A past vice-president of the Kastellorizian Association of Victoria has been appointed as the first CEO of Courage to Care, a charity initiative under the auspices of NGO B’Nai B’rith, which aims to educate younger generations on the dangers of prejudice, racism and bullying.

“I’ve been so impressed with the passion and professionalism of what I’ve seen so far, and I’m proud and honoured to be part of this organisations’ future growth and success”, said Mr Zervos reflecting on his new role.

Courage to Care has been operating as an educational program and travelling exhibition, exposing kids around Australia to the stories of those who saved Jewish lives during he Holocaust.

Through the lens of these experiences, participants are invited to consider and even challenge their own attitudes towards discrimination, as well understand the importance of not being a bystander when witnessing injustice.

In Victoria, the program has reached 125,000 students to date, and is also celebrating its recent expansion into adult education, with information sessions currently delivered at the state’s Police Academy.

The initiative falls under the portfolio of activities developed by B’nai B’rith, the oldest and largest international Jewish community service organisation.

While proud of his Greek heritage, being a second generation Kastellorizian, Mr Zervos says that working with an organisation with strong links to the Jewish community sits well with him as the sense of family, honouring history and fellowship reflects his own Greek-Australian values.

For the last 16 years, Mr Zervos has served in leadership roles at Make a Wish Foundation, Allanah and Madeline Foundation and Guide Dogs Victoria, but he is also a qualified CPA with a corporate career.
Determined to put into use the best of both “worlds” – corporate and not-for-profit – his focus will be on strategic direction and raising the profile of the organisation.

“I am confident that by communicating the importance of our work, we will gain support. This will be a real team effort,” he said.