“There is nothing greater than helping people realise their dreams of building a family – with all the darkness in the Jewish world …” says Justine Saidman.
It’s been a long time coming but the Melbourne office of the Australian Jewish Fertility Network (AJFN) was launched recently. Established in Sydney by Shterny Dadon 17 years ago as a small grassroots organisation with community members coming together to fund one family’s IVF journey, it has grown into an organisation supporting 85 Jewish families on their fertility journeys.
As enquiries from Melbourne’s Jewish community have grown significantly the first two official functions were a soft launch introducing AJFN to the community.
At the homes of Amanda Kutner and Monica Kempler, Lauren Placks and Lauren Siegel told their emotional and personal fertility stories, highlighting the critical topics of miscarriage and loss, IVF and PGT (pre-implantation genetic testing), and Joanne Star revealed what it means to her to be an AJFN Peer Support Companion to those going through an often difficult and lonely journey, having walked the journey herself.
AJFN CEO Justine Saidman remark said “There is nothing greater than helping people realise their dreams of building a family – with all the darkness in the Jewish world, the work of AJFN shines a light now more than ever. We are so thrilled to finally be able to offer the Melbourne Jewish community full access to all the services that we have built to help us ensure that no Jewish Australian ever feels alone on their fertility journey.”
AJFN aims to break down the stigma surrounding fertility challenges within the Jewish community and provide a platform for open conversations. The organisation recognises that fertility struggles can be a sensitive and isolating experience, and it is committed to fostering a community where individuals feel understood, supported, and empowered.
By Carol Saffer Australian Jewish News January 9, 2024
