ISRAEL THE UIA WAY

AROUND THE COMMUNITY

UIA

UIA was excited to relaunch its Israel missions in celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut. Participants took off on a journey of a lifetime in May, absorbing themselves in the Israel experience. That entailed its culture, history, security, innovation, creativity and cuisine, as well as witnessing UIA’s lifesaving work.

The mission included visits to Tel Nof Airforce Base, incorporating a full display of the might of the Israeli Air Force, the Seam Line, Ammunition Hill and Yad Vashem. There were trips to Menachem Begin Heritage Centre, Peres Centre for Israeli Innovation, Mahane Yehuda Market and visits to the Gazan, Syrian and Lebanese borders. A highlight was an inspection of an IDF tank base in the Golan Heights, where participants could climb inside an operational Merkava IV tank. There was also a tour of the Kotel Tunnels, the benefit of authentic Druze hospitality and viewing of the Tower of David’s light and sound King David Show.

Mission participants heard from high calibre speakers in the fields of politics, security, culture and business. They included Gil Hoffman, chief political correspondent at The Jerusalem Post and Avi Melamed, a Middle East geopolitical intelligence analyst. Gadi Ezra, the director of public diplomacy in the Prime Minister’s office also spoke to them.

Those involved also saw the impact of UIA’s support for People of Israel. They visited various projects, including an Absorption Centre for Ethiopian Olim in Safed, Youth Futures in Kiryat Shmoneh, Net@ in Kfar Saba and the Hadassah Neurim Youth Village.

Elliott Kaplan said: “The mission has been incredible … the emotional sadness of Yom HaZikaron, followed by the emotional highs of Yom Ha’atzmaut, as we feasted and danced. We visited strategic border sites and military installations with highly regarded and knowledgeable speakers giving us insights into the security issues facing Israel. We dined with soldiers and heard their stories. We spent time at an Ethiopian Absorption Centre and at a school where children in need are matched with amazing mentors. We viewed agricultural innovation on kibbutzim, received political insights from a leading journalist and heard the heart-wrenching stories from recent Ukrainian war refugees taken in by Israel. These experiences have left an indelible impression. Add to that 5-star accommodation and amazing meals to boot.”

Another mission participant Evie Gareb said: “If you have ever considered participating in a UIA mission, think quite seriously about it now – do not put it off. We had heard how fantastic it was, but it is so much more than we could ever have dreamed of. I strongly suggest you undertake a UIA mission to get to know and experience Israel in a way you wouldn’t if you came on your own.”

UIA Australia/NSW CEO Yair Miller OAM said: “It has been highly emotional returning to Israel. Sometimes it takes a break for you to truly appreciate what you have missed. Participating in a UIA mission is a unique experience, with each one being so enriching and enthralling. UIA missions are an incredible way to reconnect to our homeland.”

UIA VIC CEO Jeff Feldman said: “I have been on tours in Israel before. The access to people and places, and insights provided by the speakers is something that can’t be replicated. The mission provides a look at Israel from the perspective of informed and knowledgeable insiders. The visits to our projects reveals the life-changing work that is supported by our donors.”

Planning is underway for UIA’s next mission from 25th October to 3rd November, 2022 and the organisation is seeking expressions of interest.

Experience Israel the UIA way

Recent participants in UIA’s Israel mission

For more information, visit www. uiaaustralia.org.au, email missions@ uiansw.org.au or call Philippa on 9361-4273.

If you can, we can

JCA

With JCA’s 2022 campaign underway, CEO Alain Hasson is optimistic about the future and the anticipated support the organisation will receive from the Jewish community.

“Our future is bright – with objectives to ‘inspire, cultivate, enable, develop and innovate’, we are well positioned to plan for successful outcomes.

“Operating with a new strategic plan, we will be growing our number of donors, hoping to reach 5,000 by 2025.

While I know not everyone has the capacity to give large amounts, every contribution counts and means a great deal.”

JCA has a campaign target of $15 million this year. The money raised will fund programs and services provided by its 25 supported organisations.

Covering aged and community care, Jewish education, history, Holocaust and heritage, culture, engagement and outreach and advocacy and security, there are few in our local Jewish community that a JCA organisation won’t impact at some point in their lives.

Last year COA delivered 40,000 freshly cooked Kosher Meals on Wheels.

Sydney Jewish Museum educated 20,000 students (online and in-person) about the Holocaust and its relevance today.

CSG NSW volunteers dedicating more than 16,000 hours to communal events and security operations.

It is also important to acknowledge and show gratitude to those that deliver the services and programs.

One of JCA’s key values is kavod. “We honour, respect and take pride in helping to ensure the continuity of the values, culture and traditions of our local Jewish community,” Hasson said.

“This only happens when we create initiatives and symbiotic programs that enhance understanding of JCA and its supported organisations that work together to ensure we all thrive.

“Our promise is to always look after the best interests of our community. Our campaign slogan this year – if you can, we can – encapsulates our belief in the growth and prosperity of our supported organisations.”

For the People of Israel