A Century of support for the People of Israel
In 2020, Keren Hayesod – UIA will celebrate its centennial – 100 years For the People of Israel.
We acknowledge the incredible momentum building as we near this full century of being partners in Israel’s growth and progress. Since our establishment in 1920, our work has been centred on supporting, nurturing, empowering and strengthening the People of Israel.
Keren Hayesod (KH) translates as ‘The Foundation Fund’ and encapsulates our work as the official fundraising arm for the People of Israel. Established in London in 1920, Keren Hayesod – UIA became one of the most recognised national institutions following the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. The creation of the KH Law in 1956 in the Knesset recognised this unique status. More than 60 campaigns in 47 countries operate globally to advance the national priorities of the Jewish people in order to strengthen Israeli society. In close cooperation with the Government of Israel and The Jewish Agency for Israel, we ascertain what these priorities are and identify opportunities at a national, Jewish and strategic level.
Our projects directly assist the needs of the People of Israel – from youth-at-risk to sheltered housing for the elderly to new immigrants. We remain active in many fields spanning health, education, culture and welfare on the periphery as we seek to provide long term tools and solutions to ensure that everyone can be part of this success story and miracle. Since 1948, we have assisted in the Aliyah of over 3.5 million Olim and supported their absorption and integration into Israeli society. This has been done through Ulpan classes, professional guidance and the provision of the tools necessary for them to build meaningful lives in the Jewish homeland.
We funded the establishment of more than 900 communities in Israel and the creation of El Al, Zim, the Israel Electric Company, the Philharmonic Orchestra, Bezalel and others. In the 1970s, we assisted in the rehabilitation of more than 100 neighbourhoods and in the 1980s and 1990s, we focused on the immigration and absorption of hundreds of thousands of Ethiopian immigrants. With the final collapse of the Soviet Union, some 1 million Jews immigrated to Israel during this decade thanks to Keren Hayesod- UIA donors. We have also continued to fund dozens of special campaigns to support the People of Israel during times of unrest. Some of the many projects which support our mission include Amigour housing assistance for Holocaust survivors, Educational Youth Villages and Youth Futures for youth at risk, Net@ for advancing technological skills for those living on the periphery and assisting lone soldiers. In the last two decades, with the peak of the ‘start-up nation’, Aliyah and absorption has remained vital for Keren Hayesod – UIA. However, new social, revolutionary projects have been developed in response to the needs of the periphery to close social and educational gaps.
At our core, Keren Hayesod- UIA is about a commitment to the People of Israel, the realisation of the Zionist vision of creating a Jewish homeland and the value of mutual responsibility among the Jewish people. We guarantee effective, high impact Israel-oriented philanthropy, based on professional knowledge, experience, transparency and a fiduciary responsibility towards our donors. Given that we were established nearly 100 years ago (prior to the establishment of the State of Israel) and played a major part in realising the Zionist vision, we have been at the forefront of building the country since 1948. Our work is deeply rooted in the story of the Jewish people in modern times. Keren Hayesod- UIA represents a powerful worldwide network of mutual support, connecting all Jews and Friends of Israel, wherever they are in the world. Our donors, leaders, professionals and beneficiaries are all members of the Keren Hayesod-UIA family. Our vision enables donors to play a meaningful role in creating a better future for the People of Israel.
Finally, we enable our donors to make a real impact in creating lasting and meaningful change. Through our selection of strategic partners and projects and careful process of execution, Keren Hayesod-UIA has always maintained the highest degree of relevance to address the most important needs of the People of Israel.
Ensure you are part of the KH-UIA success story for 2020 and beyond by connecting to Israel through UIA. For more information and announcements on our 2020 Campaign events in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane follow UIA on Facebook at facebook.com/uiaaus or visit uiaaustralia.org.au
UIA editorial
