UIA Women’s Division world president’s event
In her first event as KH-UIA International President of Women’s Division Sydney-based Penny Hurst has led an incredible and productive five-day seminar (Mifgash) in Israel.
Judy Stromer Co-Chairman UIA Women’s Division NSW, Vivien Neumann, Penny HurstKeren Hayesod – UIA President International Women’s Division, Zion Karasenti, Bev Michaelis Co-Chairman UIA Women’s Division NSW, Debbie Schaffer Federal President UIA Women’s Division
53 women representing 17 Campaigns gathered together for the Mifgash in the beautiful Elma Hotel and Art Complex in Zichron Yaakov, more special because all three Women’s Division Campaigns of Australia were represented.
During the opening dinner the Mexican Campaign was honoured with a presentation marking their Jubilee year. Special mention was made of the Daniel family as they brought three generations of activists to the event demonstrating their continued dedication to KH-UIA.
On a beautiful warm summer evening in the gardens of the Bible Lands Museum Sydney’s Vivien Neumann received the Kreutner Award pesented to a professional who has shown long and outstanding commitment to Israel and the UIA.
The closing dinner saw a wonderful woman, Dina Nathusius from Guatemala, being honoured with the KH Women’s Division Award of Excellence. This award is presented to a volunteer and recognizes dedication and devotion to the work of KH.
Workshops were held to further the ideals of UIA through improved techniques giving the women the tools to achieve more.
Professionals Dafna Lifshitz and Dr Nitza Heiman-Neuman spoke about projects to the participants.
Bev Michaelis said: “We learned about and met with recipients of our support. We do make a difference! – for many the cycle of poverty and difficulty has been broken and they are now able to become strong members of Israeli society.
The past and the future! Brig Gen Avigdor Kahalani (Res.) together with Col Ruth Mazri (Res.) and Lt Col Oshrat Bacher were in conversation with Yoav Limor and discussed the role of and opportunities for women in the IDF and especially the field of combat.
Gal Aviram presented a session on how to overcome fears which he learned as a Lone Soldier during his IDF training.
Journalist Alon Ben-David gave a clear in-depth analysis of the current political situation in both Israel and across the world and how these issues impact on Israel.
We enjoyed a lesson on wine appreciation at the Binyamina Winery accompanied by an excellent dinner. Of course, in Israel one never goes hungry and this journey was no different! We danced to the music of Pablo Rosenberg and the hora to a violin duet, watched the sun set over the Mediterranean to the sounds of a jazz ensemble and were entertained by a delightful young soprano who is an Oleh Chadasha – a new immigrant.
We visited the Museum of the First Aliyah in Zichron and the home where Sarah Arohnson lived. The history of Har Herzl and the Herzl Museum in Jerusalem held us all enthralled.
In the presence of the wife of the President of the State of Israel, Nechama Rivlin – Maskit, an Israeli fashion label originally created in the 50’s and recreated by the talented Sharon and Nir Tal for today – brought a show of their iconic designs to the North African Cultural Centre.
And then, how appropriate that shortly after the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem and on our last day we were introduced to Zion Karasenty. Zion and his 2 friends were the paratroopers in the famous photo taken by David Rubinger z’l. They were the soldiers who captured the Kotel, the Western Wall, during the 6 Day War. His excitement as he relived the whole experience was palpable. He walked with us following the route they took through the Arab Quarter to reach this sacred place. He told us that Rabbi Goren, the army chaplain blew the shofar and proclaimed ‘it will never again be taken from us!’ Moshe Dayan said ‘I am proud of you boys!’.”
Next year the IWD Day will be held in conjunction with the KH World Conference to honour Yom Hazikaron and to celebrate Yom Haatzmaut – Israel’s 70 birthday. It’s going to be a momentous time to be in Israel and we encourage you to join us.
