Reflecting the spirit of partnership: Youth Aliyah students with some young Australians.

The flourishing relationship between Young Leadership Australia and Youth Aliyah was consolidated in the summer with the visit of a 41 person delegation to Ramat Hadassah Szold. The Aussies were in Israel on the Keren Hayesod-UIA Australia Young Leadership International Gathering in Israel. The Gathering was led by Darryl Jackson, who is Chairman of NSW Young Leadership.

"It was marvelous to see the way Ramat Hadassah Szold rescues youth in distress and helps them get back on track," said Australian mission participant Debra Segal.

Saddling up: Young Australians present a gift of two saddles to Ramat Hadassah Szold students

At Ramat Hadassah Szold the Australian visitors played soccer with the Israeli students. As a symbol of friendship the Australians presented the village with two horse saddles, which will be used on the horses at the Therapeutic Animal Center.

The gifts followed a visit by Australians back in 2003 when they were told that the village needed some better quality saddles.

The partnership between Australia Young Leadership and Ramat Hadassah Szold began back in 1998. Since then hundreds of visitors, often bringing vitally needed gifts for the village, have deepened the relationship. In addition the connection has been strengthened by many Australian volunteers who have spent extended periods of time at the village teaching the children English and helping care for the pupils' emotional needs.

Daniel Zelenko, Director of the Residential Village at Ramat Hadassah Szold, describes the commitment of Young Leadership Australia as remarkable. "They are so far away and the last few years have not been easiest of times to visit Israel," he said, "and yet they have come to visit us in such large numbers and with such enthusiasm to help us."

The relationship, which has developed between Young Leadership Australia and Ramat Hadassah Szold, characterizes the three elements in the new strategy and method of operation of the Jewish Agency: partnership; the next generation; and volunteerism.

JAFI's Israel Department has pioneered people-to-people partnerships like the one that has developed between Australia and Ramat Hadassah – a partnership that has tangible benefits for the next generation and has benefited Youth Aliyah. Volunteerism is also a core value promoted by the Israel Department and in recent years Youth Aliyah has attracted many volunteers including those from Australia.

"As a former Australian, it is heartwarming to see how Keren Hayesod Young Leadership is flourishing in Australia," said Greg Masel, Director General of Keren Hayesod UIA. "I am particularly proud of their ongoing support for Ramat Hadassah Szold. This support reflects everything Keren Hayesod-UIA stands for: aliyah, absorption, education, support, for Israel's youth-at-risk, the continuity of the Jewish people and the connection between Israel and World Jewry. I cannot stress enough the importance of Young Leadership - it is our future as an organization and our future as a people."

Kislev 5765 - November 2004