Maccabi AJAX Lawn Bowls Club
The Maccabi AJAX Lawn Bowls Club has been part of the Victorian Jewish sporting landscape for 55 years, dating back to its founding by community figures including Ben Sternfeld, Alan Rothman, Alen Eilenberg, Ben Finkelstein, and Peter Slutzkin. While the club itself currently has a small formal membership of 6 men and 1 woman, it represents a much wider network of more than 200 Jewish bowlers who play across clubs throughout Melbourne and regularly support Maccabi-run events, tournaments, and inter-shule competitions.
2025 Impact
- Official Members: 7
- Jewish Bowlers Across Melbourne: 200+
- Players representing MacVic at QLD Carnival: 18–26 each year
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2025 QLD Carnival Israeli players: 12 visitors
Strong Showing at the Queensland Carnival
The 2025 Queensland Carnival was one of the biggest on record, boosted by the arrival of 12 players from Israel who added strength and excitement to the competition. Victoria’s contingent performed exceptionally well:
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Victorian gold medallists:
M. Yelen, G. Lasky, N. Kamien, L. Gross and M. Block -
Victoria also won the Men’s Carnival Shield, with all 20 bowlers contributing to the result.
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The Victorian women’s group, despite being outnumbered, competed with grit and held their own against the Israeli women’s team.
Inter-Shule and Twilight Bowls
Support for social and community bowls remains strong. The Inter-Shule Days and newly introduced twilight events were well attended once again, with Elwood Synagogue taking out the twilight title.
This year marked something rare and significant:
Two Life Memberships were awarded for the first time in more than 15 years.
Congratulations to Nathan Simon and Gary Lasky, recognised for their long-standing service, leadership, and commitment to the club.
With the move to Armadale Bowls Club, there is strong potential to broaden what lawn bowls can offer under the Maccabi banner. The club hopes to develop:
- Social and competitive bowls opportunities
- Women’s and junior activities
- All-abilities sessions
- Community and corporate events
The goal is simple: create more ways for Jewish bowlers of all backgrounds and ages to play, connect, and enjoy the sport.
