(UIA)
The UIA is an American organization established in 1925 to coordinate the various Zionist fundraising efforts primarily to support the establishment of Jewish settlements in Palestine. Initially called the United Palestine Appeal, in 1950 it was renamed the United Israel Appeal. It is now part of United Jewish Communities-The Federations of North America. An independent legal entity, UIA is responsible for the distribution and oversight of funds raised by United Jewish Communities fund-raising campaigns in the United States and Canada for programs of UIA's operating agent, the Jewish Agency for Israel, and for securing and monitoring U.S. grant funds for the immigration (see ALIYA) and absorption of Jewish refugees to Israel from countries of distress. In 2006, more than $350 million was directed to Israeli causes through the auspices of UIA.
Historical Dictionary of Israel. Bernard Reich David H. Goldberg. Edited by Jon Woronoff..