USY - Abayudaya Partnership
From left: Kokasi Keki, 17; Sarah Nabagala, 17; and Igaal Sizomu, 15
Most of our synagogue's and USY chapters are familiar with the name and story of Rabbi Gershom Sizomu, the leader of the Abayudaya Jews in Uganda. Rabbi Sizomu and his family became part of our communities when he was a student at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies. Since returning to Uganda, the Abayudaya community in Sub-Saharan Africa has been growing. Last year, Far West USY created a Partnership with the Jewish youth in Uganda. We raised the funds to bring three teens, Kokasi, Sarah and Igaal, from Uganda to Los Angeles to meet our USYers, to participate in our activities, learn about youth programming, engage in leadership development and attend Far West USY Regional Convention. It was a life changing experience for them, and for us. Since returning to Uganda, the teens have organized and established the AYA (Abayudaya Youth Association). Following the model they observed in Far West USY, they are planning to bring together the youth from the eight local villages for a weekend of tefillah, learning, and excitement.
As we develop our bonds and friendship rooted in our Jewish tradition and carry it with us as we go off to college, so too, the teens of Uganda hope to do the same as they move forward in a changing landscape. They represent the future leaders of the growing and developing movement of Conservative Judaism in Africa. Far West USY has pledged to help underwrite the AYA Youth Convention in Uganda, taking place January 17-20, 2010, culminating with an Abayudaya Music Festival. We are seeking to raise $3000 over the next two months from congregations and chapters in Far West, as well as any donations from you, the supporters of this project. All synagogues, chapters, and donors will be acknowledged for their participation. Any surplus in funds raised will go towards continuing our partnership with the AYA. Please join us in this endeavor. Together, Far West USY and everyone involved in this cause can help to write this next developing chapter in the history of the Jewish people. We welcome your support. Together, we can make this vision a reality!
Thank you,
David Weingarten
Please contact me and let me know we can count on your support.
Contact me by: Contact form or by email: David.Weingarten.44@gmail.com.
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