President: Julian Woolfson

Hatikvah was instituted on October 3 1992, to cater mainly for Jewish people in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

We have a small but active Unit, where friendship is a key element, uniting members from across the spectrum of Jewish observance.

Our overall goals are directed to:

*   Enhancing the lives of senior members of the community

*   Raising funds in order to enhance the lives of those in need both within and outside the Jewish Community.

*   Supporting other Units and bodies in their endeavours. eg  phone–a–thon for ADC, and Courage to Care.

Hatikvah has earned the B’nai B’rith Recognition Award for the calico dolls project. Each year calico dolls are cut and stitched by the members and donated to the Melbourne Childrens’ Hospital.

The Unit meets on a monthly basis to which speakers are invited to address topics on a wide range of subjects.

Other activities include:

*   Regular games afternoons for seniors

*   Toy collections at Christmas time

*   Blanket collections for the RSPCA in winter

Social activities include film nights, restaurant outings and walks.

Organisations which have benefitted from our fundraising efforts are numerous.  They represent medical research, Aboriginal Advancement Commission, Israel Commission, B’nai B’rith Bush Fire appeal, Open Family, Care Australia, Australians Against Child Abuse, Flying Doctor Service just to mention a few.