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.
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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. 
