UIA’s Melbourne Major Event
Over 800 United Israel Appeal supporters gathered on Wednesday evening at The Peninsula in the Docklands to hear from international guests Former U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman and Former IDF Helicopter Pilot and gold medal Paralympian Noam Gershony. Guests were also honoured to be in the presence of Gilad Shalit who made a grand entrance following a highly emotional video capturing imagery from his release.[rss-cut]
Gilad Shalit is made welcome
Former U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman All Photos: Peter Haskin
Lieberman spoke of the US and Israel relationship and the Iranian threat. He highlighted that the Iranian threat will be the defining element of Obama’s presidency in the outcome of what course of action is taken on this matter. He commended both Gershony and Schalit for their enormous sacrifice for the State of Israel and emphasised the Diaspora’s responsibility for Jewish people across the world to support Israel and not take the “miracle” of Israel for granted.
Gershony gave an emotive account of the Apache attack helicopter crash which results in his injuries and the tragically took the life of his co-pilot in 2006. In a humble and humorous manner, Gershony discussed the immense pride he felt as the Hatikvah was played as he was awarded his gold medal at the London Paralympics in 2012. He described himself as “just another regular Israeli. All I have now is a gold necklace bigger than all of yours.” Gershony paid tribute to UIA who he says “helps some of the most important Israelis. Olim starting a new life. Youth at risk in the need of a new direction. Senior citizens who were once pioneers of our great country who have since been forgotten and more. The UIA helps keep the Jewish State and the Jewish people alive.”
Guests also heard from UIA Victoria President Shlomo Werdiger, Phillip Kingston (who MC’d the evening) and were entertained by the Leibler Yavneh College A Capella School Choir. The event was a wonderful affirmation of the strength and unity of our Jewish community.
Noam Gershony
Yavneh Choir
