The Hakoah Club

The history of the Hakoah Club has it firmly linked to soccer althout today it serves as community centre offering amenities to members including a gym, swimming poo, card room and restaurants. Its function rooms are used by most community organisations and for Simchot.

2008 – Year… President’s report in full

CLUB NEWS

Hakoah’s farewell to Hall St

More than 300 members and former football players reminisced over the history of Sydney’s Hakoah Club as it prepares to shut its doors for good in its current Bondi location.Club president Phil Filler told J-Wire: “I left very late and there were still about thirty of our former players chatting away.”

Hakoah was formed as the social arm of a soccer club and has been in its current premises for over 30 years. Plans for a new site are now in final stages of negotiation but the Club remains tight-lipped as to where the new premises will be be.

The gathering heard speeches from the four men who have served as President of the club during its Hall St days. Frank Lowy, who was president for a staggering 18 years, said that the club was in his heart and that he would always be available to its Board at any time if help was needed. He paid special tribute to men no longer with us who had played enormous roles in the club’s success including Andrew Lederer andSam Fiszman and spent time reflecting on the club’s successes on the football field. Former presidents Andrew Kemeny and Bernie Jacoby also made speeches highlighting their time at the helm.

In his address, current president Phil Filler outlined the current situation facing the club and the plans for the future. He told J-Wire: “Over 2000 members have renewed their membership even though we haver nowhere to go as I speak.”

As special tribute was made to the late Robert Sardy who managed the club and was fondly known as “Mr Hakoah”. Club identities told their favourite stories of their time at Hakoah with caterer

Tibby Genat getting laughs for his tale of a customer who sent back a fish dish because “it tasted like fish”. He gave her instead a chicken schnitztel on the pretext that it was still fish. “That’s much better”, the diner said. “A nice piece of fish and no fish taste.”

Phil Filler told J-Wire that former president Lowy showed concern when he heard that the club was auctioning off fittings and fixtures. “What about the memorabilia?” he asked. But Filler put his mind at ease by telling him that the club’s memory bank would stay firmly put and waas not for sale.

Filler’s speech is printed in full:

There can continue to be many stories about these premises and the history of Hakoah and I am certainly not short of them.

I could tell you of the days when I went with my father to Wentworth Park to cheer on my heroes – and so many of them are here tonight – Ray Baartz, Johnny Watkiss, Alan Marnoch, Peter Fuzes, Robbie Fekete, Murray Barnes, Dennis Yaager and the list can go on.

I can talk about religiously coming here on Friday nights for the weekly disco whilst I was in my 20’s.

It seems like only yesterday that I performed “The Fully Monty” at a school fundraiser upstairs in what was then known as the King David Room.

And in more recent times there have been some great people and experiences on the Board.

However what I really need to tell you tonight is a little bit about what lays ahead.

The past 2 years have not been easy for the Board as we strive to find the solution to create an ongoing vibrancy and relevance.

Phil Filler Photo: Henry Benjamin

Having completed the hard decision to sell these premises just over 2 years ago, we now find ourselves in the envious but highly responsible position of trying to reap the benefits of the legacy that has been provided to us.

As most of you would be aware, considerable time and effort was put into our endeavours to secure the White City site. I won’t go into the reasons for this not having been achieved, however I will outline the concept that we believe would have created a new vibrancy and relevance.

Picture a modern clubhouse with an appealing and grandiose entrance. Surrounding the building are lush gardens, tennis courts, swimming pool, lawn bowls greens and an outdoor amphi-theatre. Additional outdoor features include cricket nets and football fields as well as a multi-purpose hall that can facilitate sports such as basketball, futsal, volleyball and the like. On the ground floor of the main clubhouse are change-rooms, pro-shop, gymnasium and kiosk leading to a viewing area that services the outdoor recreational facilities. Go up the escalator to the first floor where you will find a spacious lounge area, fine dining, bar and functional splinter-rooms. The floor has balconies that allow one to sit and take in the ambiance of the outdoor activity as well as the vista to the harbour. Go up another floor and find offices being used by various members of the community. There would of course be extensive on-site parking facilities.

This is a dream – a true community centre in the shape of a country club. This is what we were so close to creating and this is what we are now striving for. By selling these premises, we have protected our capital and opportunities such as this can seriously be examined. It may take time, but we need to be extremely vigilant in what we do so as to ensure its usefulness as well as its ability to be self-sustaining.

I can confirm that we are currently involved in negotiations for a clubhouse that will contain a number, but not all, of these features. Should our negotiations be successful, then I will reveal the location as soon as possible.

I believe it to be particularly relevant to speak about the take-up of memberships. As you would be aware, membership renewals are due by 31 October. Renewal forms were sent out about 4 weeks ago and I find it staggering that over 2,000 members have decided to renew notwithstanding that we have been unable to advise of new premises. And the number of members upgrading to 3-year memberships has been well above the norm. This is a clear signal that there is a need, there is a desire and the Directors do need to fulfil the goal of finding new premises.

However, bearing in mind that we will not be in a position to provide a clubhouse immediately after 4 November, the Board have resolved and I am please to announce that we will be doing what we think is the “right thing to do”. Every member will have their membership extended by a year. So, if your membership is due to expire on 31 October 2009, it now will not lapse until 31 October 2010. And if you have already renewed until 31 October 2010, then membership will be extended until 31 October 2011.

As far as our physical presence is concerned, we will continue to maintain an office at the front of this building. The Toga Group have been kind enough and we have accepted their offer to allow us to occupy the shopfront office that most of you will recall was once upon a time a travel agency as well as once upon a time a football shirt retail outlet.

On Wednesday 11 November a large auction will be conducted on-site where a lot of the fixtures and fittings of the club will be sold. So if you are looking for a plasma or some chairs or tables or other such shmontza 11 November is the date.

We intend to keep members up-to-date with what is happening through regular emails. Whilst we have an extremely large database of email addresses, there are many of you who currently don’t receive our weekly emails. The best way to keep informed is to provide us with your email address. So either see Pam Lewin tonight or in the office any time, or simply drop us an email at myclub@hakoah.com.au and ask us to put you on the newsletter database.

We also intend having an active social committee that will organise events from time to time. These events may be a movie night, a picnic day, a boat cruise or other such event. Once again, the best way to know about such events is to provide us with your email address.

Finally, and very importantly, is Hakoah’s association with the sport of football. I’m sure that a lot of the topic of conversation around the room tonight has centred and will continue to centre on the sport of football. We have probably the proudest tradition of any football club in the country. This pride should never diminish and Hakoah must and will continue to play its ongoing role in football. To that effect and only 2 years ago, teams under the brand “Hakoah” were admitted into the Youth Development League of the NSW Football Association. Children from Under 13’s, to Under 14’s, Under 15’s, Under 16’s and Under 18’s are now all playing at a very high level and this level will only improve. These teams integrate into the senior Hakoah State League teams who play in the 2^nd Division of State League. In due course, with improved coaching as well as enhanced facilities, these boys’ futures will flourish and we will beam with pride as the name and traditions of Hakoah continue.

The Club will close on November 4.

Hakoah farewells Hall St

We speak candidly to Phil Filler, President of Hakoah Club only one week away from closure of its Hall Street premises on November 4.

As we speak it is obvious that Phil has mixed emotions but as Phil says, “Your head must rule your heart.”  Phil is committed to finding a “new, financially viable and most importantly useful complex for Hakoah to continue to exist.” Phil explains, “We are currently negotiating new premises for a community centre along the lines of a country club style environment.  It will have a totally different feel to the current Hall Street complex and we hope especially the young and all our current members will flock to … hence Maccabi being uppermost in our thoughts.”   Hakoah has always been a symbol of friendship for Phil. From a young age he sat on the terraces of Wentworth Park to watch his heroes play football, played for Hakoah Football and to this day he still plays every Sunday with mostly the same set of guys. Every Friday night, Hakoah Club was his social avenue so the emotions run thick and deep. When Phil speaks about Maccabi there is no change in his voice or the level of his devotion. It is very obvious he loves both organizations fiercely and his association with both is equally rewarding.

From 1998 – 2001 Phil was Vice President of Maccabi Australia and then went on to become President in 2001 for four years. He discusses this time in his life as challenging and rising to the needs of an organization that was in a state of crisis following the Maccabiah Bridge Collapse in 1997. He says, “I lost friends and my emotional attachment was great. I felt an urgent need to get involved and stabilize a situation which could have had collateral damage on the organization.” He adds: “I was there when Maccabi really needed crisis management and it gives me great satisfaction to know that I could not only help overcome the crisis, but also assist in putting Maccabi Australia back on a positive footing.”

Since 2004, Phil has been President of Hakoah rising to a different challenge, an endeavour to overcome a deteriorating product. He believes Hakoah and Maccabi are intricately intertwined with the same goals and values. “Yes, they are both the future of our youth. Maccabi is offering a winning product that can only benefit the community. Hakoah hopes to provide the infrastructure to allow Maccabi to thrive even further,” says Phil. “Both organizations compliment each other and there will always be a great union between Hakoah and Maccabi, that is for sure.”

Hakoah: No premises…but renew your membership!

Phil Filler, president of Sydney’s Hakoah Club has told club members to renew their membership…despite there being no physical club premises.

The current club will shut its doors on November 4 after a 30+ year presence in Bondi.

Filler sent a long letter to the clubs 6500 members yesterday explaining the Board’s position and the hiatus period the club will enter as the hunt for new premises continues. He told J-Wire this morning: “The Board is currently working on a couple of sound propositions but there is no way we can make any announcement until pen is put to paper and the contract secured. It may take a little time. We will not compromise the membership by accepting second-best.”

The full text of Filler’s letter to members follows:

Dear Members
I write to you at a time of change. The cycles of generational, economic, societal and
political change are constantly revolving. Conscious of this, the Hakoah Board has
moved to place Hakoah into a position that takes advantage of the opportunities that such
cycles present, rather than be a victim of change.
I am in fact referring to the sale of the Hall Street site in 2007. This action has placed
Hakoah in a strong financial position and has provided the opportunity to plan for the
future rather than watch a considerable asset become a casualty of changing times.
Like to many of you, Hakoah Club is dear to my heart. I have breathed Hakoah from a
young age and it has been a centerpiece in many important moments of my life. Whilst
the community also holds Hakoah dear to its heart, it has been patiently waiting for a
more relevant offering that it can take advantage of and support. An offering that reflects
changing trends, needs and desires of the community. Even though only a small number
of our large membership is active, I am confident in my judgment of their loyalty as they
wait patiently.
In addressing and managing this transition, the Board has been mindful that a diminishing
segment of our membership continues to rely on Hakoah as a home away from home and
it is because of their decades of loyal support that we are here today. Having
acknowledged this and despite all initial efforts of preservation rather than change, the
current Hakoah model has not worked since 1997. With this in mind, I am confident that
most members possess a similar unselfish view as I and would prefer a community club
that is viable into the future rather than a facility suiting a small group of members for a
relatively short time.

So, the million dollar question: What is happening to Hakoah? Firstly it is important for
me to confirm that Hakoah will cease to trade at Hall Street on the 4th November 2009.
The current owners of the site, Toga, have advised the Club that they will be commencing
demolition works imminently and no further extension to our lease has been provided. As
a result, it is unlikely that an immediate transition to a new venue will occur and instead a
hiatus period will commence.
This said, it is not Hakoah’s intention to discontinue as a club and we will continue to
search for a suitable home that will provide a viable future both economically and
socially. Hakoah will not distribute its assets to charities. Hakoah will not accept second
best and establish a new site as a result of pressure to achieve a seamless transition.
So, the two million dollar question: What is Hakoah doing? Hakoah has been tirelessly
searching and researching for not just merely a new site but a new concept to ensure both
suitability and sustainability. I am sure that a segment of the membership would be
pleased if we had accepted one of over 20 sites that we have seriously considered to
enable continuity. However this would be a short-term irresponsible fix and would
squander our unique position. We will not accept a short-term non-viable solution.

On this matter, it is important that you are now made aware of what had been the major
focus of your Board up until June 2009. The sensitive nature of this project that
previously prevented us from disclosing it no longer exists. Hakoah Club was in the final
stages of securing the White City Tennis Club site. It is important that I expand on this so
you can get a feel for what we are seeking to achieve, but more importantly, you should
be aware that this is no longer an option. A legal case between the former occupier and
the current owner resulted in our inability to secure the site. This was unexpected and
extremely disappointing considering the timing, the uncounted hours and the opportunity
it presented. Regardless it rendered our position powerless.
Please let me expand on the concept. White City Tennis Club is in close proximity to our
existing club and membership. It consists of over two hectares or twenty three thousand
square metres and is bordered by Maccabi Tennis Club and sporting fields owned by
Sydney Grammar. This site would have fulfilled our vision of a comprehensive
community centre providing facilities for all age demographics. A social club with
restaurant, lounges, entertainment, meeting rooms, child play equipment and function
facilities looking out towards Rushcutters’s Bay, a branded gymnasium including indoor
basketball/netball/cricket/volleyball and futsal courts, Olympic-sized swimming pool
suitable for water polo, swimming lessons, school carnivals and other uses, tennis courts,
cricket nets, bowling greens and communal offices. It is a concept designed to bring our
community together in one place.
This was and continues to be our vision. Even though it may no longer be at White City,
we are currently exploring other possibilities that could include the majority of the
aforementioned facilities. I can assure you that the resolve to accomplish our goal is
unwavering and every effort will be made until it is achieved for the benefit of future
generations.
So, for the three million dollar question: Should I renew my Hakoah Club Membership?
The simple answer to this is yes. Membership fees have not increased for over 20 years
and have in fact decreased in some new categories. The financial contribution that
Hakoah derives from these fees does not even cover half of our annual security costs so
in no way is this a revenue drive. The generous benefits that we have provided have made
membership an attractive investment to members. This said, it is important for the
community to show support for the club via this undertaking and for those of you who
have had continuity of membership for many years why let it lapse now? Hakoah will reemerge.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, our loyal members, for your support
and wish you Shana Tova.

South African comedy show heading to Sydney

Illana Klevansky, a 2006 nominee for West Australian Citizen of the Year, will bring her one-woman comedy show “Kugel” to Sydney at the end of August.

Author of “The Kugel Book”, an endearing satirical work on the unique and well-known qualities of some South African Jewish women, Klevansky will pinpoint experiences from her own life….the daughter of a Holocaust survivor in apartheid South Africa who studied Afrikaans at university and spoke Yiddish at home. The show covers just about every aspect of Jewish life focusing on how it impacted on South Africa’s Jewish community.

Hakoah Club will present “Kugel” on August 29 and 30.

For more information, check Up and Coming Events

Hakoah to re-invent itself

Sydney’s Hakoah Club is on the move…to a new location and a new look.

Club president Phil Filler told J-Wire that the deal for the proposed new location was not yet finalised and therefore he cannot divulge where it will be.

cccBut Filler is very definite of what he wants it to be. He said: “There is no way we are going to recreate the existing Hakoah. The new club will be designed from the bottom up to appeal to the entire community and especially focusing on young families and children. Foremost in our plans, however, it to be able to offer gym and pool facilities with other amenities befitting the current times and future trends.” When questioned, Filler admitted that the proposed new location would have outdoor facilities.

Filler said he was grateful to all those who had stuck with the club over the years but said the time had come to give the concept a complete make-over. The Club had grown old with its membership. He told the meeting that Hakoah had signed a deal to remain at its current Bondi location until November 4, by which time he hoped that the new facility would be ready.

He added: “The plan is  aimed at making the Club attractive to a new generation of Sydneysiders who will have at their disposal amenities which will make it a club to be proud of.”

Filler told the Club’s AGM on Monday night that contrary to rumours, all work carried out by Board members was on a pro bono basis. He dismissed any notion that the Club should close its doors. He told the meeting “Founders of the Club would roll over in their graves if we were to give our money away for causes that had nothing to do with Hakoah. He told the meeting:  ”The format of the Club is going stale…it is time to find a new vibrancy.”

After listing all the community organisations who use the Club for meetings and functions, Filler turned his focus on the Club’s original raison d’etre…soccer, telling the meeting that the Club now had Hakoah teams playing under 13, 14, 15, 16 and 18 age levels, teams that would ultimately feed the NSW Soccer Federation’s State League 2.

Hakoah Club showed an operating loss of $165,560 but had a positive cash flow in 2008 of over $300,000.