United Jewish Israel Appeal

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The United Jewish Israel Appeal (UJIA) is 'Britain's major fund-raising organization for Israel'.[1] According to the Press Association the fundraising initiative is a successor to the Zionist Organisation and was run from the same London offices (It was also known as the British Olim Society).[2][3] The UJIA are also responsible for managing migration into Israel from the United Kingdom, Australia, Scandinavia, and Germany.[4] The organisation are heavily reliant on funding from the state of Israel, their status was described as being 'in jeopardy' in 1999 when funding decisions by the Israeli government were delayed.[5]

The Vice-Chairman of the UJIA is Michael Levy who was the chief fundraiser for Tony Blair during his time as Labour Party leader and Prime Minister.[6] In 1994 the UJIA offices in London were bombed as well as the Israeli embassy following the signature of a peace agreement between Israel and Jordan.[7]

Activities

UJIA Blair Scholarships

In 1998 Tony Blair, then UK Prime Minister, launched a British-Israeli youth exhange program on a visit to Israel which coincided with the 50th anniversary of Israel. The grants were named 'UJIA-Blair Fellowships'.[8] The program was designed to bring 'British youngsters completing high school to work here [Israel] in development towns, on kibbutzim, and to learn about the IDF and other elements of Israeli society'.[9]

1998 Annual Fundraising Dinner

The UJIA fundraising dinner of 1998 was addressed by Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. In the same week of Netanyahu's address he met with then Prime Minister Tony Blair and foreign secretary Robin Cook. The previous week the two countries signed a 'memorandum of understanding' aimed at creating greater military co-operation through 'joint research in defense technologies and information exchanges'.[10]

2002 Annual Appeal Auction

In 2002 the UJIA held a fundraising auction hosted by footballer turned actor Vinnie Jones. A range of football shirts were auctioned off including those of English Premiership footballers Michael Owen and David Beckham. One auction winner paid £40,000 to spend Christmas with Vinnie Jones.[11]

2002 Shaul Mofaz Events

In 2002 the UJIA held a dinner at the Hilton hotel in Glasgow where the guest speaker was Shaul Mofaz, the former Israeli army chief of staff.[12] Mofaz also spoke at events in Leeds and Liverpool.[13] All of these events attracted protests because of Mofaz's role in 'Operation Defensive Shield' where 'Israeli forces invaded the West Bank and occupied and sealed off the Palestinian towns of Jenin and Ramallah'.[14]

The Lord Provost of Glasgow, Alex Mosson described Mofaz's visit as a 'shameful stain on the city's reputation' because 'General Mofaz was in charge during some of the most horrendous military attacks on Palestinian civilians; men, women, and children' he denied that Glasgow City Council had any involvement in arranging the event and argued that the sole organisers had been the UJIA.[15]

2003 Rudolph Giuliani Visit to Bolton

In 2003 former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani visitied Bolton in a trip arranged by the UJIA. The main point of his talk was to increase support for the pending invasion of Iraq. In order to do this he warned that he 'shared President George W Bush's concern that Saddam (Hussein) had weapons of mass destruction'.[16]

2004 Annual Fundraising Dinner

In 2004 former U.S. talk show host Jerry Springer was invited by the UJIA to be guest speaker at their annual fundraising dinner. Springer was criticised for being an inappropriate choice of guest speaker.[17]

2005 Gallilee Development Fund

In 2005 Shimon Peres set up a fund and recruting initiative to attract investors interested in developing Gallilee. The fund was headed by UJIA president Brian Kerner. Peres described 'developing the Galilee and Negev' as 'the most important Zionist goal of the 2000s'.[18]

Foreign Secretary David Miliband Hosting Annual UJIA Patrons Dinner 2008

In 2008, David Miliband was a guest of honour and host at the Annual UJIA Partons Dinner. The event took place at the Foreign Office where Miliband welcomed 160 UJIA members. Miliband was introduced by UJIA President Trevor Chinn. At the dinner, Chinn 'recalled the time they spent together in Israel visiting Gap Year students' (during Miliband's first year as foreign secretary), he also described Milliband as a "clever and courageous Foreign Secretary.”

Miliband is reported to have said that it was “a privilege to be amongst friends”. In his speach he described the UJIA as “an organisation with an inclusive vision of Zionism” that the 'whole of Britain' can take inspiration from. He described the organiation as not being "scared to put itself in danger and teaches us that it is Israel which breathes new life into Jewish people".

Miliband also divulged that he had hosted the Foreign Office’s first Chanukah party in December 2007.

In giving thanks, UJIA Chairman Mick Davis spoke of his belief that 'Jewish identity is a healthy way of acknowledging Israel and is a legacy Jewish parents must leave their children'. In concluding he stated that these are needs that must to be met “today, tomorrow and forever.”[19]

2008 Britain-Israel Research and Academic Exchange Partnership (BIRAX)

On a visit to Israel in 2008 Prime Minister Gordon Brown signed an agreement with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to develop a Britain-Israel Research and Academic Exchange Partnership (BIRAX).[20] UJIA helped to kickstart the initiative with a donation of £200,000.[21] Mike Cushman of the London School of Economics argued that Universities should avoid the scheme, saying:

'Much of the finance for these partnerships is clearly coming from parts of the private and voluntary sectors that are allied to Israel ... We are urging our colleagues not to touch any of this funding with a bargepole. It is blood money and they should recognise it as such'.[22]

Cushman's comments were made in the context of the academic boycott of Israel which was

Other Events

The UJIA also hold an 'annual property reception'[23]and an 'annual ladies lunchoen'.[24]

People

Source:[1]

Honorary Presidents

Honorary Vice-Presidents

The Lord Janner QC, Sir Jack Lyons, The Lord Mischon QC DL, Gerald M Ronson, Cyril Stein, Fred S Worms OBE

Presidents

Sir Trevor Chinn CVO, Brian Kerner*

Programme Chairman

Michael Goldstein

Renewal Chairman

Dr Anthony Warrens

Communications Chairman

Michael Bradfield*

Training and Development Chairman

Jerome Reback

Honorary Treasurer

Peter C Leach FCA*

Members

Melvin Berwald, Sir Victor Blank, Andrew Brecher, Caroline Buchler, David Buchler, James Burchell, Sam Clarke*, Joy Cohen, Michael Davis, Allan Fisher, David Franklin, Alan Jacobs*, Stefan Kerner, Benjamin Leon* Natalie Lesser, Michael Lewis*, Steven Martin, Gary Phillips*, Jerome Reback*, Andrew Rubin, Carrie Rubin, William Sharron, Jo Wagerman OBE, Dr Anthony Warrens Roberta Wolens

Douglas Krikler - UJIA Chief Executive was awarded 33rd place in the Jewish Chronicle's top 100 'of those who wield the greatest influence on British Jewry' which reports him as 'running a tight ship'[25].


  • Trustees of the United Jewish Israel Appeal


UJIA Israel Chairman

David Franklin

Director

Natan Golan

Campaign Chairman

Michael Lewis

Fundraising Director:

Ido Mazursky*

2004 Campaign Annual Dinner

Chairman: Gary Phillips

Legacy Division

Chairman: William Sharron FCA

Kol Nidre Appeal

Chairman: Jerome Reback

Patrons' Group Chairmen

Geoffrey Ognall

Next Generation Major Gifts

Chairman

Gary Phillips

Pacesetters

Chairman

Alan Jacobs


Young Leadership National Chair People: Natalie Lesser

Thinktank: Adiran Brass

UJIA FC: Deborah Noy

Kulanu: Gabi Hersham, Julien Sallmard

Network2: Ben Novick

Birthright Israel: Jamie Singer, Natalie Rubinstein

Project T'nua: David Brown, Jo Miller

Ball Committee: Alyson Levy

Liverpool: Stephen Abenson

FuZion: Adam Clyne

Tempest: Shelley Harris, Richard Hyman

High Flyers: Nici Matlow


Time Out: Andrew Joseph

Business Division Fundraising Chairman: James Burchell

Property: James Burchell

Sports: Simon Bentley & Andy Rubin

Bench & Bar: David Waksman QC, Jane Mishcon


Women's UJIA Presidents: Helen Lee, Ruth Phillips, Joy Cohen

National Chairman: Carrie Rubin

Vice-Chairman: Wendy Cohen

Brighton: Sandra Carlton, Sandra Josyfon

Fylde: Elaine Adlestone

Leeds: Helena Clarke

Southend: Marilyn Salt, Shirley Shalet

Southport: Angella Carne

Kadima: Karen Gerrard

8 of Hearts: Alyson Levy


London and Southern Region Chairman: Ben Tobin

Barnet: David Freeman Belsize Square: Ben Lachman Bristol: Harold Seymour Bromley Reform: Eva Byk Bushey: Laurence Finger Catford: Warner Peterman Cockfosters, Palmers Green & Southgate: Jack Goulden Croydon: Warner Peterman Ealing: Franklyn Ellison Edgware: Anthony Blake, Michael Wernicke Finchley: Stafford Fertleman, Harry Klahr Guildford: Ray Wicksman Hampstead Garden Suburb: Daniel Knobil, Raymond Taylor Ben Tobin, Dr. Jeremy Marshall Hendon: Julian Kemble, Peter Wagerman Kenton: Allan Russell Kingston: Ronald Ison Middlesex New: Rabbi Simon Franses Newbury Park: Linda Stanton, Philippa Stanton New London: David Immanuel New North London: Nicholas Brill Northwood: Melvin Berwald Pinner: Antony Glass Radlett: Caroline Davidson, Tessa Rudnick, Anne Ingram, Lannis Spiro Radlett & Bushey Reform: Ruth Leveson Stanmore: Leo & Frances Lewis, Michael Wernicke South Hampstead: Andrew Maurice, Karen Lever Sutton: Mervyn Smith Wembley: Leila Cumber West London: John Barrard Wimbledon: Sidney Solomons, Michael Kelion, Dr. Simon Joseph Woodside Park: Brian Harris



Leeds Chairman: Martin Harris

Campaign Chairman: Ian Coupland

New Horizons: Tracy Sapier

Renewal Chairman: Richard Manning

Bradford: Roy Stroud OBE JP DL, Albert Waxman

Leicester: Avi Brandt

Newcastle: Freddie Ingram, Werner Maier

Nottingham: Mr & Mrs Leonard Gelblum

Sheffield: Dr Frada Wilenski

Manchester Life Presidents: Lionel Black, Norman Feingold Lord Leonard Steinberg

President: Joshua Rowe

Vice President: Eric Abrams, Jack Livingstone

Chairman: Dov Hamburger

Campaign Chairman: Keith Black

Renewal Chairman: Stephen Elias

Didsbury: Geoff Leinhardt

Hale & Bowden/Sale: Richard Sciama

Mili: Susan Abrams

Prestwich: Daniel Samuels

Whitefield: Mayer Hersh, Martin Sluckis

Scotland Glasgow

Campaign Co-Chairman: David Latter & Richard Pinder

Renewal Chairman: Adam Berkley


Liverpool Area Chairmen: Ed Abenson & Victor Huglin

Renewal Chairman: Barry Abenson

Liverpool: Edward Abenson

Fylde: Robert Pinkus

Southport: Angela Carne


Ireland Dublin

Honorary Secretary:

Len Bloomfield

Wales Cardiff & Treforest: Dr Raphael Cantor

Swansea: Harry Sherman

North East Area Birmingham: Dennis Marks

Bradford: Roy Stroud OBE JP DL, Albert Waxman

Leicester: Avi Brandt

Newcastle: Freddie Ingram, Werner Maier

Nottingham: Mr & Mrs Leonard Gelblum

Sheffield: Dr Frada Wilenski

Gibraltar Chairman: Michael Lewis

Treasurer: Eli Benamor

Jewish Renewal Chairman

Dr Anthony Warrens

Director

Michael Wegier

UJIA-Makor Centre for Informal Education

Chairman: James Libson

Youth Movement Allocations Committee

Chairman: Miles Webber

Lifelong Learning Committee

Chairman: Sherry Begner

Adam Science Foundation Leadership Programme

Chairman: Avi Goldberg

Israel Experience Policy Group

Chairman: David Pliener

Educational Leadership Policy Group

Chairman: Dr Anthony Warrens

Research and Development Policy Group

President: Prof. Leslie Wagner

Chairman: Tony Danker

UJIA/Ashdown Fellowships

Chairman: Sir Harry Solomon

‘Partnership 2000’ Group

Chairman: Melvin Berwald

Glasgow Renewal Committee

Chairman: Adam Berkeley

Leeds Renewal Committee

Chairman: Richard Manning

Liverpool Renewal Committee

Chairman: Barry Davidson

Manchester Renewal Committee

Chairman: Stephen Elias

Newcastle Renewal Committee

Chairman: David Franks

Marketing and Communications Chairman

Michael Bradfield

Organisational Structure

Associated organisations

Affiliations

In November 2003 Secretary of State for Defence, Geoff Hoon gave a speech to the United Jewish Israel Appeal. In his speech he declared that he is a 'strong supporter' of Labour Friends of Israel and a good friend of Trevor Chinn[26].

Notes

  1. ↑ Bushinsky, J. et al. (1998), News in Brief, The Jerusalem Post, 12-April-1998
  2. ↑ Ha'aretz. (2000), MARY SHELLEY DIDN'T HAVE THIS GUY IN MIND, Ha'aretz, 30-June-2000
  3. ↑ Williams, R. (1998), British Offer Israeli President Anniversary Gift, Press Association, 29-April-1998
  4. ↑ Cohen, A.D. (1999), News in Brief, The Jerusalem Post, 1-January-1999
  5. ↑ Cohen, A.D. (1999), Immigrant Groups Fight Funding Delay, Jerusalem Post, 25-February-1999
  6. ↑ Davis, D. (1999), The Man Behind Blair, The Jerusalem Post, 24-September-1999
  7. ↑ Belfast Telegraph, Bomb attack at British Embassy, Belfast Telegraph, 13-October-2000
  8. ↑ Bushinsky, J. et al. (1998), News in Brief, The Jerusalem Post, 12-April-1998
  9. ↑ Cohen, A.D. (1998), UK Jews establish Blair Fellowships, The Jerusalem Post, 21-April-1998
  10. ↑ Davis, D. (1998), Britain Signs Military Co-operation Deal, Jerusalem Post, 22-November-1998
  11. ↑ Harris, H. (2002), Vinnie's Smokin', Sunday Express, 13-October-2002
  12. ↑ Pg. 4, Vandals' blaze bid at Scots synagogue, Evening Times, 26-October-2002
  13. ↑ Weston, A. (2002), Palestinian City Protest, Liverpool Echo, 29-October-2002
  14. ↑ Yorkshire Evening Post, Israeli chief faces demo over Jenin, Yorkshire Evening Post, 28-October-2002
  15. ↑ Pg. 17, Council had Nothing to do with Mofaz Visit, The Herald, 31-October-2002
  16. ↑ News, New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani's Bolton appeal, UK Newsquest Regional Press - This is Lancashire, 24-January-2003
  17. ↑ Bates, S. (2005), Scrap Jerry Springer invitation, say rabbis, The Guardian, 21-January-2005
  18. ↑ Hayoun, D. (2005), Peres setting up Galilee development fund; Vice Premier Shimon Peres: It will possible to launch tourist projects in the Galilee, as well as establishing and expanding industrial parks, which will provide thousands of jobs for local residents, Globes [online] - Israel's Business Arena, 28-February-2005
  19. ↑ UJIA David Miliband hosts UJIA Patrons Accessed 18th September 2008
  20. ↑ Wadlocks, E.Z. (2008), Israeli, UK PMs launch new academic exchange programme, BBC Monitoring Middle East - Political: Supplied by BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 21-July-2008
  21. ↑ Wadlocks, E.Z. (2008), Israeli, UK PMs launch new academic exchange programme, BBC Monitoring Middle East - Political: Supplied by BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 21-July-2008
  22. ↑ Corbyn, Z. (2008), Research intelligence - Promised land proffers cash, Times Higher Education Supplement, 31-July-2008
  23. ↑ Coffer, A. (2003), Norris raises fears that Crossrail will 'never happen', EGI Web News, 4-July-2003
  24. ↑ Kay, R. (2003), Poor Carole just can't keep schtum, Daily Mail, 20-October-2003
  25. ↑ The Jewish Chronicle 'Others on the list: Numbers 31-100' 9th May 2008. Accessed 19th August 2008
  26. ↑ Hoon, G. (2003) Speech by Secretary of State for Defence, Geoff Hoon, to the United Jewish Israel Appeal. 13th November 2003. accessed 2nd July 2008
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