The Australian Jewish Fertility Network is celebrating 18 years of hope and miracles.

Dr. Elay Golan is an Israeli medical professional and survivor of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks on Kibbutz Kfar Aza. During the assault, she, her husband Ariel, their 18-month-old daughter Yael, and their family dog sought refuge in their home’s bomb shelter. Despite their efforts to remain undetected, the attackers set their house ablaze. Elay sustained severe burns over 60% of her body and was hospitalised in a coma for two months. Remarkably, following her recovery, she gave birth to a healthy baby boy, symbolising hope and resilience in the face of profound adversity. Her journey underscores the enduring strength of the human spirit and the power of a mother’s love.

Meet Rebekah Giles, a leading lawyer, mother of three, and a survivor of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. After enduring over 150 surgeries and years of recovery, Rebekah rebuilt her life with extraordinary strength, becoming a fierce advocate for fertility, women’s health and resilience.

A proud ambassador for the Fertility Research Clinic at the Royal Hospital for Women Foundation and one of AFR’s 100 Women of Influence, Rebekah leverages her personal experiences to advocate for fertility support and women’s health. We’re honoured to have her speak at Holding Onto Hope in 2025.

Chloe and Phil de Winter spent 18 long months trying to conceive—months filled with tests, treatments and heartbreak.

Their journey included rounds of ovulation induction, a laparoscopy, a chemical pregnancy, IUI, and eventually a successful IVF treatment. All while running a business together, balancing professional pressures with the emotional toll of fertility struggles.

For Chloe, it was the most challenging period of her life. With no clear answers, no guarantees, and setback after setback, hope began to slip away. As a couple, staying strong and staying connected became harder with each passing month.

But it was through the support of AJFN that they found something they hadn’t felt in a long time: comfort, understanding and the strength to keep going. They realised they weren’t alone and that support makes all the difference. We’re honoured to have Chloe and Phil speak at Holding Onto Hope in 2025.

Gabbi and Ari Mitchell are tech professionals and passionate advocates for fertility and pregnancy loss awareness in the Australian Jewish community.

Following the heartbreaking loss of their daughter, Stevie Dylan, they channelled their grief into purpose through “Stevie’s Swim.” Ari’s remarkable 200km swim across Sydney in September 2023 honoured Stevie’s memory and raised crucial funds for the Australian Jewish Fund (AJFN). Their advocacy led to the establishment of AJFN’s Miscarriage and Loss Program, providing essential support to families navigating pregnancy loss.

As devoted parents to their children, Stevie and Remy, their personal experiences have deepened their understanding of the complexities of fertility and parenthood. They are dedicated to ensuring that Jewish Australians facing fertility challenges are not alone.

Join Gabbi and Ari at the “Holding Onto Hope” event in Sydney on August 27th to hear their inspiring story and insights on supporting others through fertility journeys.

Meet Tammi Faraday, award-winning broadcaster, journalist and host of the global podcast Brave Journeys.

With a career built on truth-telling and compassion, Tammi brings raw honesty, fierce empathy, and deep insight to every conversation.

Tammi is honoured to moderate AJFN’s Holding Onto Hope events in August. Though a proud mother of four, her fertility journey has been anything but straightforward, making this role not only personal but profoundly meaningful. Like her beloved podcast, this event will be a space where vulnerability becomes strength, courage is honoured, and dignity finds its voice.