Telfed’s AGM took last week, slightly delayed due to the war with Iran, but that didn’t stop them from getting down to business!
“We’re pleased to announce that Maish Isaacson has been re-elected as Chairman of Telfed. Together with Vice Chairman Debbie, Maish expressed his gratitude to the lay leadership, made up of both new and veteran Olim of outstanding calibre.
A special thank you goes to members of the Directorate – Jeremy Lipshitz, Robby Hilkowitz, Allan Feinblum, Clinton Ephron, Shely Cohen, Tracy Josef, Alan Lipchin and Batya Shmukler – as well as to all the new and returning members of Telfed’s Executive Committee”.
Highlights from the Chairman’s AGM Report
The past two years have been both challenging and transformative. Throughout it all, Telfed responded with speed, compassion, and purpose, thanks to our exceptional staff and dedicated volunteers.
In the aftermath of the October 7 attacks, we quickly shifted focus to meet urgent needs: assisting 130 displaced South Africans, supporting bereaved families, and helping those affected during the Iran conflict.
Our Events and Volunteerism department expanded dramatically, offering hospital visits, check-in calls, workshops, coffee clubs, and meaningful volunteer days in the South.
Despite the war, Aliyah continued. Hundreds of South African and Australian Olim arrived, supported by an expanded team offering practical guidance and assistance in navigating bureaucracy. Support for Lone Soldiers expanded to include requests for non-military gear, winter essentials, social events, gifts and more.
Our employment advisor continued helping job seekers navigate a tough market, with new networking opportunities through employment “meet ups”.
Telfed’s Scholarship Committee awarded over 500 scholarships and additional support was provided to students who have been serving in the army while studying. This has been an exceptionally challenging time for our youth, and we acknowledge and appreciate their dedication. A new partnership with Beit Loewenstein now supports wounded soldiers and victims of the October 7 attacks, with Telfed providing both funding and expertise on scholarship distribution.
In response to growing emotional and financial needs, we welcomed a second social worker and launched a Mental Wellbeing Committee.
Our flagship project, R U OK?, was launched simultaneously at eight Chanukah events in memory of Dina Oraya Isaacson Z”L.
Thanks to our generous donors, we provided critical support to evacuees, injured soldiers, and continue to assist over 500 South African Olim families in financial distress – distributing over NIS 2.5 million annually within our community alone. Over NIS 3 million was allocated to various war relief projects, under the guidance of dedicated allocation committees to ensure transparency, efficiency, and good governance.
ISRENTCO continues to manage Telfed’s 105 rental apartments, with 70% of revenue reinvested into community support with the remainder utilised for building maintenance. Apartments are at full capacity, with a waiting list of over 45 applicants per month. Plans for the long-awaited Givatayim housing project are progressing – a vital step in ensuring Telfed’s long-term sustainability.
I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together. My sincere thanks to our staff, committees, donors, and partners, and to my wife Jocelyn, whose strength and support keep me going.
It’s an honour to continue serving as Chairman, and I look forward to building on this strong foundation over the next two years.
Am Yisrael Chai.
Thank you.
Maish
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