Charter President of the "Tel Aviv Elbrus" Rotary сlub Mikhail Kunitsyn presented "With Rotary Through Changing Times and Borders: From Russia to Israel – Building Rotary, Facing Challenges, and Moving Forward", sharing his experience of Rotary in different countries and discussing the challenges and opportunities of international cooperation.
Mikhail Kunitsyn, a Rotarian for nearly 20 years, spoke about his journey - from founding the first Rotary club in Novosibirsk in 2006 to establishing the first Russian-speaking club in Israel. He shared insights on how Rotary can remain relevant in a rapidly changing world, drawing from his experience in leading major international projects and navigating political and social challenges.
Key topics of his presentation included:
- Building sustainable clubs – how the Novosibirsk club became the largest in Russia.
- Overcoming challenges – adapting to political changes while ensuring continuity of service projects.
- International cooperation – successful global grants uniting clubs across continents.
Mikhail emphasized the humanitarian mission of Rotary, particularly in times of instability. He shared examples of projects focused on medical aid, education, and strengthening international partnerships. A key takeaway from his talk was that Rotary is not just about meetings, but about action, resilience, and a commitment to service regardless of external circumstances.
After the presentation, club secretary Michelle Hale expressed her appreciation, stating:
"Your determination to uphold the Rotary spirit despite all the challenges was deeply moving... Please know that my heart is with you and your work in Israel."
The presentation resonated with attendees, reaffirming that Rotary remains a powerful force for positive change, bringing people together across borders and strengthening communities through service.