Maccabi Victoria Hall of Fame 2026: Sixth Induction
ABOUT THE EVENT
Celebrating Excellence in Jewish Sport
This December, the Maccabi Victoria community will come together to honour the people whose achievements, dedication and service have left a lasting mark on Jewish and/or Maccabi sport in Victoria.
Join our 2026 inductees, their families, friends and the wider Maccabi community for the sixth Maccabi Victoria Hall of Fame induction, as we celebrate their remarkable stories and welcome them into the Hall of Fame.
Scroll down to learn a little more about our Class of 2026, and join us on 1 December as we share the full stories behind their Hall of Fame honours.
GUEST SPEAKER & HOST
Peter Bol
Peter Bol is one of Australia’s most celebrated middle-distance runners and a three-time Olympian, best known for his unforgettable fourth-place finish in the 800m Olympic final at Tokyo 2020, where he became the first Australian man in 53 years to reach an Olympic 800m final. Born in Sudan and arriving in Australia as a child after his family fled civil war, Peter’s journey to the world stage is a powerful story of resilience, ambition and perseverance. Since discovering athletics at 16, he has gone on to win Commonwealth Games silver, reach World Championship finals and set multiple Australian records, including the national 800m record of 1:42.55 in 2025. Away from the track, Peter is a coach, mentor, educator and passionate advocate for young people. As a speaker, he shares practical insights into goal setting, overcoming adversity, peak performance, consistency, teamwork and finding the belief to keep moving forward. Peter’s story is about far more than running - it’s about turning setbacks into opportunities, staying committed to the process and inspiring others to realise what’s possible. Peter remains at the forefront of Australian middle-distance running, setting records, winning on the international stage and competing in major finals. Hear from an athlete whose career continues to evolve, with new goals and opportunities still ahead.
Candy Hertz
Candy Hertz is an accomplished sports presenter and MC with almost two decades of experience across major broadcasts and live events, including the Australian Open, ESPN, WNBL, NBL, AFLW, AFL, Nike, FIFA and FIBA events. Known for her polished presence, quick thinking and natural rapport with audiences and talent, Candy brings energy, professionalism and confidence to every stage. She is delighted to MC the Maccabi Victoria Hall of Fame.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The sixth Maccabi Victoria Hall of Fame induction will recognise an exceptional group of athletes and contributors who have achieved at the highest levels of sport, strengthened our clubs and given so much to our community.
The evening will begin with cocktails and canapés at 6.30pm, giving guests an opportunity to gather before moving into the theatre at 7.30pm sharp for the sixth Maccabi Victoria Hall of Fame induction.
Whether you have been part of Maccabi for decades or are joining us for the first time, this is an opportunity to celebrate the people and stories behind our sporting community.
EVENING PROCEEDINGS
- 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Cocktails & Canapés
Enjoy cocktails and canapés before taking your seat in the theatre.
- 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Hall of Fame Ceremony
Hosted by sports broadcaster Candy Hertz, the presentation will feature: * The induction of the 2026 Hall of Fame class * Recognition of a Legend of Jewish Sport * Guest speaker Peter Bol * Special performances and entertainment
- 9:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Dessert, Drinks & Celebrations
Enjoy dessert and drinks and take the opportunity to congratulate the 2026 inductees following the formal presentation.
100: MACCABI MOMENTS
'100: Maccabi Moments' is a commemorative book celebrating more than 100 years of Maccabi in Victoria through 100 significant moments, bringing together the people, achievements, milestones and stories that have shaped our community through sport.
The book can be pre-ordered with your event ticket for $100 incl. GST and collected at the event.
11 INDUCTEES & 1 LEGEND
Barbara Bejer
From representing Maccabi at 11 Carnivals and two Maccabiah Games to helping build Jewish netball in Victoria, Barbara Bejer has given more than 50 years to Maccabi sport. And she's still giving back, coaching our All Abilities basketball participants every week for the past eight years. Mazel tov Barbara on your induction into the Maccabi Victoria Hall of Fame!
Barry Carp
From the swimming pool to the President's chair at Collingwood Football Club! Barry Carp has held 12 state and national swimming records, won medals on the international stage and proudly represented Australia at the Maccabiah Games. A Maccabi swimmer and a leader in Australian sport, Barry is now a 2026 Maccabi Victoria Hall of Fame inductee. Mazel tov Barry!
Brian Swersky
More than 50 years of Maccabi involvement. Brian Swersky first made his mark as captain of AJAX Swimming Club in the 1970s before going on to lead Maccabi Victoria as President for six years. He helped steer Maccabi through COVID, strengthened support for our clubs and was instrumental in establishing Maccabi Aquatics, helping revive competitive Jewish swimming in Victoria. His contribution continues today, working behind the scenes to strengthen and protect the Maccabi community. Mazel tov Brian on your well-deserved Hall of Fame induction!
Daniel Onas
Over 3,000 runs, 300 wickets and a Maccabiah silver medal. Daniel Onas has quite the cricket record! But his contribution to Jewish sport goes well beyond the scoreboard. From playing and coaching at Ajax to now serving as President of Ajax Junior Football Club, Daniel continues to stand up for the next generation of Jewish athletes. Mazel tov Daniel on your Hall of Fame induction!
Danny Lustig OAM
For more than 40 years, Danny Lustig OAM has been one of the people working behind the scenes to keep Maccabi going strong. From his early days at North Eastern Maccabi Cricket Club to his leadership roles at Maccabi Victoria and the Maccabi Victoria Sports Foundation, Danny has given decades of his time and expertise to Jewish sport and the wider community. Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2026, Danny now joins the Maccabi Victoria Hall of Fame. Mazel tov Danny!
David Oved (1936 to 2024)
David Oved was more than a champion boxer. An Israeli lightweight champion who went on to compete internationally and in Australia, David proudly wore the Star of David into the ring. For Melbourne's Holocaust survivor community, his success meant something far greater than boxing. He gave people a sense of pride at a time when it mattered enormously. We are proud to honour David posthumously in the Maccabi Victoria Hall of Fame.
Harry Sheezel
From Ajax Auskick to AFL star! Harry Sheezel's journey started at Ajax Junior Football Club. Today, he's North Melbourne's vice-captain, a Rising Star winner, two-time club best and fairest and one of the AFL's standout young players. Through it all, Harry has stayed connected to his Ajax roots, inspiring the next generation of Jewish footballers. Mazel tov Harry on your Hall of Fame induction!
Jeff Sher
16 Maccabiah medals. Six years as Maccabi Australia President. And more than 20 years supporting Maccabi swimming. Jeff Sher has done just about everything in Maccabi, from competing in the pool to helping lead the movement on the international stage. His commitment to bringing people together through Jewish sport has made a real difference. Mazel tov Jeff on your induction into the Maccabi Victoria Hall of Fame!
John Slutzkin OAM
562 games and more than five decades dedicated to Maccabi hockey! 🏑 John Slutzkin OAM has done it all, from premiership-winning player and captain to coach, umpire and club administrator. He helped grow Hakoah Ajax Hockey Club from a single men's team into a thriving club with men's, women's and junior teams. His involvement in Maccabi sport also extended beyond hockey, with a decade competing at AJAX Squash Club and several years at AJAX Athletic Club. Mazel tov John on your well-deserved Hall of Fame induction!
Marilyn Faiman
For more than 50 years, Marilyn Faiman has been one of those people who makes Maccabi clubs tick. From Ajax Swimming to 26 years as Secretary of Maccabi Ajax Lawn Bowls, Marilyn has given countless hours to Jewish sport. She's also helped make lawn bowls more accessible through the club's All Abilities afternoons. Mazel tov Marilyn on your induction into the Maccabi Victoria Hall of Fame!
Yvette Shaw
There's something particularly special about Yvette Shaw's Hall of Fame induction. Back in 1999, Yvette helped establish the selection process for the very first Maccabi Victoria Hall of Fame. Since then, she's led Australian Maccabi delegations, directed a Junior Carnival with over 1,100 participants and helped shape how Maccabi supports and protects its athletes. Now, 27 years later, it's Yvette's turn to be recognised. Mazel tov Yvette!
Les Kausman OAM - Legend Status
A Maccabi Hall of Famer since 2000. Now, 26 years later, a Legend of Jewish Sport! ⭐ Les Kausman OAM has given more than 70 years to Jewish sport. Over 7,000 cricket runs, 16 Maccabi Carnivals, two Maccabiah Games across cricket and golf, and decades of leadership and service. He also co-founded Friends of Maccabi, helping generations of former athletes stay connected. Mazel tov Les on receiving the Hall of Fame's highest honour!
WITH THANKS TO OUR EVENT PARTNERS
GOLD PARTNER
BRONZE PARTNERS
FAQs
- What is the Maccabi Victoria Hall of Fame?
Established in 2000, the Maccabi Victoria Hall of Fame recognises those who have made a lasting impact on Jewish and/or Maccabi sport in Victoria through sporting achievement, contribution and service. The 2026 event will be the sixth Hall of Fame induction.
- Is seating allocated?
No. Seating is general admission, with designated areas reserved for inductees, sponsors and invited guests.
- Can I purchase tickets for a group?
Yes. You can purchase multiple tickets in one transaction.
Receive 10% off when purchasing five or more of the same ticket type in one order. Premium and Standard tickets cannot be combined to reach the five-ticket minimum.
- Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
As the pre-event hospitality is cocktails and canapés rather than a seated meal, individual dietary requirements may not be able to be accommodated. If you have any dietary requirements or allergies, please let us know by email (enquiries.vic@maccabi.com.au) prior to the event and we will pass this information on to the caterer. Whilst we will do our best, we cannot guarantee that all requirements can be accommodated.
- Is the catering kosher?
Yes. All food served at the event will be kosher.
- Is there a dress code?
There is no formal dress code. Wear what you feel comfortable in, and feel free to show your Maccabi pride.
- Is the venue accessible?
If you have any accessibility requirements, please contact us prior to the event at enquiries.vic@maccabi.com.au so we can make the appropriate arrangements with the venue.
- What is '100: Maccabi Moments' book?
100: Maccabi Moments is a commemorative book celebrating more than 100 years of Maccabi in Victoria through 100 significant moments. It brings together the people, achievements, milestones and stories that have shaped our community through sport.
The book can be pre-ordered for $100 including GST, either as an add-on when purchasing an event ticket or separately without purchasing a ticket. Pre-ordered copies can be collected at the event or from the Maccabi Victoria office from 2 December.
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