This takes form through a variety of programs, including Stand Up’s b’nei mitzvah program, Stand Up ABC.
Second, it works to empower refugees, particularly the Sudanese community, by manner of homework clubs, women’s groups, and more.
Finally, the organisation partners with several remote Indigenous communities, running holiday programs and camps for Aboriginal youth.
Stand Up CEO Gary Samowitz told The AJN this rebrand – which also brings a fresh logo and comprehensive new website – is an exciting development which comes amid the organisation’s 20th birthday celebrations.
The not-for-profit was created as a response to the Rwandan genocide in 1994, and was called Keshet for the first 10 years. In 2004 it became Jewish Aid, though Samowitz explained this sometimes led to confusion with JewishCare.
He also pointed out that the name Jewish Aid suggests the organisation aids the Jewish community, when in fact it works for the good of wider communities.
“We thought, let’s come up with a new, fresh name that clearly explains what we do so there’s no more confusion,” Samowitz said.
“It’s a call to action, trying to inspire the Jewish community to stand up, take responsibility for the world – and still very much proudly Jewish,” he added.
For more information, visit www.standup.org.au.
PHOEBE ROTH
From left: Kerry Saloner, Madeline McGrady, Mohammed Idris, Hafiz Tokka, Gary Samowitz, Melanie Schwartz and Lisa Buchner at Sydney’s Stand Up launch. Photo: Rob Davis
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