‘As Jews we help people’: Two Sydney-based Rabbi’s recognised with King’s Honours

Two Sydney-based Rabbi’s have continued to contribute to their community despite a spike in anti-Semitism.

Rabbi Mendy Litzman, founder and president of Hatzolah in Sydney, is on The King's Birthday 2024 Honours List. Picture: Britta Campion/The Australian

Two Sydney rabbis say they will not let the rise in anti-Semitism get in the way of their commitment to serving all Australians, as they are acknowledged in the King’s Birthday 2024 Honours Awards.

Rabbi Mendy Litzmann, 42, is founder and president of volunteer-based Hatzolah, an organisation that works with NSW Ambulance to respond to triple 0 calls.

He started the organisation in 2004 after moving to Australia from New York, dedicating his life to helping others.

No two days are the same, Mr Litzmann said, and involve everything from responding to motor vehicle crashes to staying to look after people’s children after they’ve been taken to hospital.

“It’s very rewarding to be able to help people. We raised money so we’re able to do this for free, so there’s no charge to the patient,” he said. “It’s not always life-threatening emergencies, it’s just helping people in any way we can.”

Mr Litzmann said he was very humbled and honoured to receive the Medal of the Order of Australia, but it’s the satisfaction of helping people that really keeps him going. “That’s what we are as Jews – as Jews, we help people,” he said.

Despite the more than 700 per cent rise in anti-Semitism since October 7, Mr Litzmann said he focuses on the good.

Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio said it had been very challenging helping the Jewish community during the surge in anti-Semitism. Picture: Supplied

Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio, also recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia, said it has been very challenging helping the Jewish community during the surge in anti-Semitism.

“There’s sadness, fear, concern, and worry, and a level of trauma being revisited. It’s been really hard,” she said.

Ms Ninio said she tries to provide a space where people can express their feelings, but recognises it’s important to foster hope. “(We try) to look towards a future that we hope and dream of, of peace and of people living together in harmony … that only happens when we continue to support each other, talk to each other, and hold very tight to that hope and that belief we can work together to make a difference and make a change.”

The award came as a pleasant surprise for Adelaide-born Ms Ninio, the third Australian-born woman to be ordained as a rabbi.