JCCV recognises community contributors

The Jewish Community Council of Victoria presented two key awards at its annual AGM, recognising exceptional community members whose contributions have strengthened Jewish life across Victoria.

JCCV Vice President Hayley Southwick acted as MC for the evening, which attracted a wide range of community leaders and families of awardees.

JCCV President Philip Zajac said, “The past twelve months had been among the most difficult the community had faced in recent memory, yet they also revealed remarkable resilience.

Our community has faced some of the most confronting moments in decades, yet we have also seen extraordinary strength. I am proud of how the JCCV has supported our community during times of crisis, strengthened partnerships between Jewish organisations, and continued to build for a Victorian Jewish future.”

This year, the JCCV has inaugurated a third award, named in honour of the late Anton Hermann, an outstanding and highly respected community leader and former JCCV vice president who was tragically killed in a traffic accident in 2019.

The 2025 JCCV General Sir John Monash Award was awarded to Sidra Kranz Moshinsky. The Award celebrates individuals who have made an enduring and outstanding impact on the Victorian Jewish community. This year’s honouree, Sidra Kranz Moshinsky, has devoted decades to strengthening Jewish life through her leadership across a wide range of community organisations, including The King David School, Bialik College, Stand Up, JCCV, more recently as CEO of the Jewish Museum of Australia and several other educational and cultural bodies.

Marc Light, whose mother Helen Light had worked with and been in the same role at the Jewish Museum of Australia as Moshinsky, introduced the awardee with a moving speech.

JCCV stated, “Sidra has played a central role in shaping community programs, guiding emerging leaders, Holocaust remembrance, and supporting initiatives that promote wellbeing, learning and social justice. Her integrity, compassion and unwavering commitment have touched thousands of lives and strengthened the fabric of Jewish Victoria. Sidra’s contribution reflects the values of duty, responsibility and service that sit at the heart of the Monash Award.”

The inaugural 2025 JCCV Anton Hermann Award for Outstanding Board Leadership was awarded to Daniel Jenshel. Daniel has served the community through decades of service with UJEB, Caulfield Shule, C Care and the Zionist Federation of Australia, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to strengthening Jewish life. As co-founder of Men’s Haven, he has also created a safe and supportive space for men to discuss mental health. His leadership is marked by humility and purpose, and his contribution to board culture embodies the intention of this new award.

The late respected Anton Hermann’s son Joel spoke movingly about his father and his quiet achiever approach to leadership and board participation, as well as what defines good and outstanding board members.

Daniel Jenshel was unable to attend, so his brother David Dzenciol accepted the award on his behalf. Daniel Jenshel also appeared in a short video speaking to the gathering, which included his children.

The 2025 JCCV Sylvia Gelman Young Leadership Award, which recognises emerging young leaders shaping the future of the community, was awarded to Chloe Guss.

Guss is an active and passionate young leader at UJEB who runs a number of programs, and she was introduced by the UJEB Chief Operating Officer Nicole Ellis. Ellis described Guss’ energy, leadership and overall capabilities that led to her award nomination.

The JCCV stated, “Chloe Guss, has transformed youth engagement for Jewish students in non-Jewish schools. Through her work with UJEB and BBYO, Chloe has created inclusive and meaningful pathways for young people to feel connected, supported and proud of their identity. Her creativity, energy and inclusive leadership reflect the values championed by Sylvia Gelman.”

JCCV CEO Naomi Levin said, “the award recipients exemplify the resilience and dedication that define Jewish Victoria.”

Levin said, “Our award recipients remind us of the many ways amazing people strengthen our Jewish community. Our recipients this year have contributed to education, arts and culture, Holocaust remembrance, youth engagement, social welfare and more. Their generosity, commitment and passion represents the best of Jewish Victoria.”

Guss gave a very eloquent and inspiring speech about young leadership, leading to Southwick commenting that “the future of the community is safe.”

The recipient of the Marion & Kurt Lippmann scholarship was also announced on the evening, which was awarded to Rabbi Dr Avi Bart, the Assistant Rabbi at Blake Street, who will undertake work on combining Halacha and medicine.

In a unanimous vote, Unchain My Heart was elected as the 61st member of the JCCV. Unchain My Heart aims to address Gett refusal and eliminate the resultant injustice.

During the AGM, the JCCV CEO reflected on a year of heightened antisemitism, including the attacks on Adass Israel Synagogue and East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, and growing concerns of safety in Jewish schools and other institutions.

In the midst of another difficult year for the community, the JCCV expanded its Jewish Immersion Program, launched a renewed mission and strategic plan, deepened its government and multicultural partnerships, and provided practical support to member organisations navigating crises.

JCCV President Philip Zajac closed the evening with his president’s report.