Supporting the children of Israel this Kol Nidre
UIA Victoria is supporting an important project of national priority in Israel for its 2021 Kol Nidre appeal.
The 11-day barrage of over 4,300 rockets and mortars fired into Israel from Gaza earlier this year has left the children of Israel severely traumatised. From Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, to the southern cities of Ashdod, Ashkelon, Be’er Sheva and Gaza border-area-communities, more than one million children were subjected to emergency sirens and incoming rockets. Their sense of security has been shattered. Many remain frightened and continue to suffer.
Their trauma manifests in nightmares, bedwetting, severe anxiety and regressive behaviour. This affects their ability to function normally, which in turn impacts their schooling and social behaviour.
With your dedicated support, Keren Hayesod-UIA has addressed these needs on a daily basis for decades. The recent escalation in the attacks has exacerbated the situation dramatically.
This year’s Kol Nidre appeal, therefore, supports rehabilitation for children suffering from PTSD and gives our community the opportunity to change their lives for the better. Treatment includes art and animal therapy and activities to aid recovery and strengthen resilience.
UIA Victoria President Hayley Southwick said; “the uniqueness of UIA is our ability to answer the immediate needs of the People of Israel. This project has been identified as a national priority of significant importance and scope. UIA Victoria is proud to be raising vital funds for rehabilitation for the children of Israel who are traumatised as a result of the rocket attacks from Gaza earlier this year. The children are Israel’s future and each and every one of us has the ability to shape that future today. Our Kol Nidre appeal has a long and established history and we hope that our community will once again embrace it and support it wholeheartedly.”
We thank our Rabbis and shule presidents for their support in endorsing this appeal. UIA Victoria CEO Jeff Feldman also added that: “We are exceptionally pleased at the continuing cooperation with the Union of Progressive Judaism and Progressive Judaism Victoria, which are supporting our Kol Nidre appeal. I am so pleased that we can present a united community for this important cause. It speaks volumes for the role that UIA plays in our community, and to work collaboratively with the entire Jewish community is very exciting. This is a major milestone in presenting Victorian Jewry as one community.”
Unlike previous years, our Kol Nidre appeal will not be the traditional pledge card on shule seats due to the uncertainty with Covid restrictions on religious services. Instead, this appeal will be run across multiple platforms over a longer period (from before Rosh Hashana until Simchat Torah) giving the community more time to support it. All donations can be made online and 100% of the proceeds will be remitted to this important project.
Please consider your commitment to Israel’s future – the children of Israel.
For more information or to make a donation call 9272 5533 or visit kn.uiavic.org/21
