Paul Myers takes over in Queensland
After eight years as president of the Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies, Jason Steinberg, has handed the reins to long-time communal member, Paul Myers, at the organisation’s recent annual general meeting in Brisbane.
Photo (LtoR): Jason Steinberg (2009 – 2017), Paul Myers (Current) and David Paratz (1998 – 2009) have been at the helm of the Queensland Jewish community
Steinberg, who has been involved with the board in various capacities since the early 1990s has been voted in as Vice President.
He said he was very happy to be handing over to Mr Myers, who is a former Maccabi Queensland President, to lead the communal roof-body that represents more than 4500 Jewish people.
“Paul is a well-respected member of the community, a true Queenslander and a great person who will bring a range of skills to the role, including a strong consultative approach,” Jason said.
“I’m very proud of my role representing the community since 2009, having organised the celebrations of our 150th anniversary, helping establish the Queensland Parliamentary Friends of Israel, securing funding for Holocaust remembrance and ensuring relevant organisations established child protection policies.
It’s also been the initiatives and activities behind the scenes that have helped our community along the way to grow, resolve issues and remain safe which make me most proud.
I look forward to maintaining my strong involvement in the community and providing a voice for Queensland Jewry.”
Paul Myers said he was looking forward to the years ahead as president and the opportunities the QJBD has in leading a small community whose population lives in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and far north Queensland.
“Next year will be our 70th anniversary, just as it will be the State of Israel’s, and we have a great opportunity to continue to support our affiliated organisations grow,” Paul said.
“A key focus in the coming years for me is to provide a platform and a positive environment for our youth leaders to reach out into our broader community. We also have an aging population in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, so there’s a lot to do to support this important group.”
The meeting also confirmed David Paratz as a Life Governor in recognition of his dedication and service to the QJBD for more than 30 years. Paratz has served as President, Vice President, Immediate Past President and on the interfaith committee.
Mr Paratz said he was honoured to be given the position and was pleased to be able to continue to assist the QJBD in it’s role to provide united representation for the benefit of the whole of the Jewish Community of Queensland.
Mr Paratz joins a former long-serving President of the QJBD Laurie Rosenblum, with the Life Governor honour.
Hello. My name is Ellen (Isenberg) Wool. In 1975, I was an exchange student and stayed at the home of Meredith and Zelda Myers for Passover and the High Holy Days. They had children named Paul and Jan. I was wondering if the Paul pictured above is their son.
If he is, I’d appreciate it if he could contact me at erwool@hotmail.com to let me how the family is doing. I’ve been thinking about them for the last few years but had no way of contacting them.
Thank you so much for helping me with this curious request.
Sincerely,
Ellen Wool