United Israel Appeal - Refugee Relief Fund

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The aim of the Women’s Division is to involve Jewish Women as active participants in the fulfillment of Israel’s basic human needs, including immigration, absorption, rescuing Jews in danger and strengthening the State of Israel. There are 40 Women’s Campaigns in 19 countries.

For more information about the International Women's Division of Keren Hayesod-UIA please - click here

In NSW, 50% of Women's Division funds are allocated to The Nurit Absorption Centre , located in Be'er Sheva. The remaining 50% of funds raised are incorporated into the universal revenue of Keren Hayesod in Israel.

Our Special Project – Nurit Ethiopian Absorption Centre

The Nurit Absorption Centre is run by the Jewish Agency-UIA. and is home to approximately 500 new Ethiopian olim of all ages. These immigrants have been rescued by the UIA and it is at Nurit that these Ethiopian Jews are given the skills to help them integrate into Israeli society.

Asher Vaknin is the Director of Nurit and has held this position for nearly 2 years. Ethiopian olim remain at the Centre for a minimum of two years before moving on in their life integrated in Israel.

In 2000, NSW Women's Division adopted Nurit as its Special Project. To date, it has funded the following additional projects within Nurit:

Two computer rooms with computers, software and an educational program called Etgarim, specially designed for Ethiopian children in Amharic
Built a new fully equipped playground
Sponsorship of an annual Bar and Bat Mitzvah program, consisting of one year’s tuition, the ceremony, special clothes and a trip to Jerusalem with their family
Early Childhood Learning Centre which also serves as a Club house. It contains a kindergarten run by a nurseery school teacher.

It is possible to make a direct contribution by sponsoring the Bar and Bat Mitzvah program for Ethiopian youth at Nurit. Recognition will be in the form of a gift certificate.

Our 2008 Goal

The NSW Women’s Division aim to finance: Construction of 7 additional Ulpan classrooms. "My First Library" before leaving Nurit each family will be given a set of 10 books.

To achieve this goal, we have requested a minimum increase of 10% over the previous year’s contribution.

Our Pins of Recognition

Lev Chai
The Lev Chai is an internationally recognised level of giving expressing the solidarity of women towards Jewish continuity. The pin has a Magen David intertwined with three hearts – representing a loving heart, a giving heart and a Jewish heart – linking the State of Israel with Jewish women around the world.

The Lion of Judah
The Lion of Judah has been chosen as the symbol of our peoples’ strength and determination. It is presented to those women who have reached a level of commitment and dedication, inspiring others to take personal responsibility for the humanitarian needs of Israel and its people. The pin is proudly worn by women worldwide reaffirming the belief that individual giving is a privilege and a responsibility.

Tiferet Lion of Judah
The Tiferet Lion of Judah is awarded to exemplary women who through their nobleness of spirit, have upgraded their commitment to the highest level of giving. "Tiferet" means honour. The generosity of these women is an expression of their dedication to the continuity and enrichment of our people. They bring Tiferet to the Jewish people and to the State of Israel.

Or L’Atid
Keren Hayesod has introduced a new level of commitment called the Or L'Atid - a light for the future - and is represented by a Lion of Judah carrying a flame. It requires a one off contribution of $100,000 and can be given in the name of a daughter or granddaughter. The interest generated will become a perpetual annual Lion of Judah contribution and will guarantee the commitment to Israel for the next generation.