The Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies Inc. (QJBD) is the official roof-body of all Queensland Jewry and has been the voice of the community since 1948.
The QJBD is recognised by the Queensland State Government and its agencies, the media and other ethnic and religious groups as the representative body of the Jewish community. It speaks on the community’s behalf on all matters affecting the status, welfare and interest of Queensland Jewry.
Its objectives are:
- To provide a united and responsible Jewish voice that is heard by all levels of government – Local, State and Federal.
- To provide an effective means of combating anti-Semitism.
- To provide friendly forums that allow difficulties and problems to be discussed and resolved.
- To organise communal ceremonies such as functions for visiting dignitaries.
- To provide speakers on Jewish topics to service clubs, schools and Church groups.
- To promote knowledge and understanding of the Jewish people and Judaism and working towards inter-community harmony and goodwill with other religious, ethnic and cultural groups.
The QJBD is part of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), which represents all Australian Jews in its dealings on a national level.
Since 1948, the QJBD has had 11 individuals hold the office of President. They are listed below with their years of service.
Name | Year commenced | Year completed | Number of years served |
Philip Frankel / Abe Newhouse | 1948 | 1952 | 4 |
Sam Hoffman | 1952 | 1956 | 4 |
David Solomon, OAM | 1956 | 1960 | 4 |
Laurie Rosenblum, OAM | 1960 | 1964 | 4 |
David Solomon, OAM | 1964 | 1968 | 4 |
George Frey, OAM | 1968 | 1972 | 4 |
David Solomon, OAM | 1972 | 1976 | 4 |
Laurie Rosenblum, OAM | 1976 | 1980 | 4 |
Charles Trigger | 1980 | 1982 | 2 |
Paul Fingereth, MBE | 1982 | 1986 | 4 |
Laurie Rosenblum, OAM | 1986 | 1998 | 12 |
David Paratz, AM | 1998 | 2009 | 11 |
Jason Steinberg | 2009 | 2017 | 8 |
Paul Myers | 2017 | 2021 | 4 |
Jason Steinberg | 2021 |
Who’s on the QJBD?
The QJBD has a constitution that governs its activities. These activities are delivered by a Management Committee of 8 people as well as some co-opted chairs who assist with various programs. Whereas some of our Southern counterparts have full-time paid staff, we here in the Sunshine State do all of our work on a volunteer basis.
We are a passionate group of people who feel strongly about our portfolios (whether it’s inter-faith, aged care, Israel advocacy or education). The common denominator is our desire to work together with the aim of contributing to the betterment of Jewish life here in Queensland. We are a group of down-to-earth people who care deeply about the Jewish community in Queensland and its future.
We give our time and energy towards projects, initiatives and events that build a stronger Jewish community.
If you feel you can contribute, or would like to get involved please reach out to info@qjbd.org.