5 minute read
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 info@ uiavic.org or call Minette on 9272-5533.
The mental health challenge
DANIEL RABIN SENIOR RABBI CAULFIELD SHULE
We were privileged to recently host Nadav Ellinson at Caulfield Shule for a talk titled "Mental Health and Halacha: A modern dynamic that is changing lives". Nadav is a co-founder of Israelbased Maaglei Nefesh, the Institute for Mental Health and Judaism. Maaglei Nefesh provides Jewish community leaders with training on how to apply Jewish law to mental health in a sensitive, empathetic and collaborative manner. Additionally, it provides support for those suffering from mental health, as well as raising awareness and reducing the stigma associated with mental illnesses.
Nadav shared a number of anecdotes about people the organisation helped and many of those stories were similar to my own experience as a community rabbi. COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the mental health of the community in general and youth in particular. Unfortunately, it continues to have a significant impact. My recent meeting with an adolescent psychologist revealed how he is backto-back with appointments and he was not optimistic that this would ease any time soon. Despite the significant advances we have made in this space, both in the services available for mental health and in combating the stigma surrounding mental illness, there still remains much to be done.
As well as highlighting the significant work needed to help those that require mental health assistance, Nadav's talk brought light to an issue that is often ignored or not even recognised.
I completed my Masters Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy in 2015. My thesis project for the Master's program examined the effects of rabbis' ministry on their mental health. I discovered that many of the professions at the forefront of combating mental illness and caring for others – such as nurses, police officers and psychologists – are susceptible to mental illness themselves. With clergy from other faith groups the impact of their work on their mental wellbeing has been well researched. It reveals burnout, compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma and many other problems. It has shown the need for ongoing supervision, exercise, holidays, caseload management and other strategies to prevent these risks. Mental wellbeing is now regarded as a standard practice in many of these professions.
As a Victoria Police chaplain, I am continually pleased and impressed by how much emphasis is placed on the mental health and wellbeing of Victoria's finest. Many senior police officers have told me that this was not the case when they were younger officers. There is a whole department dedicated to wellbeing. There was a great deal of taboo surrounding these topics and they were pleased that there had been a shift in thinking. Although there are still many who are uncomfortable with discussing these matters, the fact that this is now in place is encouraging.
In the past, my father z"l, who worked as a physician for more than 40 years, told me that doctors never talked about their mental health with their peers. Nor did they acknowledge that they were
