Celebrating 75 years of Israel, with KH-UIA by her side

It is with pride, joy and gratitude that UIA reflects upon the past 75 years of Israel’s existence. 75 years of building infrastructure, providing housing and jobs. 75 years of establishing education and healthcare systems, airlines and many other institutions that have become the backbone of Israeli society as we know today. 75 years of rescuing Jews from the threats they faced anywhere in the world and absorbing them. 75 years of growth and development, all of which has been achieved with Keren HayesodUIA (KH-UIA) in lock step.

While the miracle that is the State of Israel may have been declared in 1948, the work to establish a recognised Jewish Homeland began decades earlier. Mandatory Palestine of 1920 was a backward, desolate place. Jews were desperately trying to make a living, while defending themselves against a violent Arab population. The situation of world Jewry was also dire.

KH-UIA embarked on a mission of national revival, the likes of which had not been undertaken in 2,500 years. Yet the challenge of creating a sovereign state out of nothing and the sheer scope of this venture were mind-boggling. KHUIA brought and resettled hundreds of thousands of immigrants and created physical, social and educational infrastructures for the state in progress.

By 1948, a Jewish state was no longer a utopian dream. Yet, tiny newborn Israel, which lost one per cent of its population in the War of Independence, faced the huge task of absorbing Holocaust survivors and refugees from Arab countries.

From its inception, the organisation’s mission was mutual responsibility and support for the People of Israel. With