Stronger Through Connection

In moments of division, connection is an act of courage.

– Dr Arnold Shmerling, co-Founder and Board Member. Stand Up

For over three decades, we’ve built meaningful connections across communities, driven by our vision of creating a fair and equitable Australia.

These past 18 months have been challenging. We've witnessed rising antisemitism, growing division, and moments that have tested our community's resilience. At Stand Up, we see these challenges as a profound call to action.

Now, more than ever, our work is essential. Through programs that bring people together, foster understanding, and empower compassionate dialogue, we create spaces where differences connect us rather than divide us.

As far as the relationship between the Aboriginal community and the Jewish community— it didn’t change on October 7.. and it won’t change in the years to come.

– Marcus Stewart Indigenous Leader, Niraillim bulluk man of the Taungurung Nation
Inaugural Co-chair for the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria

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Our Diverse Approaches to Social Justice

Break Bread photo

We were there to bake, but also to connect. I reflect on how I can create safe spaces for those who may be going through a lot, to just ask how they are and learn more about their experience.

– Participant at a Purim-inspired Break Bread gathering, where Hamantaschen were baked and culture and stories were shared.

Break Bread

Creating Dialogue and Understanding

In a world quick to divide, Break Bread creates spaces of genuine human connection. Our initiative brings together people from diverse backgrounds to share meals, stories, and experiences. It provide opportunities for meaningful dialogue and understanding.

Alongside Break Bread we are hosting workshops that equip our Jewish community with the skills to navigate challenging conversations that empower compassionate dialogue.

Break Bread 2024/5 Impact:

  • Over 1,000 people have participated in Break Bread.
  • 100% of surveyed participants said they enjoyed the experience.
  • 80% want to keep connecting by attending more events.

Fund cross-community connections

I would just like to thank everyone from day one to today…[I want to express] how much we appreciate and thank you for what you do in our community.

– Aunty Dawn, Respected Elder of Toomelah and Boggabilla communities
Speaking at 20th Anniversary Celebration and expressing her gratitude for two decades of allyship.

First Nations Allyship

A Commitment to Truth and Partnership

Our commitment to First Nations communities represents one of our most profound expressions of connection. Through multiple programs, we create meaningful pathways for the Jewish community to listen, learn, and stand alongside First Nations peoples.

First Nations Allyship Impact:

  • Derech Eretz celebrating 20 years with Toomelah and Boggabilla communities
  • 300 volunteers and 58 youth camps later, we're honoured to be known as "the Jewish Mob"
  • Come Together truth-telling program bringing First Nations voices into Jewish spaces
  • Building genuine allyship through education, leadership and shared experiences
  • Partners stand with us, reaching out during challenging times for the Jewish community

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Education

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Empowering Compassionate Leaders

Through our education programs, we equip young people in the Jewish community—from B’nei Mitzvah-aged children to young adults—to explore social justice through a Jewish lens, empowering them to turn their values into meaningful action.

2024/5 Educational Highlights:

  • 2,000+ students across six Jewish schools, BJE, and UJEB
  • Step Up and Parent-Child Tikkun retreats created meaningful rites of passage for over 70 B’nei Mitzvah participants
  • Inspiring social justice curriculum that connects Jewish values to our collective responsibility

 

Changemaker Retreat and Fellowship program

Our new Changemaker program serves as both an incubator for innovative ideas and a sanctuary for values-driven community building. In a time when many spaces feel challenging, we support young Jewish adults in:

  • A safe space to express their social justice values
  • Developing skills for respectful dialogue
  • Transforming passion into purposeful action within and beyond the Jewish community

Empower Future Leaders

To be part of a process of renewal for a family that has lost so much is inspiring and humbling.

– Ric Benjamin, Stand Up Founder and Current Project Eden volunteer.

Community Empowerment

Stand Up’s work with refugee and newly arrived communities has shown that true connection transforms communities. Our refugee support program pairs volunteer teams with newly arrived families, helping them rebuild their lives in Australia during their crucial first year.

Project Eden 2024/5 Impact:

  • Three dedicated volunteer groups supporting families from South America and Africa
  • Volunteers provide support from finding a house to navigating medicare
  • Creating connections that transform everyone involved

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Why Your Support Matters

Your contribution doesn't just support a program—it fuels a movement of connection and understanding.

Donation Impact:

  • $180 sponsors one participant in a dialogue program, fostering meaningful conversations across cultures.
  • $500 hosts a transformative Break Bread event, bridging communities over shared meal
  • $1,000 supports a youth camp in Toomelah or Boggabilla, strengthening deep community connections.
  • $1,500 enables a young Jewish leader to participate in our full Changemaker Fellowship, transforming their passion into meaningful community impact.

Together, we're not just imagining a more connected world—we're building it, one relationship at a time.

Donate Now and Be Part of the Change

 

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