Opening of Western Galilee College's Sports Hall

The official festive opening ceremony of WGC's modern sports hall took place on 26 March 2009. Akko's Mayor, Mr. Shimon Lankri, WGC's President, Prof. Gideon Fishman, and Mr. Natie Shevel, UJIA's Regional Director for Israel cut the ribbon and delivered speeches, following the unveiling of the plaque in memory of Mrs. Ivy Judah and the placing of the Mezuza by Rabbi Yehoshua Helman, of Shavei Zion.

The ceremony, conducted by Ms. Leah Kalmanovich, Head of the Academic Administration included a musical performance by pupils from the Akko Conservatory Orchestra and a dance performance by the kibbutz Dance Company. It was concluded by an exciting display match between the Nahariya City Team and a team from WGC with a number of stars from other college teams.

Mr. Lankri spoke about the sports hall as a means of strengthening ties between the College and the local community and the importance of the College as an integral part of the city of Akko.

Prof. Fishman thanked the UJIA, the Jewish Agency for Israel and Keren Hayesod-UIA for expressing their trust in the College through their support of the physical development and academic excellence of the college. He also thanked the dedicated staff for seeing the completion of the hall through to its final and successful stages. Prof. Fishman expressed his hope and belief that the hall will form the bridge connecting between the College with the local community.

Mr. Shevel expressed his satisfaction that the long awaited for sports hall has been completed and has already hosted several meaningful events. He also read a message from Mr. Mick Davis, UJIA Chairman:

"On behalf of UJIA I express our sincere thanks and gratitude to the late Mrs. Ivy Judah. Mrs. Judah was a visionary philanthropist and the IM 1988 Trust, of which she was a Trustee, channeled almost L 1,500,000 into Israel for over 2 decades.
Mrs. Judah was a passionate supporter of the people of Israel; their health and welfare in particular. She was also determined that her charitable funds would benefit all of Israel's inhabitants and be directed to projects that brought together people from across different cultures.

It seems only fitting that her wishes have been realized in the building of this Sports Hall. UJIA is proud to open this state-of-art facility, at the heart of Western Galilee College. The sports hall is not only a great addition to the campus but to the city of Akko and the Galilee Region as a whole. A region we must strengthen and regenerate.
It is rewarding to see that the Sports Hall is already in use, providing a wide range of positive, sports and cultural activities. Students, staff and faculty and the surrounding community are all benefitting from this new development.

The true commitment to this project demonstrates an assurance to youth and education in the Galilee, both now and in the future. Through her legacy, UJIA will be giving these young people a 'sporting chance'."

Mr. Shevel also read greetings from the Trustees of the IM 1988 Charitable Trust, Mr. Robin Judah and Mr. Michael Mitzman.

"The IM 1988 Trust was set up by the executors of the will of Mrs. N.J. (Ivy) Judah in response to the wishes expressed in her will. Ivy Judah was passionately supportive of the welfare of the State of Israel and the health of all its inhabitants and felt that efforts should be directed towards bringing together the ordinary peoples of Israel and its neighboring states. The Western Galilee Sports Hall seems to be perfectly suited to furthering this admirable objective".