VAFA visit the Melbourne Holocaust Museum

On Monday evening, the VAFA Administration and Directors attended the Melbourne Holocaust Museum in Elsternwick.

The VAFA was invited to attend by the AJAX Football Club and was taken on a bespoke tour of the Museum followed by a short workshop. The Museum tour, led by Dr Simon Holloway, took Staff and Directors through the primary exhibit, which features testimonies, artefacts, photographs and documents from the Melbourne Holocaust survivor community.

After the tour, Staff and Directors were able to hear from Senior and Junior AJAX players who recalled some of their first-hand experiences as players, being the subject of antisemitic vilification.

The VAFA would like to thank AJAX President, Alida Lipton, for coordinating the opportunity.

Alida said, “I am of the belief that education and tolerance can go a long way to the enjoyment of the game of AFL and in the best interests of the sport in general.”

The VAFA would also like to thank Dr Simon Holloway and the Melbourne Holocaust Museum, and would encourage anyone who is looking for greater education and understanding in this area to visit the Museum. More information can be found on the Melbourne Holocaust Museum’s website at https://mhm.org.au

Pictured (L-R): Tim Habel (VAFA Director), Jason Reddick (VAFA CEO), Sean Walker (VAFA), Alida Lipton (AJAX FC), Gabriella Martin (VAFA), Susan Miller (VAFA), Lester Oviss (AJAX FC), Peter Kagan (AJAX FC), Dale Christie (VAFA).