Ordinary Israelis with extraordinary stories at UIA Gala events

Between Sydney, Melbourne and Perth events, around 6000 attendees gathered to raise funds and show support and solidarity for the People of Israel.

Guests heard from Miri Ben Shitrit, a mentor at the UIA-supported Youth Futures program, who transformed hardship into strength. Miri shared the impact of a role model on a child, emphasising that “all a person needs is one adult to believe in them.” She recounted how her own journey shaped her mission to uplift and protect vulnerable youth in Israel, ensuring no child is unseen or unheard.

In Melbourne and Sydney, guests heard from Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Jon Polin, the parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin z”l, who was taken as a hostage on October 7 and then murdered by his captors 328 days later. Rachel told the audience how he was both “an incredibly active listener” and the “epitome of respectful,” describing how Hersh would always offer to carry her handbag, the heavier the better and how even after he stopped keeping Shabbat, he kept attending services early on Saturday mornings so that his “Abba (father) didn’t need to sit alone.” Rachel then went on to describe, in heartfelt detail, the process of burying her son. Even in doing so it became clear to all who were there to witness, why Rachel has become a symbol of hope and positivity in the face of unimaginable adversity for Jews both in Israel and abroad. She described her “sweet boy’s” funeral in Jerusalem as “a true privilege” and one that “every family deserves.”

Jon added, “I draw pride from the fact that we, as a nation, have the courage and the confidence that we can release 602 prisoners in exchange for 4 dead bodies because those families all deserve the privilege and closure of the burial that we have had.” He continued that, “we must prioritize bringing home the 63 hostages still in captivity. There is no greater urgency than saving those that are still alive and bringing back our dead for burial.” His words underscored the critical mission ahead and the need for unwavering global advocacy as well as how each of our actions is perceived by those outside of our community. “I have heard from people both in the Biden administration and more recently in the Trump administration that they are amazed at the lengths that our people are willing to go to just to bring back the bodies of our people for burial.”

Both Jon and Rachel shared details of their unimaginable grief and yet their choice to move forward with hope, “Jon and I are trying very hard to be honest with ourselves. Although we are very broken right now and understand that the weight of our loss will never get lighter, I believe that I can get stronger to carry it.”

Rachel’s closing words were a call to action, urging diaspora Jewry to remember our mission of supporting the People of Israel as they move from the deepest of grief to a future built on light and prosperity.  “You have done so much already”, she said. “I know you are feeling exhausted but what I just want to say to you, my friends, is that there is light ahead. Please keep going towards that light.” Rachel’s unwavering faith in humanity and hope resonated deeply with all who listened.

Jon took a moment to thank UIA supporters saying, “I think that it may be that you impact two million lives directly through [UIA-supported projects] like absorption centres, aged care, mental rehabilitation centres, et cetera. But I think the ripple effect in Israel is way beyond those two million. So, thank you for all that you do. Thank you for all that you’ve done for the hostage families and us and thank you for being here tonight.”

In Perth, guests heard from former Ambassador to the US Michael Oren. He explained his optimism for the future of Israel and the Jewish world but expressed the reality that getting to a better future will be painful and requires much heartache potentially. But in the end he sees a bright future including with Israel’s Arab neighbours.

UIA Australia CEO Yair Miller said, “There is nothing more important for us to be doing at this moment than supporting the people of Israel in their greatest time of need. Our community responded magnificently to show solidarity and unity and as all our incredible guests said clearly – we do not have the luxury of diminishing all forms of support for The People of Israel – spiritual, political and financial. The impact of UIA across the length and breadth of Israel and the Jewish world was clear to each of us and our unique role was emphasised.”

As the events came to a close, the voices of the Ibim-Lev Ofir Choir – a remarkable group of Ethiopian Israeli children from the Ibim Absorption Centre – performed ‘Hatikvah,’ a moving tribute to the unbreakable spirit of the Jewish people.

The call to action of the UIA 2025 Campaign remains clear: to continue supporting Israel on a national scale, standing by those in need, and ensuring that hope is never lost.

Even if you were not able to join us for these events, you can still join us in making a national impact by donating to our 2025 Campaign. Donations go towards each of our nationally- recognised programs Visit uiaaustralia.org.au/donate.