Dale Smorgon's Message
The past 12 months have highlighted the vital role Maccabi plays in connecting our community and providing a safe, inclusive environment for Jewish athletes of all ages. In a challenging post – October 7th landscape, fundraising across the communal sector has remained difficult, with significant support continuing to flow to Israel as families rebuild their lives. We have been respectful of this reality, and chosen to access funding from Foundation reserves to meet the needs of our organisation over the past year.
Many thanks therefore to our loyal and committed financial supporters and donors – without your continued support the Foundation could not be in the strong financial position we are in. The Foundations priority continues to ensure we can effectively support our national body, Maccabi Australia, together with our states, our programs and our clubs. The role that Maccabi plays in connecting our community has never been more important.
Throughout the past year the Foundation, working alongside Maccabi Victoria and the Maccabi One Committee have worked tirelessly on numerous proposals to find premises and sporting facilities suitable to house training and match days for our Clubs. In this regard, our partnership with Mount Scopus Memorial College and Project Generation continues to develop, and we are optimistic that the central role Maccabi plays in our community aligns well within the vision of the Centre for Jewish Life to be built at the Caulfield racecourse site.
Finding a home for Jewish sport, health and wellbeing in Victoria remains among our highest priorities and we continue to explore how best we can achieve this for our clubs, members and supporters.
In co-operation with the Cranbourne Country Club we are delighted that financial support has been provided for our range of programs, but in particular our Hardship Relief Fund, ensuring no family is left behind in wanting to play for a Maccabi affiliated club. Thanks to Brad Wein, Mikki Silverman and their committee for their continued vision and partnership.
My thanks and gratitude go to MacVic Co-Presidents, Dean Mohr and Sharon Roseman, MAI President, Rodney Rosmarin, and my fellow Directors—Alan Synman OAM, Ashley Krongold, Ian Davis OAM, Michael Herskope, Michael Same, Miri Sonnabend and Joe Azoulay—for their dedication and hard work. I would also like to acknowledge and thank Hannah Hammerschlag who stepped off the Board this year for her tremendous contribution.
We look forward to a strong year ahead as we prepare for the 2026 Maccabiah Games in Israel and continue strengthening our community through sport, health and wellbeing.
Dale Smorgon – Chairman, Maccabi Foundation
