Maccabi Australia Board Appointments

Two new faces were added to the Board of Maccabi Australia Incorporated (MAI) at the Annual General Meeting held in Melbourne on Sunday 1 November. Board members re-elected Harry Procel as President for a fifth year.

Jeff Houseman was elected to the MAI Board, replacing the departing Michael Swibel. Mr Houseman has been a member of Maccabi NSW since 1965, a Club President, Junior Carnival Team Manager, President and Life Member of Maccabi NSW, and Junior Team Manager for the 18^th Maccabiah. He is Chairman of the Maccabi Australia International Games (MAIGs) to be held in Sydney 26 December 2010 – 2 January 2011. MAI President Harry Procel welcomed Mr Houseman’s election, “Jeff’s experience and commitment will be of great benefit to MAI and I welcome his addition”. 

Jeff Sher was co-opted to the MAI Board. Mr Sher has been involved with Maccabi since emigrating to Australia in 1978. He has participated in 5 Maccabiot, winning 8 medals, including 4 gold and 2 silver medals in the Masters swimming at the recent Maccabiah. He has been a Club Secretary and President. Mr Sher has had significant business leadership and administration experience. Mr Procel added, “with his business acumen, sporting feats and experience living in Sydney and Melbourne, we are delighted to welcome his skill-set to the MAI Board”.

The MAI Board includes; Harry Procel (President), Barry Smorgon (Chairman), Lisa Borowick, Tom Goldman OAM, Helen Synman, Dr Ilan Kogus, Sam Parasol OAM, Jeff Houseman, Jeff Sher.

Departing Board member Michael Swibel’s distinguished service was noted at the AGM. Mr Swibel has contributed greatly to the Maccabi movement since his appointment to the MAI Executive in September 2005, most recently holding the National Sport portfolio. Maccabi has benefited significantly from his roles as MWU delegate 2006, 2007 & 2008, Head of Delegation European Maccabi Games – Rome 2007, and Australian Assistant Team Manager at the Pan American Maccabi Games – Buenos Aires 2007/2008.

Maccabi Australia Incorporated (MAI), its member States and affiliated Clubs exist to promote Jewish identity and continuity – connecting our community through sport.

As the largest Jewish organisation in Australia, Maccabi boasts a 85-year heritage and 9,000 members ranging in age from 5 years to 85 years.  Maccabi is represented in over 60 countries and has 400,000 members worldwide. 

For more information, contact Executive Director Robert Weisz on 03 92078007.

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