PM Gordon Brown launches UJIA Campaign Year

UJIA played host to some 800 guests for its Annual Dinner & Campaign Launch 2008-09. The fundraising dinner was held at the Hilton Hotel, Park Lane.

The event saw the launch of UJIA's 2008-09 campaign year, and revealed plans for a £20.5m spend on educational programmes in Israel and the UK.

The evening also represented a final celebration of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the state of Israel, with a welcome from UJIA Trustee, and Dinner Chairman James Burchell, following a short film showcasing Israel's wonderful achievements of the past in continuing to face the challenges of today and tomorrow.

This is something that special guest speaker the Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP, Prime Minister made reference to in his rousing speech.

After a standing ovation he began his speech, speaking warmly, about UJIA and praising the work of the charity. He told of his many visits to Israel and the meeting his wife Sarah had with UJIA Israel Experience summer tour participants this summer in Jerusalem which he described as moving and inspiring. He made reference to UJIA's work both in the UK and Israel.

"Let me congratulate you for your remarkable work supporting the education of young people across the British Jewish community," and "for your partnership with Israel, and particularly the communities of the Galil -- where you are not simply sending charity but investing fully in the sustainability of the region."

His main message however was one of hope. "What makes UJIA so unique is that you do not just give money -- you invest in people. You invest in the future. You invest in hope."

Speaking of Israel 60 he said, "You have proved that over the last sixty years -- when people of goodwill and moral purpose come together -- they can make a real difference," and continued, "hope is the defining theme of Jewish history."

He also expressed his pride at having been the first British Prime Minister to address the Knesset (Israeli Parliament).

The Prime Minister also extended his vision of hope for peace in the Middle East, stating, "To make it real the leaders of both nations must have the courage to remain firm in their convictions in the pursuit of peace -- even in the face of great challenges."

The Prime Minister devoted a considerable amount of his speech to the troubled economic climate, advising, "Successful market economics need trust which can only be built through shared values." He continued, "My values, the values of the country, celebrate hard work, effort, enterprise and responsible risk taking -- qualities that markets need to ensure that the rewards that flow are seen to be fair."

He noted, "These are challenging times for all of us. But there is one simple thought that I have tried to share with you this evening -- that when you invest in the future, you are investing in hope."

Over £3.77 million was raised on the night. UJIA Chairman Mick Davis who is also Xstrata plc CEO gave the appeal. He too noted that it may not be the easiest time to ask for charitable donations but urged that, "in these uncertain times, our work is needed more, not less. And whilst we all may feel poorer, and indeed some of us are poorer, I can promise you that the best way to feel richer is to give more away, not less. That is what I have done, as I have increased my pledge to UJIA -- and that is what I am asking you to do tonight. And I ask you to do so with confidence and in the knowledge that you are associating yourself and your much-valued donations with success. For today, UJIA really is a successful organisation."

You can see photos from the event in our photo gallery. Please click here.