World Emunah representatives from around the world took time out from their busy schedules to come to Israel to join Emunah members in Israel in a number of events celebrating Emunah's achievements.
The first event was a reception hosted by World Emunah honoring the leadership of Emunah Israel. The reception was held in the beautiful garden of Bet Shalom in Jerusalem and allowed all the guests to enjoy light refreshments and good conversation. Background music was provided by a kleizmer band and the Emunotes choir from Afula amazed the audience with a wonderful performance. Minister of the Interior Meir Shitrit and Minister of Absorption Ya'akov Edri a graduate of the Sarah Herzog Children's Center, Afula, both spoke of the importance of giving children the warmth and security provided by Emunah's Children's Homes. Additional greetings where given by Naomi Leibler President World Emunah, Adv. Dina Hahn Chairperson World Emunah Yehudith Huebner President Emunah Israel, Liora Minka Chairperson Emunah Israel, and Rav Hagaon Shear Yeshuv Cohen Chief Rabbi of Haifa. Filmed congratulations from World Emunah representatives who could not attend was screened. The finale was a short film donated to World Emunah by Avraham Weiss Productions, a very dear friend and supporter of Emunah.
The next day World Emunah held its annual Presidents and Chairmen's Meeting. Key issues relating to the work of World Emunah were discussed and it was agreed to hold another meeting in November – close to the time of the Jewish Agency General Assembly and WZO Va'ad Hapoel meetings. A gathering in memory of the late Rabbanit Tzfia Goren z"l was held the same day. Many friends and family members joined in relating stories and memories of Rabbanit Goren. May her memory be blessed.
The grand finale of these festivities was the Gala concert held in the Mann Auditorium Tel Aviv, the evening was sponsored by Emunah Israel for all of the workers, volunteers and friends of Emunah in Israel. Rav Israel Meir Lau Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv stated that the recognition of Emunah's contribution to the community was long over-due. Rav Lau quoted the verse from Proverbs 9 that states… "The home is built on the wisdom of women". It is through the strength of women that Emunah has become such a vital part of Israel society.
Included in the program were performances by Nashot Chava, Adi Arad and Chaggit Kfir. Yehoram Gaon, famous for his depiction of “Kazablan” and for such songs as “Al kol ele” and “Od lo ahavti dai” gave a wonderful performance and succeeded in getting every member of the 2700 strong audience to sing the wonderful songs of old in true Israeli style.
We are extremely grateful to the World Emunah leadership from abroad who joined in the celebrations and thank all those who worked so hard to make this wonderful week such a success.
World Emunah celebrates the Israel Prize