UIA says thank you
The United Israel Appeal Victoria has held its annual Volunteers Thank You Dinner for 120 guests.
Rowan Dean and Hayley Southwick Pic: Peter Haskin
UIA is a volunteer-based campaign and without the dedication and support of its wonderful volunteers, it would be unable to succeed in raising funds for vital social welfare projects in Israel.
The evening was an opportunity to come together following the first half of the busy campaign season and acknowledge the incredible work and dedication of our volunteers to the organisation. At the UIA, volunteers come in many forms – whether it be lay leaders sitting on an executive, canvassers, table captains or office administration assistants, each person plays a vital role in ensuring that our organisation runs successfully together with the support of our dedicated professional team.
Guests were heard from Rowan Dean – Editor, columnist, satirist and TV host who is a very strong supporter of the State of Israel. In fact, he has been one of the media’s most outspoken critics of the BDS movement and the rise worldwide of antisemitism. He is a graduate of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies Journalists Study Mission to Israel. Rowan spoke thoroughly on the concerning rise of antisemitism in the world attributing this to a number of influences. He spoke about the importance of calling out antisemitism and that this responsibility lies within the Jewish community and the wider community too.
The evening paid tribute to some of our dedicated volunteers who have given many years of service across a range of areas.
A spokesperson said: “Kol Hakavod to Ella Gorenstein, Lindy Spicer, Diane Rose, Philippa Seidel and Jainie Mills. An appreciation award was also presented to Justine Kuran who annually donates many pieces of her handcrafted artwork as gifts for our speakers, including one which was presented to Rowan Dean.”
UIA Victoria President Hayley Southwick said, “The unpredictable global landscape and increasing pressures of life in Israel makes the UIA’s work exponentially more important. At the core of the UIA, is a long and valued history based on transparency, experience in delivering high impact Israel oriented philanthropy, trust, professionalism, efficiency, vision, impactful and meaningful change and a strategic outlook. As we enter our centennial celebrations, even 100 years on, we maintain relevance in our ability to strengthen, empower, and nurture the People of Israel. I feel proud to lead this organisation and that you are all a part of the UIA family.
We thank everyone who joined us on the night and especially the support of our event sponsors Roquette Catering, Sodastream, Flexed, Serene Kovacs Flowers, Justine Kuran and 424 Below Sea Level who ensured the night was a great success. UIA thanks its dedicated volunteer base and encourages anyone else who is seeking a volunteering experience to contact our office on 1300 ISRAEL (1300 477 235).”
