AUJS and Emanuel School welcome new shaliach
In a first for New South Wales, the Australasian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS) and Emanuel School have appointed a Shaliach at both institutions in 2016.
Or Mordo
Or Mordo is a member of the Jewish Agency for Israel’s shlichut delegation and has been brought to Australia in partnership with the Zionist Federation of Australia and the Jewish Agency for Israel. This is the first time that a Shaliach has been employed by Emanuel School or AUJS in NSW, and the first time that AUJS and the School have worked together in this way.
Or will work with school and university-aged students at Emanuel and AUJS respectively in broadening their knowledge and understanding of Israel, developing leadership and advocacy skills, and acquiring the confidence and ability to communicate about their Jewish and Zionist identities. Or will also help with AUJS’ and Emanuel’s events and conferences throughout the calendar year.
This is the 26-year-old Israeli’s first shlichut and his first visit to Australia. He will work closely with AUJS’ National Shlicha Rachel Adams, who is based in Melbourne.
Or completed his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and Communication at the University of Haifa. As the spokesperson of the University’s Student Union, he represented the multi-cultural student body on many issues. He also has over 11 years of experience working with young people, having been closely involved with Students and Youth Councils in Israel. Or said: “Being involved in student leadership and as a mentor for teenagers and young adults is my passion and has led me to becoming a Shaliach.”
AUJS National Vice Chairperson, Elenore Levi, welcomed Or’s arrival, saying “It is fantastic to have a Shaliach in NSW, who will provide professional support to Jewish students on university campuses, many of which are typically challenging campuses for Jewish and Zionist students to attend.”
Emanuel School’s Jewish Life Madrichim, Jonathan Werner and Dana Rutner, commented that the new Shaliach would shed an inspirational light on Emanuel School.
“I love Israel very much and am always looking for ways to contribute to Israel,” Or said. “People who live in the Diaspora don’t completely understand the Israeli way of life. So much of the information they get is from the media and the Internet. Israel is not only about politics or a religious way of life. Israel has many faces – we have exceptional music, food, films, theatre and art. I’m here to bring another perspective of my home and be a source of information for the community about these and many others aspects of Israeli life.”
Rabbi Daniel Siegel, Head of Jewish Life at Emanuel School commented: “We look forward, with great anticipation, to all Or can bring to our students, staff and community. Or will be contributing to and further enriching Jewish Life within our School. He will partner with us in engaging our students in a variety of Jewish programs, projects, activities and celebrations. We are doubly fortunate in having Or share his insight and personal knowledge and experience about Israel, its various challenges and successes and the centrality the Jewish State plays in our lives.”
Incoming AUJS NSW President, Elias Visontay, commented: “After working closely with our Melbourne- based Shlicha, it is very exciting having Or on board this year. Or’s presence on the ground in Sydney will be unparalleled, and we look forward to him becoming a part of the NSW Jewish student community.”
Throughout this process, AUJS and Emanuel School have been supported by the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) and the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI). Ginette Searle, Executive Director of the Zionist Federation of Australia said, “The ZFA is excited to have found such a great Shaliach to work with AUJS and Emanuel School. Or will work with two strong organisations and bring his experience, knowledge and love for Israel into the lives of students at a school and university level. We welcome his positive energy and outlook which we know will be of tremendous benefit to the Sydney community.”
