Office Address: 328/45 Cribb Street MILTON QLD 4064
Contact details of Executive Officer:
Name: David Paratz
Phone:(07) 3878 8200 Fax: (07) 3878 8200
Email: davpar@bigpond.com
Current Officers:
David Paratz, Jason Steinberg, Alf Gans, Carolyn Goldsmith, Paul Gould, Sam Miszkowski.
Brief Description/History
The QLD Jewish Board of Deputies is the official elected representative roof-body of the Jewish Community in Queensland, with over 30 major communal organisations as its constituents. It is recognized by the QLD State Government, its agencies, the media and other ethnic and religious groups as the representative body of the Jewish Community and speaks on its behalf on all matters affecting the status, welfare and interests of Queensland Jewry.The name “Jewish Board of Deputies” originated in eighteenth century England, when the community established a parliamentary-style representative body under Cromwell. The governing body of the Board is elected annually and comprises an Executive: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Brisbane Representative, Gold Coast Representative.
Purpose
The Board leads, speaks and advocates on behalf of the QLD Jewish Community.
Vision
A united QLD Jewish Community, adequately resourced, enjoying physical and political security as part of a harmonious, inclusive, democratic Australian society.
Strategic Goals
- represent and advocate on behalf of the QLD Jewish Community
- ensure the political and physical security of the QLD Jewish Community
- combat anti-Semitism and other forms of racism
- increase understanding of Israel and its centrality to Jewish life
- promote social inclusion of all segments of QLD society
- maintain the unity and cohesion of the QLD Jewish Community
- ensure continuity of a vibrant QLD Jewish Community
A dialogue was entered into between the Uniting Church and the QJBD. The Uniting Church representative was also the Secretariat of Qld Churches Together, Rev. Russell Morris. He and the Interfaith chair of the QJBD, Garek Fysch formed the Qld Council of Christians and Jews. The Dialogue was officially 'launched' in 2001 after 12 months of formal preparation, which was preceded by informal contact and discussions between the QCT and QJBD. In 2003 the Muslim community was invited to participate and the group became the Qld Forum of Christians Jews and Muslims.
Five appointed persons from each faith community participate in the dialogue, which rotates between Jewish, Muslim and Christian venues in Brisbane. The chairing of the meetings is also rotated. The Jewish delegates are David Paratz, President QJBD, Garek Fysch, Brent Maynard and Ari Heber.
A genuine interest and willingness for all partners to proceed with mutual understanding and respect has been a key helping factor in facilitating the success of these interfaith dialogue activities.
It is sometimes difficult to initiate more interfaith activities because we are a very small community and volunteers are stretched to the limit. However, the formation of an Interfaith Sub-committee and the establishment of the Forum of Christians Jews and Muslims has contributed greatly to resolving such difficulty.
To be able to continue promoting interfaith dialogue, we propose the training of suitably qualified persons to represent the community and the involvement of Rabbis.
General awareness and training such as the Qld Government’s Abrahamic faiths Conference and Griffith University Multi-Faith Centre’s programme to educate Interfaith workers are important initiatives to promote interfaith dialogue in Queensland. We also need to move Interfaith to the grassroots level.
Activities
Cooperates with Queensland Forum for Christians, Jews and Muslims through the Interfaith Subcommittee. The Interfaith Sub-committee organizes school tours, lectures, demonstration seders, joint submissions, cultural activities etc.
Cooperates with the Multi-Faith Centre in dialogue forums, panels, lectures and all its various interfaith dialogue programs and events.