For the people of Israel at UIA NSW 2020 Gala & Centenary Celebration
UIA NSW hosted over 2000 Sydney supporters at its 2020 General Division Gala Event and Centenary Celebration on Sunday 23 February with Guest of Honour, President Reuven Rivlin and Israeli musical artist, Idan Raichel.
President Rivlin addresses 2000 UIA supporters Photo: Koby Gideon/GPO
President Rivlin expressed his gratitude towards UIA and the Australian Jewish community: “You are our partners, our family abroad. As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of Keren Hayesod[-UIA], I wish us all many more years of Zionism, of realising the idea of solidarity, of embodying the saying all the Jewish People are responsible for one another.”
The Australian Jewish community is a model for Jewish communities around the world. In a few generations, you have made far-reaching contributions to Australian society while passing on your love for Israel from generation to generation. In the name of the State of Israel, I want to thank you. Thank you for your love for Israel. Thank you for your support for the Australia-Israel relationship. Thank you for your support for Keren Hayesod. We deeply appreciate it. And I know that we can count on you as we continue to build the incredible miracle of modern Israel.”
The Australian Jewish community is a model for Jewish communities around the world. In a few generations, you have made far-reaching contributions to Australian society while passing on your love for Israel from generation to generation. In the name of the State of Israel, I want to thank you. Thank you for your love for Israel. Thank you for your support for the Australia-Israel relationship. Thank you for your support for Keren Hayesod[-UIA]. We deeply appreciate it. And I know that we can count on you as we continue to build the incredible miracle of modern Israel.”
Idan Raichel entertained supporters with a variety of his much-loved hits including ‘Mimaamakim’ and ‘Bo’i’.
Chairman Keren Hayesod-UIA World Board of Trustees Steven Lowy and World Chairman Keren Hayesod-UIA Sam Grundwerg made a special presentation to President Rivlin of a copy of the first KH-UIA manifest published around the world to mark the organisation’s centenary. Created on 23 December 1920, the manifest was signed by key dignitaries including Haim Weitzman – Israel’s first President and Zeev Jabotinsky – the Founder of Betar.
President Reuven Rivlin, Steven Lowy and Sam Grundwerg Photo: Koby Gideon/GPO
“With thanks to everyone here in this room, this spirit will continue to inform the worldwide Keren Hayesod-UIA family for the next 100 years, as we continue to address contemporary challenges and strengthen the State of Israel as a haven of safety for Jews the world over. And as the world once again bears witness to a resurgence of Anti-Semitism, we must remember our insurance policy – Israel. And with any insurance policy, we must continue to invest in it, ensuring its strength and vitality. And if not us, who will? Because with your support, Keren Hayesod – UIA will continue to be there ‘For the People of Israel’,” UIA NSW President Andrew Boyarsky said.
Chairman of the KH-UIA World Board of Trustees, Steven Lowy said: “Thanks to Keren Hayesod and the Jews of the world, my father Frank Lowy was saved from Europe after the war and took his place in Israeli society. Keren Hayesod has over 60 national appeals around the world in 22 time zones and speaking nine languages. It has played a critical role in the history of Israel. We are celebrating its centenary and I promise that it will continue to be relevant and meaningful for Israeli society and the global Jewish community, just as it has been in its first hundred years.”
Sam Grundwerg added: ““The aim of KH-UIA is to strengthen the State of Israel and the Jewish people, together with our friends around the world. The Australian Jewish community has a significant part to play in this mission. In its first hundred years, KH-UIA worked to build the country. IN the coming years, it will work to ensure that Israel continues to flourish.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison sent greetings for UIA’s centenary via a video message.
Numerous members of Parliament attended the Gala, as well as a high-level Israeli business delegation accompanying President Rivlin.
UIA NSW was proud to offer a more inclusive environment once again, in order to make the Gala more accommodating and enable all members of the community to attend and connect to Israel through the UIA. With guidance from Sydney Friendship Circle, various offerings included live closed captioning of the speeches to support those with hearing impairments and designated seating to accommodate those with physical disabilities.
UIA’s 2020 Campaign is once again focused on providing support for the People of Israel.
To book for UIA NSW’s other Campaign events, visit www.uiaaustralia.org.au/our-events/nsw
Follow UIA on Facebook for updates on our 2019 Campaign: facebook.com/uiaaus
