Ron Dermer to headline UIA gala events

Former Israeli minister of strategic affairs Ron Dermer will headline UIA Australia’s 2026 gala events in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

Dermer, regarded as a key figure in shaping Israel-US relations over the past decade, was in February 2025 appointed to head Israel’s hostage negotiating team. He played a pivotal role in advancing the Abraham Accords and was involved in critical post-war planning discussions with former US president Donald Trump.

Also attending is Michal Uziyahu, mayor of the Eshkol Regional Council, whose communities received urgent support from UIA Australia following the October 7 attacks.

Uziyahu will share how the support helped her region begin to heal and discuss why the rest of Israel now needs similar commitment as the nation enters its rebuilding phase.

The 2026 UIA campaign focuses on rebuilding Israel, with needs extending beyond physical reconstruction to include mental health services, community resilience, welfare support, rehabilitation programs and absorption services.

UIA Australia president Andrew Boyarsky said the community’s responsibility was clear.

“For 105 years, our community has stood by Israel in moments of hope and moments of heartbreak. Today, as Israel enters a long and difficult period of rebuilding, our responsibility is clear. We must come together in action, united, unwavering, and committed, to help rebuild her future,” he said.

“UIA was there at the beginning, and we will be there now. For life.”

The NSW event will be held on Sunday, February 22, the Victoria event on Wednesday, February 25, and the WA event on Thursday, February 26.

Bookings: uiaaustralia.org.au.