UIAx 2021 Gala Event: For the People of Israel
Ten of the most talented, significant and influential speakers, including Dan Ariely, Tzipi Livni, Moshe ‘Bogie’ Ya’Alon and Gabi Barbash, were streamed live from Israel at UIA’s 2021 Gala Event – UIAx – an in-person and online event like no other in the past.
Andrew Boyarsky, Jasmine Malul, Caroline Bolot, Yair Miller
On February 23, the first major community event anywhere in Australia to successfully adopt a fully hybrid approach, which gave supporters the opportunity to physically participate in the event at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, or share in the experience online from Melbourne, Brisbane and beyond, meant that everyone could unite to support the People of Israel and feel part of the global UIA family.
While ensuring that thousands of homes were able to connect to the event online was no small endeavour, it was important that 2021 would not be an exception in what has come to be expected of the UIA annual Gala. While pertaining to COVID-19 protocols, UIA NSW, UIA VIC and UIA QLD hosted a stellar night of informative and entertaining panel discussions. In Sydney, this was complemented by a light dinner and vibrant atmosphere thanks to renowned local musician, Ilan Kidron.
UIA CEO Yair Miller said: “With a range of panel discussions and speakers to choose from, this unparalleled concept and innovative experience meant that every member of our community could be included and catered for, which was of the utmost importance to us in these unusual, unprecedented times.”
The panel discussion topics included Abraham Accords and Anti-Semitism in the Arab World; Futurism in the post-COVID world, Culinary, Israeli Politics and Israeli Security. The discussion moderators included UIA CEO Yair Miller, co-author of the Monday Morning Cooking Club Lisa Goldberg and ZFA President Jeremy Leibler.
“In order to be realistic in Israel, one has to believe in miracles,” said Moshe ‘Bogie’ Ya’Alon, Former Defence Minister of Israel and speaker at the event. “And Israel is a miracle. It consists of many Israels; many Jewish people all over the world who are committed to the State of Israel. And with the number of files being opened for potential new Olim at the highest it has been since the Soviet influx of the ’90s, this commitment to the State of Israel and the support provided by the UIA is more crucial for the People of Israel than ever before.”
“We will continue our unwavering partnership, ensuring we empower and strengthen those on Israel’s periphery and the tens of thousands who will make Aliyah this year and fulfil the Zionist dream,” said the opening speaker for each panel discussion.
As Marcus Sheff, CEO of IMPACT-se, Former Political Reporter and guest speaker said: “this Australian Jewish community is known worldwide for being so strong, so united.”
UIAx 2021 ensured that our community could unite together – physically or virtually – to show our solidarity and unwavering partnership for our brothers and sisters in Israel.
To book for UIA NSW Women’s Division 2021 Headline Event on Sunday 14 March, visit bit.ly/UIANSWWD
To book for UIA WA 2021 Campaign Launch Event with The Hon John Howard on Tuesday 23 March, visit bit.ly/UIAWACampaignLaunch
