Centenary celebrations for the People of Israel at UIA Victoria 2020 Gala
UIA Victoria hosted 1,800 Melbourne supporters at its 2020 Gala Event this week with Guest of Honour, President Reuven Rivlin and renowned Israeli musical artist, Idan Raichel.
President Reuven Rivlin addresses the UIA Melbourne event
President Rivlin expressed his gratitude towards UIA and the Australian Jewish community: “You are our partners, our family abroad. As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of Keren Hayesod[-UIA], I wish us all many more years of Zionism, of realising the idea of solidarity, of embodying the saying all the Jewish People are responsible for one another.”
“The Australian Jewish community is a model for Jewish communities around the world. In a few generations, you have made far-reaching contributions to Australian society while passing on your love for Israel from generation to generation. In the name of the State of Israel, I want to thank you. Thank you for your love for Israel. Thank you for your support for the Australia-Israel relationship. Thank you for your support for Keren Hayesod[-UIA]. We deeply appreciate it. And I know that we can count on you as we continue to build the incredible miracle of modern Israel.”
Idan Raichel entertained supporters with a variety of his much-loved hits including ‘Mimaamakim’
and ‘Bo’i’.
UIA Victoria President, Hayley Southwick took the audience on a journey of 100 years, identifying that, “there was barely an aspect of Israeli life that we [Keren Hayesod-UIA] haven’t been involved in. The inventiveness and creativity that characterises this young country has made it a global leader in security, agriculture, science, technology, medicine and many more fields. All these achievements were made possible with the help of Keren Hayesod-UIA donors, which serves as a bridge linking world Jewry and the State of Israel.”
Furthermore, when discussing the immense challenges, Hayley attested to ensuring that the money was going to where it is needed most by, “[I] often visiting these projects. I can personally attest to having spoken to [these] people – it is both heart-warming and validating to see the direct impact of the Victorian communities support.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison sent greetings for UIA’s centenary via a video message. The evening also included addresses and endorsements from the Governor of Victoria Linda Dessau, World Chairman of KH-UIA Sam Grundwerg, Chairman of the World Board of Trustees Steven Lowy, Chairman of Gandel Philanthropy and our patron John Gandel and President of the Zionist Federation of Australia Jeremy Leibler. The evening was MC’d by the UIA Women’s Division Co-chairs Amanda Jolson, Elissa Sharp and Ashleigh Pyke.
In honour of the centennial, UIA Victoria changed the format of their Gala event for the first time, enabling a larger contingent of the community to have access to see The President of Israel as it was his only Melbourne public appearance.
UIA’s 2020 Campaign is once again focusing on providing support for the People of Israel.
To book for UIA VIC’s other Campaign events, visit www.uiaaustralia.org.au/our-events/vic
Follow UIA on Facebook for updates on our 2019 Campaign: facebook.com/uiaaus
