Published: 7 July 2023
Last updated: 5 March 2024
MICHAEL VISONTAY reports on the sudden departure of CEO Darren Bark from the governing body of the NSW Jewish community.
Uncertainty remains over who is responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies (NSWJBD) following the dramatic news this week that CEO Darren Bark has gone on leave and is not expected to return.
The Board has not appointed an interim or acting CEO and officials have not responded to The Jewish Independent Media inquiries about Bark’s status, why he has gone on unexpected leave and who is in charge until the hiatus is resolved.
Bark, 36, took up the position in May 2021 after previously holding a senior executive role in the NSW Police service.
The Jewish Independent understands that since Bark took over, there has been considerable staff churn, which is not unusual when a new person takes over a leadership role after a longstanding predecessor has departed. Bark replaced Vic Alhadeff, who had held the job for 17 years.
It is understood that since Bark took over there have been tensions within the workplace, with some former staff expressing concerns about aspects of the culture and environment.
Questions have also been raised regarding Bark’s leadership style and his relationship with others at the Board, including Board president David Ossip.
There was also disquiet within community circles over two functions the Board hosted under Bark’s leadership. In February it was reported that the Board was set to host an event for the wife of ultra-conservative Christian MLC Fred Nile, and that last December it held a joint Chanukah-Deepavali event with the Hindu Council of Australia to celebrate the banning of Nazi symbols in NSW, at which controversial One Nation politician Mark Latham turned up and gave a speech.
In just over two years in the job, Bark played a major role in obtaining security funding commitments for faith communities from both sides of politics prior to this year's NSW State election, including $15 million from Labor. He was also involved in negotiations to ban the Nazi swastika, increase Holocaust education in schools and secure funding for the Sydney Jewish Museum extension.
Media reports this week suggested that Alhadeff had been sounded out about returning as CEO but he told The Jewish Independent he had not received an offer and had no intention of returning to his former role. "It is exceptionally meaningful work on behalf of the community," he said. "I care deeply about the organisation and I wish the president and his team well."
It is understood that the Board held an executive meeting last week to discuss the situation. In the meantime, uncertainty remains over who is in charge of the complex range of internal operations, events, staff and community responsibilities.
The failure to appoint an interim CEO in anticipation of Bark’s sudden leave has raised eyebrows given the Board has been regarded - by other community groups as well as Jewish bodies – as an exemplar of a well-run organisation.
NSWJBD president David Ossip told The Jewish Independent he had no comment on the issue. Darren Bark did not respond to a request for comment.
Photo: Departing NSWJBD CEO Darren Bark (NSWJBD)
