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CHANUKAH SAMEACH FROM UIA VICTORIA

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT SHLOMO WERDIGER

Shlomo WerdigerPresident UIA Victoria

UIA CHANUKAH EDITION 02/03

Shalom. In our first year as Shlichim for the UIA in Melbourne, we have encountered a strong campaign which is very proud in its support of Israel and the high priority projects we raise funds for.

In 2011 Keren Hayesod–UIA actively built and sustained crucial infrastructures upon which Israeli society will be able to grow and advance. With your support, tens of thousands of Olim started new lives in Israel in 2011, including over 2,000 from Ethiopia (see article on page 4).

Furthermore, your contribution helped hundreds of new Olim lone soldiers without means discharged from the IDF. Lacking the support and guidance of immediate family, they find themselves facing civilian life in Israel entirely alone. A UIA funded program provides these soldiers with a pre-discharge package designed to ease the difficult transition from military to civilian life.

Net@ (Neta) is another beautiful example of what your donation has accomplished this year. This rigorous hi-tech extracurricular program brings hi-tech education and opportunity to disadvantaged high school students in border towns and underprivileged communities. Thanks to our Net@ program, in 2011 nearly 1,000 students who ordinarily would have no opportunities to enter the hi-tech world, now leave high school as qualified technicians and system administrators with career options.

These are just three of many examples of the power of your gift to the UIA. In addition there are the Youth Villages in Kiryat Yearim (see page 8) and Ben Yakir, our flagship project Youth Futures (see page 3), and many other amazing programs which are all a part of UIA’s humanitarian efforts in Israel.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Our most sincere hope for 2012 it is that you will increase your pride in giving to Israel through the UIA. By donating to the UIA your gift positively impacts the lives of Israel’s most underprivileged people, creating the opportunities in life they deserve, thus strengthening the State of Israel’s most valuable asset – its people.

Channuka Sameach!

Reflecting at the end of yet another busy year, the generosity and warmth of our Melbourne Jewish Community - the major contributing factor to another successful campaign - humbles me. Thank you also for your support of our recent Kol Nidrei Appeal.

We recently farewelled outgoing UIA Victoria Chairman Esther Frenkiel. Esther has been a role model and paragon of selfless commitment to Israel and our campaign. Esther has inspired me as we worked together with a shared vision and mission for UIA, as well as a set of core values. We thank her for her hard work and dedication to UIA. Her leadership role may be over, but I look forward to her continuance as part of Team UIA!

Approaching Chanukah - the Festival of Lights, we are reminded of the tradition of Chanukah gelt - money gifts to children. Celebrating this wonderful custom and all that it encompasses, it is tradition that we use this opportunity to teach our children about the essence of Tzedakah. One way to promote this is to dedicate one of the candle lighting nights to Tzedakah - for the many disadvantaged youth in Israel for whom UIA works hard to bring light into their homes and lives. In doing so, we ensure that our fellow Jews in Israel are in our hearts and minds, kindling a light in their lives that will burn bright well after the chanukiah has been put away.

The Talmud debates whether we start with one candle and add one each night or start with eight and light one less each night. The accepted practice of adding a light each night incorporates an uplifting message of hope and optimism. This same spirit permeates our work at the UIA. We don’t wait until we have all the answers and funds before we bring refugees to Israel. We are optimistic that we will raise the funds and find the solutions. This positive spirit is embraced by our donors who know our commitment to find the right answers and solutions. Our focus is thus on creating better futures for our fellow Jews in Israel - one candle at a time…

Shyrla and I have recently returned from Israel where we took part in a fundraising cycling trip. Spending time with other like minded volunteers inspired us as we cycled through the most extraordinary developments achieved by the partnership between Jews in Israel and the Diaspora. We have returned invigorated and geared up for another successful UIA Campaign.

I wish you and your family a Chanukah Sameach, a safe summer and look forward to welcoming you at our 2012 Campaign events where we will continue to work together towards a safer and stronger Israel.

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS & SHLICHIM DAVID METZLER & AMIT TZUR-TAL

Amit Tzur - TalUIA Victoria Shlicha

David MetzlerUIA Victoria Shaliach

SIGnIfIcAnT GROWTH In THE nUMbER Of IMMIGRAnTS TO ISRAEL

Students in the Youth Futures Program

Esther Frenkiel at the 2011 UIA AGM

SUccESSfUL RESULTS Of THE 2011 kOL nIDREI AppEAL

The UIA would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your generous contribution to the 2011 Kol Nidrei Appeal.

This year, we asked you to help us raise funds to support young new immigrants in Israel who have fallen victim to a very harsh start. These ‘youth-at-risk’, children primarily aged 6-12, come from severely broken homes and live below the poverty line. UIA’s flagship project Youth Futures is currently working to help Israel’s most acutely deprived children. Last year UIA made a significant

impact in successfully assisting thousands of disadvantaged youth in 32 localities throughout Israel.

Our 2011 kol nidrei campaign has successfully enabled an additional 156 youth to participate in the Youth futures program for 2012. This will create the opportunities in life that they deserve. We thank you again for your generous contribution in making this happen!

According to reports on aliyah figures done at the end of the Jewish year in September (5771), we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of Jews who chose to make their homes in Israel. According to the Jewish

Agency, some 21,300 Diaspora Jews moved to Israel in 5771. This is an increase of 19% compared to 5770 (17,883 immigrants).

TRIbUTE TO OUTGOInG UIA VIcTORIA cHAIRMAn ESTHER fREnkIEL

We recently farewelled Esther Frenkiel who stepped down as the UIA Victoria Chairman. Esther has dedicated her heart and soul in all that she does for the State of Israel, the Jewish people, Olim and youth-at-risk. She has instilled her knowledge, wisdom and experiences into the hearts of donors within the Melbourne community and is a shining example and mentor for all her successors.

Esther has been involved as a UIA lay-leader since 1997 where she took up the position of Women’s Division Chair for 10 years. From 2006 until 2011 she has been UIA Victorian Chairman. Esther’s voluntary work extends past the UIA to many other organisations

where she has held various portfolios.

Esther’s commitment and loyalty to Israel through the UIA Victorian Campaign is commendable and we thank her on behalf of everyone at UIA and Keren Hayesod.

The Esther Frenkiel UIA Leadership Scholarship has been established. Australian candidates with a vested interest in the work of KH-UIA will be selected to participate in a leadership program in Israel. In doing so, we will create new young leaders to follow in her footsteps.

Yasher Koach!

To read the full article, visit www.uiavic.org

UIA CHANUKAH EDITION 04/05

To support the Ethiopian Aliyah please contact UIA Shlichim

David Metzler dmetzler@uiavic.org Amit Tzur-Tal atzurtal@uiavic.org

Twenty years ago 14,000 Ethiopian Jews were airlifted to Israel within 36 hours in a dramatic operation known as Operation Solomon. coordinated and funded by kH - UIA and the Jewish Agency, Operation Solomon changed the course of history for Ethiopian Jewry within a matter of hours.

Located in the hills of Jerusalem, in the town of Mevasseret Zion, lies the largest absorption centre in Israel. This centre is fully supported by kH - UIA and it is designated specifically for Ethiopian Olim, presently caring for approximately 1,300 people. The goal of the absorption centre is to help integrate and prepare Olim for independent living within Israeli society and provides an essential sheltered ‘first home’ during the difficult period following their arrival in Israel. far more than bricks and mortar, these newcomers receive the tools they need for achieving independence and acclimating to their new life in Israel. The Ethiopian community in Israel currently numbers around 130,000 individuals, all of whom have benefited and continue to benefit from specialized UIA programs aimed at meeting the community’s specific needs. These vulnerable new immigrants are prepared for school and the workforce, are provided with higher education grants for vocational and academic education. Many of the community’s youth are cared for and educated in UIA’s Youth Villages and benefit from the supportive nurturing programs and individual attention provided by UIA’s flagship Youth Futures program.

The Mevasseret Zion absorption centre is open for groups and delegations from around the world, who want to learn about the newly arrived immigrants from Ethiopia. This past October and november a number of people from Melbourne have visited Mevasseret Zion, experiencing firsthand the work of the UIA there. “Actions speak louder than words. The only way to educate a child in matters which are to them abstract or foreign is to expose them

first hand”, says nathan cher who recently visited with his family from Melbourne. “How can you begin to describe crossing a desert, fleeing a country, learning a language, resettling a family, introduction to money, shops or healthcare? Our visit to Mevasseret Zion was an eye opener and an education. Our children will remember the people, the place and the activities. In the words of the Australia’s tourism campaign ‘You’ll never-never know, if you never-never go’.”

In november 2010 the historic decision to bring the remainder of the Ethiopian Jewish community (who number approximately 8,000) to Israel was made by the Israeli Government. Over 2,000 have already arrived in 2011 and the remainder will arrive over the next few years. This is a massive project of national importance in which the State of Israel has requested the fundraising assistance of the UIA. Darron cook of Melbourne, who also visited the centre recently adds, “The absorption centre at Mevasseret really demonstrated the extent of the huge adaptation facing many Ethiopian immigrants to Israel. The Ethiopian arrivals not only had to learn a foreign language, but also needed to learn how to adapt to living and working in a modern, sophisticated society with all that involves. The smiles on the kids’ faces and the stories of achievement among well integrated adults who said it all - that the program at Mevasseret is a continuing success and an inspiration.”

UIA’s objective has always been to support Jewish refugees and other new immigrants to Israel, and to operate as the country’s leading humanitarian organization serving those in most urgent need for help. “This visit was an incredible reminder to me of Israel’s devotion to all Jews wherever they are in the world”, comments Reuben Zelwer from Melbourne, on his recent visit to the absorption centre. In partnership with the State of Israel and the Jewish Agency, the UIA is uniquely placed to effectively implement this massive project.

UIA FEATURE PROJECT

MEVASSERET ZION

ABSORPTION CENTRE

L>R A) Darron cook & nathan cher b) Reuben Zelwer c) Rachel Winter

A

B C

If you would like to make a donation to the UIA, please contact the UIA office on 9272 5533 or uiavic@uiavic.org

L>R A) Jack Smorgon, Ilan Zolotarev, Elana Hain B) Saul Same, George Kuran C) Felix and Inessa Elberg D) Natalie Selisher, Lucy Zoubkova E) The Mount Scopus FKI School Choir F) Zina Edelstein, Bella Grosberg G) Katie, David and Linda Kestenberg H) Dion Besser, Mic Cohen

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AnOTHER SUccESSfUL YEAR fOR UIA VIcTORIA

“After our first visit to an absorption centre in 1993 on a UIA Mission, Rachel and I had the privilege afforded to us by UIA Melbourne to reacquaint ourselves with their amazing work at Mevasseret Zion just outside Jerusalem. This time round it had even more meaning for us as our own children are going through the absorption process in the Galil. Whilst our children have in essence language and to some extent culture as a bridge that needs to be crossed, the Ethiopians have a veritable trifecta of culture, language and technology to cross. In the case of the Ethiopians it isn’t so much of a bridge but a chasm.

In today’s day and age it is hard to imagine there are Jews who know Torah but don’t know electricity or running water, Jews who know how to say the Shema but don’t know about phones, planes or supermarkets. The point of it all is that in Israel, keren Hayesod-UIA takes it upon themselves to be the bridge and the ultimate help with the integration process. The objective is that all immigrants become an active functioning and contributing group within Israeli society WITHOUT stripping away their cultural heritage.

All of this comes at a time when the migration debate both legal and illegal to Australia raises its head and in our minds there is much Australia can learn from the way Israel and in particular keren Hayesod-UIA tackles the absorption of its immigrants. Thank you UIA for taking the Ethiopians as well as our children under your wings. Kol Hakavod!”

Tommy Winter, Melbourne

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To watch a 10 minute Year in Review, visit www.uiavic.org or join our facebook page

2011 has been a very busy year for UIA Victoria, as reflected in a successful campaign highlighted at the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 29 November. $22.95 million was remitted to KH, with 51% ($11.585 million) of these funds being remitted by the Victorian campaign. Victorian expenses were kept to 9.4%, meaning that 90.6% of funds raised were remitted to Israel – an achievement which we can all be proud of.

Award winning Documentary Filmmaker, Alan Rosenthal was the guest speaker who discussed at length a number of his works

and his experiences, particularly what he observed during the filming of the Eichmann Trials. Rosenthal describes Eichmann’s chilling façade which has been imprinted in his mind and together with Eichmann’s letters written in Prison, Rosenthal went on to produce an award winning film entitled “Eichmann’s Secret Memoirs.” Rosenthal is currently in Australia filming his next documentary.

After 14 years as a UIA lay leader, with the last 5 as the Victorian Chairman, Esther Frenkiel relinquished her role at the AGM. Mazal tov to the following award recipients;

federal Askan Award – Ian Samuel, Askan Award – Alex Grossman, Lucy Zoubkova, Volunteer Awards - AMI – Brian Turner (AMI), Judy Gerzchuk (Women’s Division), Ann Turner (Community), Aron Vinkler (Shalom Association), kol nidrei Recognition Award - Highest Percentage of Members who Donated- Or Chadash and Ohel Dvora .

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UIA CHANUKAH EDITION 06/07

Five new women received pins of recognition at the 2011 Women’s Division pinning ceremony, which acknowledges the Lev Chai and Lion of Judah donors to the appeal. Hosted at the home of Barbara Landau, guests heard an interesting Israel update from Meir Itzchaki, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Israel.

For information about our pins of recognition, contact David Metzler on 9272 5533 or dmetzler@uiavic.org.

UIA wOMEn’S dIVISIOn pInS OF rEcOgnITIOn

L>R A) Minnie Smorgon, Barbara Landau, Sara Robenstone B) Meir Itzchaki, Rina Birner C) Ruth Scheuer, Dita Gould D) Roxanne Lambert, Lisa Breckler, Sabbie Berger E) Hayley Southwick, Esther Frenkiel, Adira Werdiger F) Paula Hansky, Marilyn Braun

A B

D E F

C

A symbol of pride, solidarity and identity worn by Jewish women

committed to the goals of the Women’s Division.

A symbol of our peoples’ strength and

determination, representing ones personal responsibility

for the humanitarian needs of Israel and its people.

T he T he Lev Chai Lion ofJudahPin Pin

Over 100 people enjoyed the seniors outing last month, which took a day trip to beautiful Bendigo. With the sun shining, guests enjoyed a morning tea on the balcony at the home of retired Supreme Court Judge – The Hon Howard Nathan. Mr Nathan is working hard to revive the Bendigo Jewish

Community which currently consists of about 50 residents. They enjoyed a talking tram tour throughout Bendigo, followed by lunch at Lake Weeroona. The afternoon consisted of a visit to the Jewish section of the Bendigo cemetery, including an interesting commentary on its history. Before heading

home, they stopped into the Pottery Museum and watched a vase making demonstration.

TRAcInG OUR JEWISH ROOTS In bEnDIGO

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L>R A) Margaret Fischer, Evelyn and Ron Sharp B) Howard Nathan C) Helen and Heinz Wolff D) Rosemary Friedman, Gertie Mark E) Mary and Lulek Bron F) Rosalie and Lester Cohen G) Alick and Rose Isman H) Siegmund and Anna Siegreich

With Rabbi Link

cOnTAcT THE UIA OffIcE fOR SHIUR DETAILS AnD REcOMMEncEMEnT DATE In 2012 T: 9272 5533

SHIURJoin us for a weekly

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Pin

UIA CHANUKAH EDITION 08/09

If you would like to make a donation to YoungUIA, please contact the UIA office on 9272 5533 or atzurtal@uiavic.org

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kIRYAT YEARIM IS TURnInG LIVES AROUnD

A STAR IS bORn

“lIgHT IT Up” cHAnUKAH pArTY

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14 year old Benjamin* moved to Israel five years ago along with his three younger brothers. Benjamin and his brothers suffered from abuse and neglect as their father (having been diagnosed with a severe mental illness) would often act out violently towards their mother. Teachers from his school identified Benjamin as a verbally and physically abusive child and alerted social services of his delinquent behaviour. Already having 3 criminal charges against him, Benjamin was referred to the UIA sponsored kiryat Yearim Youth Village at the start of the 2009-2010 school year.

Benjamin was given the care and attention he required at the village. The staff went to great lengths to show him encouragement and support. After a short period, Benjamin began to overcome his violent tendencies and show signs of progress.

His development was consistent and gradually he learned to communicate with authority figures in a respectful and trusting manner. After Benjamin had comfortably settled into his new environment, the village staff set various diagnostic tests in order to ascertain his scholastic level and respond to his specific learning deficiencies. All the while, Benjamin was accompanied by a team of caring and qualified counsellors, advisors and teachers to accommodate his special emotional needs. Today, benjamin is characterized as a responsible young man, showing great promise and potential to succeed. He is a loyal, reliable friend and a respected member of the village.

The process that Benjamin underwent has given him the confidence to express his dreams and desires and empowers him

to continue working towards making those dreams a reality.

*name has been changed to protect the identity of the child.

Hagit Yasou’s parents immigrated from Ethiopia about 30 years ago, with Jewish Agency assistance and funding from Keren Hayesod. They made their home in Sderot, a city that KH - UIA has supported over the years through a wide variety of programs and projects and which is known as a city that has produced many talented artists.

Over the years, the Yasou family, along with all the residents of the southern city, have experienced difficult times of Qassam rocket attacks and fear. However, the musical family in which both the father Yishayahu and another daughter Shlomit sing, always remained optimistic and looked after their children’s education.

Hagit was a member of the Tze’irei Sderot - “The Youngsters of Sderot” – singing group. In 2008 she appeared with this group at the ILR (International Leadership Reunion), organized by KH for its major donors, where they were a huge success.

Hagit served in an army singing group, and now with her release from the IDF, she is turning to an independent music career, winning “A Star is Born” competition earlier this year.

In an interview held with her and her family afterwards, her father Yishayahu said, “I feel that with Hagit’s win, we closed a circle and realized a dream in the Land of Israel.”

KH is proud of the members of the Ethiopian community and is instrumental in their absorption through a variety of programs.

YoungUIA and Hagshama hosted the “Light it Up” Chanukah Party on Saturday 10th December at The Saint in St Kilda. Hundreds of youth danced the night away dressed in the theme of “Light, Bright or White.” Proceeds from ticket sales will be directed towards supporting the UIA sponsored Kiryat Yearim Youth Village in Israel.

collaboration on a national and international level was discussed at a joint meeting of Victorian and nSW YoungUIA leaders. Visiting kH - UIA Head of English Speaking countries Irit barash participated in the meeting. barash called on the YoungUIA leaders to further utilize the resources of KH Jerusalem in order to further YoungUIA’s mission in Australia.

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Source: KH

Hagit Yasou

For the UIA Progressive Trust, nothing describes our fundraising efforts more than the spirit of the Festival of Light - Chanukah. We believe that our annual campaign of “re-dedication” to the State of Israel assists in a number of ways.

Our work provides light and sustenance to refugees and migrants who arrive in Israel without education or resources. The Progressive Trust helps fund absorption centres where some of the most needy and neglected people are nourished and integrated.

The Trust offers support to the growing Progressive community in its work to reach out to those in need. Most people know that immense Government funding goes to support and fund religious institutions in Israel.

However, many don’t realise that Progressive Judaism is not recognized in Israel and as a result, no funding whatsoever goes to Progressive or Conservative congregations to establish synagogues or employ rabbis.

We are all justly proud of Israel’s democracy, but often overlook the fact that many of these human rights are the result of legal battles fought by the Progressive movement via the Israel Religious Action Centre (IRAC) on behalf of the entire population. IRAC is part of the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism and has been centrally involved in fighting the proposed changes to the Law of Conversion and Law of Return, opposing the segregation of the public bus system, defending the Women of the Wall, securing funding for GLBT facilities, and fighting religious and social discrimination.

Therefore, while celebrating this Chanukah, please remember that Israel actually needs your financial and moral support now as much as ever before. In order to ensure that the Jewish State is the democratic and pluralistic society dreamed of by its founders, described in its Declaration of Independence and longed for by most Jews – including those living in Israel – please support the UIA and consider a special designation to the Progressive Trust. Chag Sameach!

A MESSAGE fROM THE pROGRESSIVE TRUST

UIA

UIA breaks the cycle of poverty and despair by giving youth the opportunity to create

new lives for themselves through our flagship project Youth Futures

Keren Hayesod – UIA is uniquely placed as the only fundraiser supporting Aliyah – thus successfully infusing the country with its most important asset – PEOPLE!

Our work is based on Israel’s top national

priorities as set by the Prime Minister’s office

UIA provides vital support and housing for Israel’s most underprivileged children

through UIA sponsored Youth Villages

UIA provides support for new immigrant soldiers who are in Israel without their

families

UIA helps elderly immigrants live an

independent life of dignity in sheltered housing

UIA reinforces settlement in the Negev and the Galilee, with emphasis on strengthening existing communities

v v

v v

Aliyah and Rescue Operations

Supports rescue operations of Jews in distress around the world and the continuing work for Aliyah to Israel.

The fund helps answer the immediate needs of new immigrants and assists

them with the many challenges of rebuilding a life in Israel, and in case of emergency will be dedicated to the Jewish Agency’s rescue operations.

Children at Risk

Support for disadvantaged children living in the geographic and social

periphery of Israel and includes these opportunities for special educational

programs such as Youth Futures, Youth Aliyah Villages for children at risk,

Net@ and more.

Worldwide Jewish and Zionist Education

Supports many educational projects, conducted worldwide, that aim to give youth a sense of Jewish identity and affinity with Israel. These programs touch tens of thousands of Jewish

youth in the Former Soviet Union, Latin America, Europe and Australia.

Strengthening Israel

Support the ongoing work of Keren Hayesod-UIA and the Jewish Agency in Israel based upon where the funds are most needed at the time. These

needs are determined by the KH-UIA international leadership in cooperation

with the Israeli Prime Minister.

DID YOU KNOW?

UIA CHANUKAH EDITION 10/11

UIA Executivepresident UIA AustraliaJack Smorgon AO

presidentShlomo Werdiger

Hon Life chairman UIA AustraliaMark Leibler AC

Hon Life president and Hon Life Governor UIA Australia and UIA VictoriaSaul Same AM

Honorary Life Governor UIA AustraliaMax Shnider

Executive MembersJeffrey AppelJulian Black (Treasurer)David Boyar (Chairman YoungUIA)Michael Cohen (YoungUIA Vice Chairman)Herbert EpsteinEdith HermanGeorge KuranSam Tatarka (ex officio)Robert RichterIan SamuelNathan ShafirHayley Southwick (Chair Women’s Division)Vladimir Tsivlin

UIA professional StaffTHE UIA TEAMbookkeeperJane Lyubic

Executive Assistant To Executive DirectorsEstelle Wytwornik

Yachad coordinatorHeidi Schrage

I.T. AdministratorAvi Bronfman

ReceptionAdrienne Perch

Event and Appeal AdministratorRoy Schloss

p2g and women’s division coordinatorIlana Maizels

General ManagerDaniel Lazar

Executive Directors / ShlichimDavid Metzler and Amit Tzur-Tal

financial controllerNonna Aleksenitser

Director planned GivingMicky Morag

Marketing ManagerCarli Diamond

Executive Secretary UIA AustraliaEdith Herman

campaign SecretaryJudy Nagler

campaign Assistant Dorit Murray

MAZAL TOV TO THE fOLLOWInG WHO cELEbRATED THEIR SMAcHOT WITH ISRAEL

Australian Jewish Day School teachers, Loren Sabel and Adi Halevi will spend four weeks during the forthcoming summer school holidays in the Central Arava Region. They were selected for the Teacher Exchange program which is part of the Arava Australia Partnership initiative.

Loren Sabel: I was born and grew up in Johannesbu rg , South Africa. Whilst at school, I participated in a three month trip to Israel, organised by my school. I had

never been to Israel before and it was then that the seeds were sown for what was to be an ongoing love affair between me and the land of milk and honey. I have lived in London, Hobart and Melbourne and have three children - Aharon, Galit and Ashira - one born in each city. I have a keen interest in second language acquisition and bilingualism and completed my Masters degree in Applied Linguistics at Monash University. I love the

Hebrew language and teach Hebrew at Leibler Yavneh College. I have visited Israel many times on holiday and have always wanted to contribute to the country in a meaningful way. Since I am passionate about people and education, when I heard about the Arava teachers exchange program, I jumped at the opportunity to participate. What a privilege to be able to bring Australia to young Israeli teenagers and to strengthen the connection between the Jewish community in Australia and the State of Israel. My daughter Ashira, who is 10 years old and in Year 4, will be joining me and we are both very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful initiative.

Adi Halevi: For the last ten years I have taught Hebrew at Masada College in St Ives, Sydney. I discovered my passion for teaching when I immigrated to

Australia. I believe that learning Hebrew

is not only a part of our Jewish heritage, education and identity, but also connects students to Israel and its culture. Hosting students and teachers visiting from the Arava in the past has been a highlight at Masada both for myself and for my students. I am tremendously excited at being given the opportunity to both visit and work in the place which I have heard so much about for so long. I am looking forward to meeting up with old and new friends and to learn more about community and Israel today…all in Hebrew. I look forward to my summer experience at the Shittim School and the opportunity to be part of the bridge building between Masada College and the Arava Shittim school.

TWO AUSTRALIAn TEAcHERS WILL VISIT THE ARAVA REGIOn THIS SUMMER

chaim kahn bar Mitzvahbar Mitzvah

Special birthday

bar Mitzvah

follow us on facebook www.facebook.com/AUSTRALIAARAVA

Les Ross

noah Missell

Special birthdaySpecial birthday60th birthday85th birthday

Eugene berkovic caroline IsakowJohn berhangAlick Isman

Jesse fleiszig

UIA staff held a morning tea in October to honour campaign Secretary Judy nagler’s 35 years of service to the UIA. Judy is pictured with General Manager Daniel Lazar presenting her with a beautifully inscribed piece of art Judaica.

DID YOU KNOW?

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2012 Campaign launCh gala Dinner

Tuesday 13 March

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SWEET pOTATO LATkES

2 sweet potatoes, peeled and grated2 eggs lightly beaten1 tablespoon brown sugar2 tablespoons flour2 teaspoons ground cloves2 teaspoons ground cinnamon1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying

1. Place sweet potatoes in a colander and squeeze excess liquid2. In a large bowl, combine sweet potatoes, eggs, brown sugar, flour, cloves and cinnamon mix well3. Heat oil in large heavy frypan5. Form mixture into pancake size cakes and fry 6. Flip after 2-3 minutes (when bottom is browned) and brown other side 7. Drain on paper towels and serve hot8. Serve with light sour cream and a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg

Makes 8

Our Mission: keren Hayesod - United Israel Appeal, through a partnership between Israel and diaspora communities, mobilises support for Israel and the rescue of Jews in distress. by encouraging and assisting with aliyah and absorption, Keren Hayesod saves Jewish lives, strengthens Jewish identity, fortifies the fabric of Israeli society and reinforces solidarity within the Jewish people.

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58 campaigns

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Empower

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Saving Jewish livesHasbara

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Saving Jewish lives58 campaigns

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