Object numberM2017/002
DescriptionThis is a photograph of a mobile canteen vehicle, sponsored by the National Council of Jewish Women Australia (NCJWA) to assist in the war effort. The image, taken in London circa 1942, was one of three trucks funded and by the NCJWA in support of the Australian Comforts Fund. Established in 1923, largely due to the efforts of Dr Fanny Reading, the organisation’s local membership numbered 377 in its first year; by 1929, the movement was operating nationally.
At inception of the Council, Fanny Reading envisaged a grassroots volunteer movement driven by a commitment to raising the status of Jewish women, promoting social contact, cultivating Jewish education and assisting new migrants. Initially, its emphasis on Judaism and support for Palestine, prompted criticism from assimilated leaders of the community who feared the sectarian philosophy of the organisation would invite anti-Semitic hostilities. Despite the initial concerns however, NCJWA members earned the admiration of the Jewish community, particularly in its approach to migration. Their efforts - including welcoming new arrivals and arranging accommodation and language classes - fostered a keen interest in Jewish affairs and a greater sense of community.
When the war began and immigration came to a halt, members of the NCJWA turned the efforts to the home fronts. The mobile canteen was one of 18 war air projects supported by the Council, with the organisation raising over £400, 000 between 1939 and 1942. The Sydney mobile canteen was eventually replaced by a permanent restaurant, opened at the top of Macquarie Street and Martin place on land acquired through the Lord Mayor.
Throughout the nineteenth and twentieth century, Jewish women made significant contributions to Australian society. In addition to activities on the home front during both WWI and WWII, they assumed prominent roles across the arts; business; politics and the professions, music; sport; the feminist movement; and philanthropic endeavours.
The NCJWA continues in its contemporary identity with an emphasis on social activism, working with Jewish and non-Jewish communities in the promotion of women’s issues, education and social cohesion. Citing its mission, the NCJWA website states: 'The purpose of NCJW of Australia is, in the spirit of Judaism, to promote social justice, welfare and the advancement of women in Jewish and general communities locally, nationally, and internationally’.
At inception of the Council, Fanny Reading envisaged a grassroots volunteer movement driven by a commitment to raising the status of Jewish women, promoting social contact, cultivating Jewish education and assisting new migrants. Initially, its emphasis on Judaism and support for Palestine, prompted criticism from assimilated leaders of the community who feared the sectarian philosophy of the organisation would invite anti-Semitic hostilities. Despite the initial concerns however, NCJWA members earned the admiration of the Jewish community, particularly in its approach to migration. Their efforts - including welcoming new arrivals and arranging accommodation and language classes - fostered a keen interest in Jewish affairs and a greater sense of community.
When the war began and immigration came to a halt, members of the NCJWA turned the efforts to the home fronts. The mobile canteen was one of 18 war air projects supported by the Council, with the organisation raising over £400, 000 between 1939 and 1942. The Sydney mobile canteen was eventually replaced by a permanent restaurant, opened at the top of Macquarie Street and Martin place on land acquired through the Lord Mayor.
Throughout the nineteenth and twentieth century, Jewish women made significant contributions to Australian society. In addition to activities on the home front during both WWI and WWII, they assumed prominent roles across the arts; business; politics and the professions, music; sport; the feminist movement; and philanthropic endeavours.
The NCJWA continues in its contemporary identity with an emphasis on social activism, working with Jewish and non-Jewish communities in the promotion of women’s issues, education and social cohesion. Citing its mission, the NCJWA website states: 'The purpose of NCJW of Australia is, in the spirit of Judaism, to promote social justice, welfare and the advancement of women in Jewish and general communities locally, nationally, and internationally’.
Production date 1942 - 1942
Production periodWWII
Subjectwomen, war effort, fundraising, Zionism, immigration, refugees, Jewish service, social services, welfare workers
Object namephotographs
Materialphotographic emulsion, paper, paper
Dimensions
- width: 251.00 mm
height: 162.00 mm
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by the National Council of Jewish Women Australia