On the evening of December 27, 2008, Australians and residents of the Arava came together to celebrate 13 wonderful years of partnership under the auspices of the Jewish Agency's Partnership 2000 project. Members of three different delegations from the Arava to Australia - the Keren Hayesod Key Workers delegation, the Bialik College student delegation and the BJE student delegation from Sydney - mingled with Arava locals and enjoyed a colorful and diverse program.

Peter Rabin and Max Shnider

Max Shnider, the first Australian Co-chair of the Partnership, who initially chose the Central Arava as the most suitable partner community for Australia, addressed the crowded hall, saying that the reason for his choice was because he felt that the Arava embodied the spirit of pioneering in Israel. Rachel Caplan, one of the most active and involved members of the Melbourne-based AAP (Arava Australia Partnership) group, also made the long journey from Australia to attend the event, and lit the first Hanukkah candle of the evening.

Outgoing Partnership Director Rina Peretz Gal and Keren Hayesod haliach Meir Buber

Rina Peretz Gal, director of the Partnership for most of its 13 years, was presented with a certificate of recognition, as were several Australian and Israeli volunteers, including Mickey Blumberg, former Australian Community representative. Many dignitaries spoke during the evening in addition to Max Shnider, including Regional Council Head Ezra Ravins, Partnership Co-chair Peter Rabin, Partnerships Division Director Andrea Arbel and shaliah Meir Buber. The program included a short film on the Partnership, performances by the Arava choir, the local jazz ensemble and dance troupe, and a surprise appearance by local didgeridoo players.

The next morning Partnership Hill, the area of the Sapir sculpture park which will serve as the physical representation of the Arava-Australia Partnership, was formally dedicated by Max Shnider, in a perfect close to the bar mitzvah celebrations - Mazal Tov to all!