David Cameron in Sydney for UIA
Over 1500, including politicians and former prime minister Tony Abbott, gathered to support Keren Hayesod-UIA’s annual fundraiser in Sydney. Keynote speaker, former British prime minister David Cameron did not disappoint while Israeli Nataly Zagaya gave a most moving presentation.
David Cameron
Cameron spoke with passion on a wide range of topics. When he visited Israel as Prime Minister in 2014 he had been astounded by how small and narrow the country was and how much had been achieved.
Cameron, who has described himself as a Zionist, is alarmed by the virulent antisemitism and anti-Israel bias of the UK’s Labour Party and said that antisemitism in all its forms must not be allowed to flourish.
Zagaya is the daughter of Ethiopian parents who made the dangerous journey from their homeland to Sudan and were brought to Israel as part of Operation Moses in 1984.
Her family settled in Be’er Sheva where she was born. The young woman emphasised how important the Net@ program has been to her life, enabling her to gain skills which gave her opportunities for advancement during her Army service. She said that was “very grateful” for the start she got through Net@ and is now a mentor with the program.
The Net@ after-school program empowers disadvantaged high school students from Israel’s geographic and socio-economic periphery through technology education. The program provides advanced technological skills, instils communal responsibility and leadership training.
David Koschitzky, Chairman, Keren Hayesod-UIA World Board of Trustees reinforced the importance of the Diaspora’s continuous support of Israel and its prosperity and security, and how we cannot take Israel for granted.
UIA NSW President Andrew Boyarsky said that UIA will ensure continued long-term support for the many programs and people supported every day across Israel.
“It is this support that demonstrates our commitment to Jewish continuity, and appreciation and acknowledgement of the sacrifices our Israeli brothers and sisters make on our behalf, defending our right to exist as the Jewish people in the world. For this we can be immensely proud” he said.
Photos: Giselle Haber
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