2015 Sydney Jewish Writers Festival highlights

By Sharon Berger

Memories of last week’s hugely successful Sydney Jewish Writers Festival may be fading but at least we still have the books to read and DVDs to watch, plus the photos on our facebook page.  Please feel free to tag yourself.

Dr Dvir Abramovich, Gideon Raff and Jennifer Teege

Emmy-award winning creator/director of Homeland and Prisoners of War, Gideon Raff, was hugely popular in his sold-out session with moderator Michaela Kalowski. Together they delved into the very different reception that prisoners of war receive in both the US and Israel. These differences lie at the core of his decision in differentiating the two series, which are both based on the idea of soldiers returning home after many years in captivity. It was a privilege to hear more about his motivation to make the series and also the Israeli public’s reaction to the Prisoners of War.

Michaela Kalowski in conversation with Gideon Raff

The 'Facing Adversity' session, with authors Martin Chimes and Greg Fisher, moderated by Shirli Kirschner, was also standing room only. Many of Martin’s family and friends made the effort to come hear more about his novel, The Lion’s Den, as well as his struggle with cancer. Kirschner adeptly weaved his struggle with that of Greg Fisher, who overcame drug addiction and eight years in jail to turn his life around. 

Booksigning with Martin Chimes, Greg Fisher and Philip Mendes

Other stand-out sessions included former Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer speaking about General John Monash as well as German-Nigerian author Jennifer Teege, who spoke about her incredible journey discovering the gruesome truth about her family in her book, My Grandfather Would Have Shot Me.

Tim Fischer

Festival-goers appreciated “the excellent homework done by all the moderators, as well as the generosity and openness of the authors.” Additional evaluation feedback included “Each one was so unique  yet powerful and moving – wonderful human stories. … Thanks for a stimulating and inspirational day! ”

Book sales, courtesy of Lindfield Bookshop, were brisk and patrons appreciated the opportunity to get up close and personal with the authors at the book signings.

Gideon Raff with fans

Everyone enjoyed the Festival's new venue, Waverley Library, which allowed for larger sessions, dining space and easy access.

Parents enjoyed the opportunity for their children to attend the PJ Library/Arty Start workshop where kids aged 6-8 were able to write and illustrate their own story. 

PJ Library art activity

There were also a number of sessions aimed at parents including 'Will the kids be alright?' with parenting experts Joanne Fedler, Dr Arne Rubinstein and teenage depression survivor Adam Schwartz. 

Will the kids be alright panel?

Until 2016...! Let us know if you have any wonderful Jewish authors you would like to see at next year’s festival, and keep in touch with Jewish writing in Sydney and around the world by liking us on Facebook.

Photos courtesy of David Sokol Photography. 

Homeland & Prisoners of War creator headlines Sydney Jewish Writers Festival

Gideon Raff

Ground breaking Israeli television director and writer of Prisoners of War, Homeland & Dig, Gideon Raff, New York Times foreign affairs editor Roger Cohen and German-Nigerian author Jennifer Teege, whose grandfather was a brutal Nazi commandant, headline the upcoming Sydney Jewish Writers Festival (SJWF) this August 29-30.

The SJWF’s program is packed with fascinating sessions on BDS, Westfield mogul Frank Lowy, Iran, General Monash, South African history, Holocaust memorialisation, raising teens and much more. 

The Festival opens Saturday night with the launch of Leah Kaminsky’s latest novel, The Waiting Room, plus an extended session exploring the complexities of Israel with the three international guests plus Dr Dvir Abramovich from the University of Melbourne.  All three international guests will also have one-on-one interviews during the Festival exploring their stories in more depth.

Homeland and Prisoners of War television series

Gideon Raff’s insightful television drama series Prisoners of War (Hatufim), Homeland and Dig have shown viewers the gritty realism of the Middle East and America’s war on terror. Even if you have not seen these gripping shows, hearing from their creator, whose ability to show the nuanced realities on the ground, will be a unique opportunity.

Another session not to miss will be that of New York Times foreign affairs columnist Roger Cohen’s session, From South Africa to Times Square. His recent book tells the story of his family’s journey from Lithuania to South Africa at the turn of the century and under apartheid, and later to England, the US and Israel. An award-winning columnist he will share his experiences and challenges covering foreign affairs for one of the world’s most well-known newspapers.

Jennifer Teege

“Jennifer Teege may not be well-known in Australia as an author yet but her story is just extraordinary to hear,” said Festival Director Michael Misrachi. “Teege accidentally discovered she was the granddaughter of Amon Goeth, the brutal Nazi commandant depicted in Schindler’s List, her book My Grandfather Would Have Shot Me depicts her extraordinary journey coming to terms with the secrets of her past,” he explained.

The Festival continues all day Sunday from 10:00am – 6:45pm with a choice of two sessions available each hour. Additional highlights include an In Conversation with radio broadcaster and author Ramona Koval about her search for her true parentage. An interview with former Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer about his recent book on Jewish general Sir John Monash will also examine Fischer’s claims of Anti-Semitism affecting Monash’s career.

In conjunction with PJ Library the SJWF will also offer two children’s workshops for kids age 6-8 during the Festival where children will make their own storyboards.

For the first time the Sydney Jewish Writers Festival is being hosted by Waverley Council at Waverley Library in Bondi Junction. 

For further information or to book please go to www.sjwf.org.au