UIA Australia leadership transition as Esther Frenkiel concludes four-year term

United Israel Appeal Australia has praised Esther Frenkiel as she concluded her four-year term as Federal President, and welcomed Andrew Boyarsky as her successor.

Esther’s involvement with UIA spans decades, beginning in 1997 and including major leadership roles such as Chair of the Victorian Women’s Division, Chair of the Victorian Campaign, and, ultimately, Federal President since 2021. Throughout this time, she has been regarded as a leader who “led not just with her words but with her actions,” embodying the values at the heart of UIA’s mission.

In her final address at the UIA Victoria AGM earlier this month, Esther reflected on what she described as “both a privilege and a profound responsibility” after leading UIA through one of the most challenging periods in recent memory. The aftermath of October 7, she said, transformed the nature and urgency of UIA’s work. “We mobilised as one, across states, teams and generations to stand with Israel when it mattered most,” she noted, praising the organisation’s swift and coordinated response.

Having visited Israel six times since the attack, Esther recounted meeting families, touring projects and witnessing firsthand how Australian support was reaching those in need. “Our community’s generosity changes real lives – people with stories, not just numbers,” she said. She expressed deep appreciation for the dedication of state presidents, professional teams, federal leadership and shlichim, as well as the resilience and unwavering generosity of UIA donors nationwide.

Although stepping down from her formal Executive role, Esther made clear that her commitment to UIA remains steadfast. She will continue her involvement as a Life President and as a member of the Board of Governors, ensuring her voice and experience continue to help guide the organisation.

Incoming President Andrew Boyarsky is no stranger to UIA. Taking up the role in December, Andrew brings extensive communal experience, strategic insight and a strong commitment to strengthening UIA nationally.

A structural engineer and Managing Director of Anka Property Group, Andrew has long been active in the Jewish and wider philanthropic sectors. He is the Immediate Past President of UIA NSW and Co-Founder and Co-Chair of The Choice Foundation, which focuses on disability inclusion and mental health. His involvement across the arts, education, medical research, and Jewish communal organisations reflects a deep and broad commitment to community building.

When asked to reflect on this new role, Andrew acknowledged the extraordinary challenges Israel continues to face and paid tribute to Esther’s leadership during such a defining era. He emphasised his intention to build on the foundation she established, stating his priorities are to strengthen cooperation across state leadership, enhance national communications and donor engagement, further integrate financial and management systems, and ensure UIA continues to connect Australian supporters with the People of Israel meaningfully.

He noted, “There has never been a more important time to strengthen our bond with Israel and to give material assistance to the rebuilding of the home of the Jewish People.”

UIA Australia extends its heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Esther for her decades of leadership and the strength, compassion and clarity she brought to the role. With Andrew stepping into the presidency, the organisation enters a new chapter with a renewed focus on unity, strategy and community connection – all grounded in the shared mission of supporting the People of Israel.