Let me introduce you to our newest cohort of Naomi Chazan Fellows, our third. They’re in Israel right now, visiting Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the Galilee and the West Bank, meeting with some of Israel’s most important social change activists.

Amy, Bec, Bracha, Chloe and Graham are part of a global program with participants from the US and UK, building capacity and expertise so that Diaspora Jewish communities are better equipped to have informed, nuanced conversations about what’s happening in Israel.

But our Fellows are just starting their journey. When they get back to Australia they will turn their knowledge and inspiration to shaping NIF a movement that supports Israel and works to end discrimination and injustice. Look out for some of the programs the Fellows will be running over the next year!

This Year's Naomi Chazan Fellows

Amy Dascal

Born and raised in Melbourne, Amy has completed a Bachelor of Arts with majors in International Relations and Middle East Studies and a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Human Resource Management. For several years, Amy has been actively involved with volunteering at her synagogue, Temple Beth Israel, where she has taken of numerous leadership roles including the heading up the Young TBI group. She also sits on various other committees. She is always looking for new ways to engage with the Jewish community and raise awareness for a variety of causes.

Graham Kaplan

Graham lives in Sydney is a father to a beautiful 1 year old daughter and works in finance. His interests include football surfing and politics. His early interest in Israel was formed during school years at Moriah College and later at Maccabiah Games. His more recent ideals have been shaped by the modern Israeli historians like Benny Morris as well as Noam Chomsky, Glenn Greenwald and Gideon Levy.

Bracha Rafael

Born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, Bracha is inclined towards activism in many areas of her life. She is a union representative in her workplace and an anti-racism organiser within her community. Bracha is keenly interested in interfaith and intercultural dialogue, and is currently completing a Bachelor of Arts in English literature and French language.

Bec Sharp

Rebecca was born and raised in the Melbourne Jewish community. She studied at Bialik College and has a Bachelor of Social Science (Youth Work) from RMIT. She has been involved in the Youth Movement Hashomer Hatzair from the age of 13. She participated in their Shnat program. For the past three years has been working hard as one of Hashomer Hatzair's Madrichim.

Chloe Stimar

From Melbourne, Chloe completed a Bachelor of Arts at Monash University in 2016 with a double major in History and Jewish Studies. She is currently pursuing postgraduate study with a Masters of Teaching at Monash University. She has a passion for education and loves learning new things. She also enjoys travelling and has developed a love for seeing and experiencing new things. Chloe has been fortunate that her passion for education and travel often overlap. When she travels she attempts to visit as many historical sites as she can. She also loves food and enjoys going out and trying new places as well as cooking.