UIA NSW has held its AGM and Campaign Launch at an in-person event after a two-year hiatus.
Guest speakers included Sam Grundwerg, World Chairman Keren Hayesod-UIA, who attended in person and Yaacov Katz, Jerusalem Post Editor-in-Chief, live-streamed from Israel, analysing the recent Israel Elections.
Guests learnt about their impact on UIA’s beneficiaries in Israel this year, once again highlighting the importance that Aliyah still plays in the organisation’s work. Supporters heard from a Ukrainian Oleh who was rescued from war-torn Ukraine, as well as the significant assistance UIA provided in other areas of the national priorities.
The change of NSW Presidency from Andrew Boyarsky to Gary Perlstein, who has been a longstanding lay leader and volunteer for UIA – was announced, as well as the new incoming executive members.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to work alongside my executive and the professional staff. I feel in the last four to five years we have accomplished much. We have set a new benchmark for fundraising [over $25 million has been raised to date in 2022, including bequests]… We have strengthened all divisions, by investing in new initiatives and leadership,” Outgoing UIA NSW President Andrew Boyarsky said.
Andrew continued: “Gary is a man of immense integrity and capability. We are in safe hands. I wish Gary and the incoming team much success and I have no doubt they will continue to nurture and grow this incredible organisation.”
To mark this milestone, Sam Grundwerg presented Andrew with the prestigious ‘Key to Jerusalem’ award, in recognition of his exemplary commitment, devotion and unconditional support to the State of Israel and Jewish People over many years and for fulfilling the position of UIA NSW President from 2019 until 2022.
Additionally, Stephen Cordell, a Governor of UIA NSW, was presented with the highly esteemed Keren Hayesod-UIA Yakir Award, in recognition of his commitment and volunteerism to the organisation in Israel and throughout the Jewish world. The award was formally presented at the KH-UIA Annual Leadership Conference in Jerusalem earlier this year, however, Stephen was unable to attend the event.
UIA also launched its rebrand. This new look and feel will bring the organisation into a united national brand, which will be rolled out across the country.
Preliminary announcements were made about the 2023 Campaign events and celebrations for Israel’s 75th anniversary, including entertainment from the IDF Ensemble and a Ukrainian woman who UIA rescued earlier this year as one of the speakers. Incoming UIA NSW President Gary Perlstein hinted that the headline speaker will be “as close to the centre of Israel’s decision making as you can possibly get – we will be in a position to announce the details in the next few days.”
A recent significant bequest from the late Arthur and Hannelore (Hanni) Tittman was also acknowledged.