An Annual General Meeting is not known as a scintillating occasion due to its required formalities of approvals, appointments and adoptions. However, this year, Esra's AGM was definitely upbeat, thought-provoking and challenging.

The 28^th annual meeting, held at Beit Fisher on May 31, received reports from eight members of the executive, ratified the financial statements for 2006, and elected the new chairperson, vice chairs, members of the executive and of the council. These are listed in this article.

So what were the challenges?

Outgoing chairman Hertzel Katz emphasized the importance of ensuring Esra's "life-blood" to the organization, memberships. Despite valiant efforts he felt that we in Esra had not rallied to the battle cry and attacked the issue of membership with sufficient commitment. Further, Hertzel called for greater innovation and revolutionary thinking and an all-out attempt to raise Esra's profile, exclaiming with pride our successes, work and services.

Founder and president, Merle Guttmann, stressed that Hertzel certainly had his successes, not least, the series of Insight meetings held in different locations and concentrating on Esra's local volunteering opportunities. Encouraging all to "think out of the box", Hertzel supported several new ventures. Merle reminded us all that the heart and soul of Esra is the endless and invaluable commitment of volunteers. She said that the appointment of a director, a new function in Esra, should not deflect from the importance of the volunteers' responsibility to determine policy, direction and remain active on all levels.

Volunteerism is what makes Esra special with every one "rolling up his sleeves" and working as shown by the unique nature of the executive where each and everyone of its members has a specific function or two!

Esra was also challenged during the last year by natural events surrounding the Second Lebanon War. Esra's supporters and volunteers gave of themselves in many different ways – all of which helped to alleviate some of the many stresses experienced by families in the North.

Challenges from another corner were handed out by the Media Committee as Esravision went from strength to strength; the Esra Magazine became available on the internet and new marketing techniques were adopted by the magazine. The 21^st Century has now hit Esra!

The Volunteer Division was established this past year to include, co-ordinate, enrich and enlist all the aspects of volunteering. Its rays of responsibility are vast as Esra boasts some 800 active volunteers. Training, supervision, placements, recognition are just some of the areas covered and looking for greater development.

Esra met further challenges during the year, especially in the area of community projects. One area highlighted was the Welfare Committee to their response on three new issues: the war, needy survivors of the Holocaust and students. Each category has defined criteria, practical assistance and a hands-on understanding of their situation.

Social activities continue to engage our Cultural Committee in finding new areas of interest, films, trips and lectures.

Esra had an active and dynamic year thanks to forward-thinking leadership, dedicated volunteers and their shared desire to "DO".