J-AIR’s committee of management (board) comprises a team of people who bring a variety of experience to help drive the strategic direction of J-AIR.
Robert Bontschek, Founder
Robert Bontschek started J-AIR 88FM in 2014, fulfilling a career-long ambition. Before moving into radio, Robert ran a professional audio company for 30 years. He was also involved in projects like rebuilding the audio control systems for the House of Representatives and the Senate of the Federal Government to installing Gilat Satellite Networks’ first Visat systems in Telstra’s Bendigo earth station.
Jim Cyngler OAM, President
Jim Cyngler joined the J-AIR board in 2020. Jim is a senior conflict resolution professional, recognised as an industry leader, innovator, mentor and public speaker. He is an advanced practitioner and trainer, building key leadership skills and capacities to manage, engage and transform conflict in commercial, community and government agencies. Financially literate, he is a member of the legal profession and used to working in multi-discipline, complex and highly regulated not-for-profit and commercial environments.
Michael Schonfeld, Chairman
Michael Schonfeld is a Member and Fellow of the Chartered Accountants of Australia and New Zealand with over 40 years’ experience specialising in advising high net worth families and groups.
Sean Meltzer, Co-President
Sean Meltzer is the current Co-President of J-AIR and has worked with the station since it commenced transmission over ten years ago. Sean’s career in television started in the late 1970s and he has worked in the Melbourne television and feature film production industry ever since. Sean also started the La Trobe University radio station in 1978 and has provided strategic management and mentoring in the establishment and operations of J-AIR. Sean is the former CEO of post-production company in Port Melbourne, Roar Digital, and has 30 years of production experience in corporate video and television production.
Barry Singer, Treasurer
Barry Singer has lived in Melbourne since 1956 and was admitted as a chartered accountant in Australia in March 1977. Barry has experience as a tax agent specialising in small business advice and retired from public practice in 2017. Barry is honoured to be able to give back to the community by accepting the task of treasurer for J-AIR as it moves into new ventures.
Gary Max, Secretary
Gary Max comes from a career in corporate communications and has been involved with a number of community organisations including Maccabi, Beit Rafael and Brighton Shule. Gary is also a J-AIR Presenter and hosts Talking to the Max on Wednesdays 9am.
Amit Rehak, Head of Station Engineering
Amit Rehak has been with J-AIR since its inception in 2014. Amit has over a decade of experience in the multimedia, TV, and radio industries and specialises in creating impactful, visual and audio content that engages diverse audiences. Amit’s highlights include producing weekly TV programs, managing communication strategies for SBS radio, and being part of the establishment of J-AIR. Amit also co-hosts a show The Hebrew Brothers, Tuesdays 6pm.
Dahlia D’Onghia, Volunteers Co-ordinator
Dahlia D’Onghia has a Bachelor in Psychology and Journalism and a Masters of Global Media Communication and has experience working in community radio stations in Australia and England. Dahlia is also a musician and is passionate about creating a strong voice for the Jewish community. Dahlia hosts two shows on J-AIR. Personality Crisis: The Jewish Rebels of Rock ‘N’ Roll, Wednesdays 7pm and The Dignity of Difference, Sundays 5pm.
Marshall Segan, Board Member
Philip Zajac, Board Member
Philip Zajac is deeply involved in the Jewish community, organisations and charities. He is currently the President of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria.