Shoshana Eisner honoured by Jewish House for outstanding humanitarian leadership

Community leader Shoshana Eisner has received a special humanitarian award from Jewish House in recognition of her leadership of Operation Golda, a grassroots initiative that brought thousands of Australians together to provide urgent support to Israel and displaced families.

The award was presented by Jewish House Co-President Roger Clifford to Shoshana Eisner in front of about 800 people at the annual Jewish House Gala Dinner in Sydney on Thursday, 7 November.

Within hours of the crisis in Israel beginning on 7 October 2023, Eisner launched Operation Golda and quickly mobilised more than 2,000 volunteers across Australia. Under her direction, the movement delivered more than one million dollars’ worth of medical supplies and over two tonnes of essential equipment to Israeli soldiers and civilians.

When families who had fled Israel arrived in Australia with little more than what they could carry, Eisner worked with Jewish House to ensure they had a safe and supportive place to stay. Her efforts provided stability and care for those in distress while helping to rebuild a sense of purpose within the local community.

“At a time when many in our community felt helpless and frightened, Shoshana gave us direction,” said the presenter at the award ceremony. “She turned anxiety and grief into generosity and compassion, uniting thousands of people in action.”

Accepting the award, Eisner said the honour belonged to the entire community. “This award truly belongs to all of you,” she said. “Without you, I would not have achieved a bloody thing.” She thanked her parents, aunts and uncles for showing her what Jewish values look like in action, and expressed gratitude to her husband Jason and their children “for accepting the chaos, the deliveries, the strangers in our kitchen, and the 3 a.m. phone calls.”

Reflecting on her collaboration with Jewish House, Eisner said she realised how closely their missions aligned. “Operation Golda was formed as an emergency support network, but after working with Jewish House, I saw they have been doing this quietly, compassionately and efficiently for years. Rabbi Kastell and his team are the ones who truly deserve this award.”

Eisner closed her remarks by encouraging everyone to create connection through simple acts of hospitality. “You are never too small to make a difference,” she said.

“Invite someone you don’t know well to dinner. If you are Jewish, invite a non-Jewish person to your Shabbat table once a month. Miracles happen when you sit with people and share warmth, laughter and good food. Nothing demonstrates Jewish values better than that.”