Rod Rosmarin's Message
It is with great pride that I present this State Report as President of Maccabi Australia. In a time of darkness for both the Australian and Jewish communities, following the atrocities of October 7, 2023 and the rise of antisemitism. Maccabi has continued to shine as a source of light. Through sport, wellbeing initiatives, and community connection, we provide strength, resilience, and unity.
Founded in response to antisemitism in 19th-century Europe, Maccabi has always been a place to celebrate Jewish pride and strengthen our connection to Israel. 2025 marks our 100-year milestone in Australia, honouring a century of sport, wellbeing, and community. Today, with over 10,000 members, 40,000 supporters and 56 clubs, Maccabi is proud to be the largest grassroots Jewish organisation in the country.
Although the Maccabiah Games were postponed to July 2026 due to the conflict with Iran, our anticipation to represent Australia in Israel remains strong. This gathering will be a powerful symbol of solidarity and hope at a time when it is most needed.
Highlights of the Year
- Junior Carnival – one of the largest Carnivals in Perth with 320 participants.
- Centenary Cricket Celebration – replicating the original NSW v Victoria match from 100 years ago.
- Catchball and Pickleball tournaments in QLD – attracting 100 women nationally.
- A celebration of Maccabi stalwarts – Israel’s Ambassador, His Excellency the Hon. Amir Maimon, presenting the Maccabiah torch to our Australian community.
- National Lawn Bowls Carnival – 120 lawn bowls players, including 13 from Israel took part in an interstate challenge on the Gold Coast
- Israel solidarity events – hundreds of attendees in Sydney and Melbourne, including addresses from Josh Frydenberg in Melbourne.
- MAI National Awards – recognition of excellence, with Victorian winners including Stephen Sharp, Leora Yates, Harry Sheezel, Jemima Montag, and Alexandra Kiroi-Bogatyreva.
- Increased brand and digital engagement – growth in brand, communications, and social media, now engaging tens of thousands weekly.
Looking Ahead
Our Board remains committed to building Maccabi into a world-class not-for-profit organisation that delivers meaningful impact across sports, community and wellbeing.
Our key priorities for the year ahead include:
- Growing participation and engagement by delivering a successful Melbourne Carnival in 2026, sending a strong and united delegation to the 2026 Maccabiah Games, and expanding health and wellbeing programs nationally.
- Strengthening financial and organisational sustainability through diversified funding streams, a compelling impact narrative, increased donor and corporate support, improved cost efficiencies, stronger marketing and robust governance.
- Maintaining a high-performing team and volunteer network by reviewing organisational structures and developing a pipeline of emerging leaders.
- Optimising collaboration across clubs, states, and partner organisations to share best practice, promote unity, and take a proactive leadership role in addressing antisemitism in sport
With Thanks
As we conclude our centenary year, we acknowledge the vision of those who came before us and reaffirm our commitment to connecting the Jewish community through sport and wellbeing for the next century.
I extend my gratitude to Co-Presidents Sharon Roseman and Dean Mohr for their leadership, to General Manager Shari Cohen and her team for their tireless work, and to the Victorian Executive, committees, volunteers, sponsors, donors, and members whose dedication makes our achievements possible.
Maccabi is proud to be one of the longest-serving communal organisations in Australia. We remain dedicated to delivering on our vision of connecting the community through sport and wellbeing, now and into the future.
With Maccabi greetings,
Rod Rosmarin – President, Maccabi Australia
