UIA stalwart steps down
BEFORE Jack Smorgon was a successful businessman, philanthropist and Israel advocate, he was a teenager with wanderlust.
BEFORE Jack Smorgon was a successful businessman, philanthropist and Israel advocate, he was a teenager with wanderlust.
As a 16-year-old, Smorgon’s grandfather sent him to the Jewish homeland to explore, and what he experienced left an indelible mark that led to an astonishing 18 years of service at the United Israel Appeal (UIA).
As Smorgon prepares to step down from the presidency of that organisation’s Australian chapter – a post he held for six years, in addition to another 12 at the helm of UIA Victoria – his contribution has drawn praise from the community.
Smorgon is being replaced by Harold Finger, another stalwart, who has been with UIA for over 30 years.
Smorgon gave his departure speech at the UIA AGM last week and told The AJN that the decision to step down was bittersweet. “I’m sad in one way and happy in another. I’m happy that I’ve had that kind of involvement with UIA. But it’s also a chance to work with the community and I’m sad that it’s come to an end.”
He added that despite his decision to step down from the role, his commitment to Israel remains strong: “I’m not going to step down from Israel. I’m going to be just as involved or more involved in what I do there.”
Smorgon, who has supported and advised on important UIA projects in Israel for nearly two decades, has also sat on the executive of UIA’s roof body, Keren Hayesod, and on the board of the Jewish Agency for Israel.
He cited UIA’s Net@ program, which equips young people from disadvantaged backgrounds with computer skills so they can eventually find work in Israel’s booming tech industry, as an initiative he is particularly proud of.
He pointed to another UIA program, Youth Futures – an after-school program supporting over 10,000 disadvantaged Israeli primary school kids by putting them in touch with a trained psychologist, social or youth worker for support, guidance and advice – as another.
The philanthropist said Finger is sure to do a “good job” in his new role, adding that the generosity of the Jewish community in Australia was to be commended. “I have learnt about what a great community we have in this city and this country and how supportive they are of Israel.”
Finger said he hopes to maintain support for Israel and engage a new generation of donors as he takes on the position. “It will be challenging, but there’s opportunity and I think we have a new generation of donors and we need to know how to engage them.
TIMNA JACKS
New president of UIA Australia Harold Finger (left) with former president Jack Smorgon.
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