UIA mission to see ‘the real Israel’
AFTER 12 days touring Israel with the United Israel Appeal (UIA), Dr David Goodman can’t speak highly enough of his experience.
AFTER 12 days touring Israel with the United Israel Appeal (UIA), Dr David Goodman can’t speak highly enough of his experience.
“I’ve got nothing but good things to say. We saw things that you would just never see as a tourist.”
Goodman was one of 24 participants who recently returned from UIA’s Australia Mission, which ran from December to January and introduced members of the Jewish diaspora to UIA’s projects in Israel.
“I decided to go with the mission because I wanted to see what UIA was doing in Israel. I was interested in getting more involved as I come from a family of people involved in Jewish charities,” said Goodman.
Goodman felt it was an opportunity to learn about UIA’s various initiatives, including programs for youth housing, supporting absorption centres and encouraging social activism.
UIA Victoria executive director Amit Tzur-Tal, who led the mission, said that aside from being a whirlwind tour of Israel, the experience gave members of the community an opportunity to bond.
“The nice part is there is not a typical family who comes on the mission and
it’s very beautiful to see how each person interprets the experience and how
they evolve,” she said.
Tzur-Tal said the mission’s overarching aim was to reintroduce “the real Israel” to the community.
On the first day, participants visited Ben Yakir Youth Village near Hadera, meeting with the 135 male students and immigrants from Ethiopia.
“It is a very extreme example to see how kids at risk cope with their environment and how the Jewish agency creates an opportunity for a better future for them,” Tzur-Tal said.
The mission also included visits to museums, tourist attractions and meetings with journalists, politicians and strategic planners.
During Chanukah, the group climbed Masada, the scene of the zealot’s last stand against Roman rule.
They were also treated to a tour of the Knesset and a meeting with MK Arieh Eldad.
LIVIA ALBECK-RIPKA
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