JCA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE – STEPHEN CHIPKIN

JCA PRESIDENT’S Message

A STRONG COMMUNITY STANDS TOGETHER THROUGH DIFFICULT TIMES AND HAS THE RESILIENCE TO CARRY US FORWARD TO AN EVEN BRIGHTER FUTURE.

Together we have built a remarkable Jewish community in NSW and the ACT – one that strengthens our Jewish identity and provides a place of belonging, that cares for the most vulnerable, provides countless opportunities for engagement and participation and that looks to the future and inspires tomorrow’s leaders. We have much to be grateful for.

The COVID-19 pandemic has tested our community in so many ways – our ability to adapt to sudden change, our capacity to respond to urgent need and our essential Jewish values of caring for our most vulnerable at all times.

Thanks to the foresight of JCA’s founders more than 53 years ago, we have a united community that can respond quickly and effectively. And we have the participation of hundreds of volunteers and thousands of supporters – like yourself – who are the lifeblood of our community.

A look back at 2019 Thanks to your support, our fundraising total in 2019 was the highest ever at $14.6 million – an increase over 2018 of just under $1 million. 2019 was also the year we introduced a new model for fundraising and allocations in line with global trends in philanthropy. While preserving JCA’s central role, the new approach provided: insight into our community programs and their impact, transparency in answering the question ‘Where does my money go?’ and choice for you to direct donations to specific programs that resonated for you.

The report from our CEO, Alain Hasson, provides a detailed breakdown of JCA’s 2019 campaign results and the community’s response to this new approach.

In 2020 we are continuing our new approach – in each community sector of this publication you will find a listing of the programs JCA is supporting in 2020.

Meeting today’s challenge In areas that provide support for those most affected by COVID-19, programs have been expanded to meet urgent and increased needs. Many of these programs are part of our frontline response to mitigate hardship, to alleviate the impact on health, financial and emotional wellbeing, and to protect the frail and vulnerable among us.

The reality is that our 2020 campaign year will be unlike any other. We will not be holding our large communal event and we will miss not only the incredible spirit we share when we come together, but also the centrepiece of our annual fundraising campaign. There is a real concern that donations to JCA will decrease at a time of unprecedented need. In spite of this, we will stand strong together. This is what JCA was created to do – for the stronger among us to support those who have the greater need.

We trust that those who are willing and able to do so will support the community through JCA. Those whose circumstances have changed can take comfort that our community is here for you and always will be.

A focus on the future From the establishment of JCA in 1967, it has taken just over 50 years to reach this point in the history of our local community. As we overcome the challenges we face today, we have much to look forward to.

In this issue of JCA Source, we are profiling some of the remarkable individuals who are active across the different community sectors that JCA supports. They are representative of the many exceptional young people who have benefitted from programs our community offers and who, in turn, have been inspired to contribute to our collective future.

They are passionate and committed. They believe strongly in community and are inspired by Jewish values. Their stories are part of a brighter tomorrow that will enrich us all in the years ahead.

On a personal note As we look towards the future and renewal within our community, this will be my last appearance in JCA’s Source publication – my six-year term as President expires at the end of 2020.

I will step down knowing that JCA is in a very strong position, led by our new CEO, Alain Hasson, himself a young leader cultivated by JCA.

It has been my privilege to play a part in helping to strengthen our community. In the past few months I have witnessed first-hand just how caring, creative, resourceful and resilient we are. I thank you sincerely for all you have done to help make our community what it is today. Your continued support and involvement will ensure it remains a vital part of our Jewish story for generations to come.

With warm regards and gratitude, Stephen Chipkin