UIA campaign events draw 5000 attendees
UIA Australia has hosted almost 5000 attendees across its 2023 Campaign events in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth in support of the People of Israel.
Naftali Bennett in Sydney
Supporters were privileged to hear from the 13th Prime Minister of Israel, Naftali Bennett. This was one of former prime minister Bennett’s first engagements since leaving his Prime Ministerial duties. In addition, Diana Bukhman, who fled from Ukraine and made her way to Israel with the help of Keren Hayesod-UIA, was also an inspirational guest speaker at the events and expressed her gratitude for being able to start her life in Israel anew. The evenings’ festivities were topped off by The IDF Ensemble who created a vibrant ‘ruach’, entertaining supporters with Israeli classics like ‘Ani Noladeti Lashalom’ – I Was Born for Peace.
UIA NSW supporters were treated to an IsraelI-inspired dinner from the UIA Shuk which also offered authentic shuk lollies direct from Israel. UIA VIC and UIA WA hosted a seated event with Israeli-inspired food.
Naftali Bennett in Melbourne with Steven Lowy and John Gandel
Additionally, NSW Young Leadership enjoyed drinks at the Shuk Bar before the evening’s formalities commenced, while VIC Young Leadership had cocktails and canapés before the formalities. In WA, students from Carmel School and AUJS attended what was the largest Jewish event in Perth since COVID.
Mr Bennett also addressed hundreds of students from Jewish day schools across Sydney and Melbourne – an experience that the students are sure to remember for a lifetime.
“I am extremely proud of what UIA has achieved across the country so far this year. As the primary collective fundraising body in our community for the People of Israel, UIA has once again enabled the
Naftali Bennett meets Perth residents
Australian Jewish community to unite and be part of our top-tier events. Our supporters were truly inspired by Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, hearing how their donations have saved lives and were delighted to be entertained by The IDF Ensemble. Mr Bennett spoke to members of our community across Australia, including three schools and five community events and it was wonderful to connect each person with Israel,” UIA Australia President Esther Frenkiel OAM said.
To donate to UIA’s 2023 Campaign, please visit https://uiaaustralia.org.au/donate
