UIA strengthens ties
KEREN Hayesod-United Israel Appeal (UIA) will put on several fundraising events next month as part of its promise to deliver Diaspora Jews to Israel and strengthen Israeli society.
KEREN Hayesod-United Israel Appeal (UIA) will put on several fundraising events next month as part of its promise to deliver Diaspora Jews to Israel and strengthen Israeli society.
At the first major fundraiser – the Women’s Division lunch scheduled for March 6 at the International of Brighton – keynote speaker Liat Riff, the Jerusalem-based director of the UIA’s flagship Youth Futures Program, will address a female audience of 600, including members and non-members. Riff, who has held the position of director since its establishment four years ago, will deliver a speech about the program that helps 192 Israeli children at risk.
Einat Weiss, the spokesperson and director of cultural affairs at the Israeli embassy, will be the second keynote speaker and will briefly explore Middle Eastern current affairs, before focusing on Israeli public advocacy.
Weiss reinforced the importance of Israeli embassy and Jewish community ties and said these relationships were a central reason for addressing the Women’s Division lunch.
“We engage with the Jewish community, it is important for us to keep open relationships and we’re happy to contribute. We work hand in hand with all the Jewish organisations to facilitate events,” she said.
Other events slated for next month include the UIA campaign launch, traditionally known as the campaign opening gala dinner to be held at the Palladium at Crown on March 13, with an expected audience of about 1000.
Keynote speaker and UIA mainstay Yohanna Arbib Perugia started her association with leadership programs in Rome and was eventually named chairman of the Keren Hayesod’s world board of trustees.
Perugia is the youngest person to have held the position.
Leah Biteolin, an Ethiopia-born Israeli citizen and UIA success story, will also address the gathering.
Biteolin’s life has been documented in the film Everything is Possible, which traces the UIA-backed journey from Ethiopia to Israel, in addition to Biteolin’s humanitarian work in Israel.
Israeli singer-songwriter and guitarist David Broza will perform at the fundraiser.
Daniel Lazar, UIA general manager said UIA would focus its fundraising campaign on strengthening the mutual bond between Israel and Diaspora Jews, while acknowledging the country’s ever-changing landscape.
“Our 2012 campaign will celebrate the vibrancy of contemporary Israel. The vital role of UIA and the Jewish Agency for Israel, to bring and successfully integrate Jewish people into Israeli society, continues to this day without sacrificing cultural diversity.”
For more information about these events contact Roy Schloss at the UIA office on 9272 5533 or events@uiavic.org
TIMNA JACKS
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