The Bottom Line - 14 March 2003
The constant fear and weakened morale experienced by Israeli citizens clearly came across at last week’s IUA-UCF annual campaign launch functions. On Tuesday evening, our top contributors were moved and inspired by the powerful words of our guest speaker, Nava Barak. This charismatic personality, wife of former Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Barak, spoke about how she as a mother and wife deals with the situation in Israel. Married to a soldier, who is often away from home, in volatile, combat situations is very difficult. A mother of three children and one grandson, Mrs Barak, like thousands of other Israeli women, lives with constant anxiety, always leaving her cell phone on so that she can make sure her family is safe.
Israel, in trying to make peace, “had no partner.” Instead, explained Barak, “the Palestinian people deliberately turned to violence and terror as a legitimate diplomatic tool.”
From September 11, the world spun out of control. Barak, herself, was on a plane from Toronto to Montreal as the Twin Towers tragedy unfolded. She was on a visit promoting Keren Hayesod. The terror that now envelops the world, specifically the threat from Iraq, must be destroyed. “It is a terror that must be rooted out before it destroys us.”
The story of Ilan Ramon and the devastation of the Columbia Shuttle were imparted by Mrs Barak. Ramon, aspiring to great heights despite the history of his beginning – being the son of Holocaust survivors, represented the characteristic Jewish Israeli. A recognised hero, first for his role in destroying the Iraqi nuclear reactor in 1982 as an airforce pilot, and then for his achievements in the space programme, Ramon was an inspiration to his nation. At his memorial service, President Bush quoted Ramon as saying that he wished the powerful silence of space would settle over his land. Barak repeated this wish.
Barak concluded with a prayer that when we next sing “Leshana Haba’ah B’Yerushalayim” at the Seder table, Yerushalayim and the whole of Israel will be a place of peace.
After an outstanding dinner, an emotional video from Keren Hayesod was screened, followed by the sad words of our surprise speaker, Na’ama Inbar, a 17 year old victim of terror in Israel.
Dignitaries at the event included HE Tova Herzl, Ambassador of Israel, who brought greetings and offered words of comfort and understanding, as well as Chief Rabbi Harris who intoned a prayer for Israel.
Rabbi Adi Sultanik, Keren Hayesod senior representative, then appealed to the community for its support. He discussed the idea of Chessed, loving-kindness as a response from the heart, as opposed to the intellectual approach of giving charity when discussing the vital needs of the Israel United Appeal, which raises funds for Keren Hayesod in Israel, the United Communal Fund, the local fund for Jewish beneficiaries and the Emergency Campaign in Israel.
A similar programme took place at our public function at the Il Grande Cinema and cocktail lounge at Montecasino. Mark Samowitz delighted all who attended with his beautiful singing.
Audiences at both evenings were deeply moved and thoroughly enjoyed these outstanding premier fundraising events.