WIZO Florida

WIZO, the Women’s International Zionist Organization founded in 1920 in Great Britain with the prime aim of improving the lives of women in the fledgling Yishuv, has fought for the advancement of the status of women in the home, in society and in the workplace for over 90 years.

Last week, as 800 delegates from Jewish federations throughout the world met in Tel Aviv at the 25th Enlarged General Meeting of the movement, we celebrated the power and strength of our movement, and of Jewish women in their communities around the world.

It is therefore hard to explain why there has been a backlash just recently against a growing phenomenon in Israel, that of the exclusion of women in the public arena. As WIZO women, we strongly believe that women should not have to sit at the back of the bus, nor in the middle of the bus, but should be driving the bus – and deciding in which direction that bus should travel.

Gender equality education has to begin at a very early age, and carry on through the whole schooling system, giving girls and boys the same educational opportunities.

When they enroll in the army, every girl and boy should have an equal chance to proudly wear the uniform of a pilot, or steer a submarine.

No woman should fear violence from her partner, and every woman should know that she is equal in the eyes of the law, deserving an equal salary for the same job as her male coworker.

The problem is far deeper than being told where to sit on the bus, and could have a long-term effect on every aspect of life here – although it is the result of a minority enforcing its ways on the majority.

Every Friday night, when the family comes together, loving Jewish husbands praise their wives reciting the “Eshet Chayil” prayer, which tells of the woman who decides which field to buy, the woman who plants a vineyard, and who is like a merchant ship, bringing bread from afar. Our biblical woman had the deepest respect and love of her husband, and was an equal partner in the finances of the family. Yet over the centuries, women’s rights have been continually eroded, until today women are expected, in some societies, to ride at the back of the bus, not to sing in public, and to walk on opposite sidewalks.

Women today, who represent slightly more than half of Israel’s population, are struggling for for equal rights in the Jewish nation, and it is the result of that struggle which will determine whether we are viewed as an enlightened, modern state.

Women are a vital component in the economy of the country. The nation’s economy gains when mothers are free to establish careers and earn salaries, but today, many women who could be earning salaries have to stay at home because they can’t afford trustworthy care for their small children. They are being punished for choosing to become mothers! Only legislation can stem the loss of women’s self-esteem, and improve family finances, by supporting early age education and the construction of more child care facilities across the country.

In addition, when a woman has the independence that comes from earning her own salary, domestic violence is less threatening.

We still have a long way to go. Job discrimination based on gender is still evident and women often have no choice but to accept less payment than men for the same work.

Women don’t have equal representation in politics, or public and government offices, and have to be empowered so that they, too, can hold key positions.

WIZO believes that society as a whole will benefit when women have respect and equal opportunities.

Justice has always been WIZO’s watchword. Accordingly, WIZO’s country-wide legal advice bureaus give legal aid and advice to any woman who is a victim of gender discrimination or harassment at home, or in the workplace.

Today, Israel is standing at a historical crossroads. We must move forward into the light and not retract into the dark. We are full, contributing partners in a democratic society. Each one of us is a true Eshet Chayil, as envisioned by King Solomon.

Today, the power, and strength, of 800 WIZO leaders from 50 WIZO federations around the world, coming together, will help shape Israel’s future, and the future of Jewish women, wherever they may be.

The writer is the the new president of WIZO.

www.shalomisrael.net

The History of Wizo USA

The Women's International Zionist Organization (WIZO) is a non-profit women's organization of volunteers in over 50 countries working together to improve the lives of women, children and the elderly living in Israel. Next to the Israeli government, WIZO is one of the largest providers of social welfare services in the country.

WIZO was founded in Great Britain in 1920. The founders of WIZO, Rebecca Sieff, Dr. Vera Weizmann, Edith Eder, Romana Goodman and Henrietta Irwell, established Wizo to serve the needs of women and children in (Palestine) Israel. Wizo existed only in Palestine, Europe and South America, but never in the USA.

Between 1921 to 1933, WIZO focused on developing its work in Palestine and in the Diaspora. From 1933 and during World War II we witnessed the annihilation of Jewish communities in Europe and the dissolution of WIZO Federations in countries under the Nazi scourge. This was also the era when 19 new Latin American WIZO Federations were created. The post war period was one of resuscitation of WIZO Federations and groups in Europe.

In 1949, following the establishment of the State of Israel, the WIZO Head Office was transferred from London to Israel and Rebecca Sieff was elected 1st President of the World WIZO Movement. She served as President till 1966. She was followed by Rosa Ginossar who was elected Chairman of the World WIZO Executive in 1951 and then President in 1966. In 1970, Raya Jaglom was elected President and served in this capacity till 1996. During this period, WIZO was recognized by the United Nations as an N.G.O. with consultative status with Ecosoc and Unicef.

During her term of office, WIZO was established in the U.S. in 1982.

At that time the manager of El-Al in Miami was Zvi Redlich from Israel. His wife Dvora and Ruth Gold were good friends, and as such, she told Ruth that Raya Yaglom asked her to try and establish the WIZO organization in the USA, and would she help her with this project. Dvora was a Wizo member in Israel and Ruth used to be one in Colombia.

After Ruth agreed to help, they met in Dvora’s apt. The first seven ladies at that meeting were: Gloria Birman, Rita Bymel Lea Freund Ruth Gold, Bernice Martinez, Dvora Redlich and Dorothy Sussman. At the following meetings they discussed the eventual problem they might be facing with Hadassah, as it was the only Jewish Women’s organization in the US.

The ladies could not decide how to go about the organization without causing a conflict with Hadassah. At one of the meetings, Ruth Gold suggested to invite Raya Yaglom, then President of Wizo Israel, to help them with the establishment of the organization.

By that time, Ruth had recruited her friend, Sonja Igra, who later became Wizo’s treasurer. Soon Helyett Cohen, Clara Exelbirt, Rosita Greenberg, Mercedes Ivcher, Reina Lerner, Shelly Levyon, Cherna Moskowitz, Rosita Retelny, Miriam Steinberg, Edith Wigoda. Judith Elkin, Ines Goldszmidt, Tania Lapciuc, Sara Lerner, Nina Schechter joined. The little group grew to about 23 members.

Mrs. Yaglom agreed to come to Miami, and Sonja Igra graciously offered her house for that special meeting. Raya encouraged us not to fear any competition with Hadassah, and asked Ruth to be the president, but she did not want this position, so Raya suggested that Ruth should be the general advisor, and Lea Freund the president.
Thus the first Wizo Chapter USA was born.
Soon, the new-born organization felt the necessity to create a young group of women, the so-called ”Wizo Aviv,” which started in Ruth Gold’s house in Bay Harbor Islands with Hanna Falic at the helm. The rest is history…


Thank you,

Ruth
 

From the Desk of Tova Ben-Dov, Chairperson of the World WIZO Executive.

10th November, 2011

Dear Chaverot,

Yesterday I sent out to you the update for October, and today, I received many replies from you, all of you hungry for every morsel of information about the wonderful work that is going on in our WIZO facilities and projects. The information in each update is just the tip of the iceberg, and there is so much more happening that cannot be reported in a couple of pages. But there is no doubt, from your responses, that these updates are what WIZO stands for, and this is what you want to hear about.

WIZO stands for everything that is good and wholesome, we change peoples lives, and we give them hope. We empower and will continue to empower, from our own corner, the State of Israel, both in the past, the present and the future.

Over the last eight years, as Chairperson of the World WIZO Executive, I have has been involved in every aspect of our WIZO work, every success and every difficulty, be it the opening of new projects, or problems with finances, municipalities or government authorities. The latter are the less pleasant side of our work. It is much nicer to continually look at the smiling faces of our children in the Day Care Centers and in our Schools and Youth Villages, than to deal with the ‘nitty gritty’. You will be receiving the bylaws, which you recommended, after we approached you for your suggestions, and were passed, democratically, at the AGM in 2011. We have to abide by them, otherwise there will be chaos.

We are one family, look around you, look at your chaverot, who work so hard for our organization. We want to see the positive results of our work, and I bless each and every one who is involved. We do not want to see arguments, nor unfounded accusations, being hurled around. We work too hard, for that. None of us deserve it.

Let us look forward to the future. We do not know what is happening in the world around us, nor what awaits us with Iran. We must be united, as we have been during the last 90 years, not carrying out experiments which may, or may not, work out.

We have to build, not destroy. We can leave the destruction to our enemies, our ‘real’ enemies, and there are plenty waiting to pounce on our beautiful country, and our people which we have worked so hard, to build up together, each and every one of us.

Let us, during this critical time, close ranks and remember our WIZO vision and those whom we serve, as well as the timeless saying.

United we Stand, Divided we Fall

Shabbat Shalom

Affectionately,

Tova Ben Dov,
Chairperson,
World WIZO Executive



 

8th November 2011.
(Update October 854)


To: Chairperson and Presidents of all WIZO Federations.


Dear Chaverot,

Welcome to our monthly update.

Despite the fact that many of our facilities were closed during the period of the Jewish festivals, there were non stop events, and celebrations during the course of the month, proving that our WIZO work never stops.

WIZO Israel saw the opening of number of new projects, a new Warm Home, for girls at risk. The latest Warm Home is in the WIZO Yad Eliyahu Center in Tel Aviv, and will be operated in partnership with the Welfare Division of Tel Aviv Municipality. Two WIZO centers for single parent families were opened, one in WIZO Hod Hasharon, and one in WIZO Petach Tikva, and in the Bat Yam Center, two guided play groups have begun to operate. Senior citizens enjoyed a Day of Surprises, at the WIZO Pardes Katz Center, and were treated to haircuts, by hairstylists who gave their services voluntarily.

With its eye to the future, and the importance of the working woman, WIZO Israel continues to move forward. In WIZO Ramla, sponsored by WIZO Holland, a course for promoting business initiatives has ended and a ‘Forum for Business Women’ has begun. At the WIZO Center for Girls, in Eilat, Villa Meder, sponsored by WIZO Germany, a professional training program, Afikim, has begun to operate . In the WIZO Centerin Ramat Gan, and Hod Hasharon the first two stages of ‘Having Your Own Business’ courses have ended, and now the women are receiving individual guidance in the subject of employment.

The Fundraising Division, of WIZO Israel, continues to upgrade the thrift shops in WIZO Centers, across the country, to increase income. The shops have been branded and promoted in local press. The WIZO Thrift Shops provide an income of NIS: 5.5 million annually.

The Opening of the WIZO Israel Annual Fundraising Drive, on the 27th of October, was held at the Cameri Theatre, where the guests saw the premiere showing of Cabaret. I have already sent you a review of the event. Major donors, WIZO members and guests, were invited to a Cocktail Party prior to the showing. The net profit was NIS: 350,000.

Following an escalation in the South of the country, all Day Care Centers, within a 40 kilometer radius of Gaza, were closed down for a few days. This is our reality in Israel. Our WIZO staff continue to provide services, even as the siren sounds, and the rockets continue to fall, in order to provide as calm an atmosphere as possible, for the children. Since there are still Day Care Centers in the South without suitable protection, we are forced to carry out various moves and actions, which often involve taking personal responsibility, during times of crisis. After the all clear was sounded, the Day Care Centers returned to routine.
The Early Age Division continues to press for the opening of new Day Care Centers and the expansion of existing ones, in order to cope with the rising demands in areas with young families.
On 30th October, 2011 the Dedication of the Pearl and Bernhard Lazarus Multi Purpose Complex at WIZO Raya Jaglom DCC-Tel Aviv, sponsored by WIZO Australia, took place. WIZO operates 18 Multi-Purpose Day Care Centers across Israel. They provide a safe-haven for children at risk ages six months through seven years old, from 7 a.m until 7 p.m. The program includes two nutritious hot meals, enriched programming and the ongoing support of a social worker. The newly renovated Multi-Purpose Complex at WIZO Raya Jaglom DCC is the first of its kind in central Tel Aviv, where WIZO operates 22 Day Care Centers.


12 pupils from WIZO Nir Haemek, sponsored by WIZO Argentina and WIZO USA. and 12 students from the John Lennon High School in Berlin, took part in the second part of an international seminar, organized by the Israel Youth Award Scheme. The ten day seminar: ‘Settlement in Israel, Past-Present-Future, the Jezreel Valley,’ was attended by 23 pupils during the Succot vacation.
100 pupils from WIZO Nachlat Yehuda, sponsored by WIZO Switzerland, participated in a ‘Night of Science’, which was held at Tel Aviv University. The pupils visited the laboratories, saw various scientific exhibitions and saw the experiments underway in the development of physics. The Director General of the Youth Village, Dr. Hezi Yosef, said that the pupils were exposed to a world of culture and academics, which will encourage them to apply for academic education in the future.

WIZO Ahuzat Yeladim, sponsored by WIZO Australia was visited by the British Ambassador to Israel, Mr. Mathew Gould, within the framework of the Israel Youth Award scheme. The Ambassador voiced the lasting impression that he will take away, from the school, its pupils and its activities.

In WIZO Nahalal sponsored by Canadian Hadassah WIZO and WIZO uk, 54Naaleh pupils from the Former Soviet Union, are living in a brand new, comfortable and homely dormitory, Dormitory B, thanks to a generous donation from Lady Beryl Steinberg, from WIZO uk, in memory of her late husband, Leonard. These pupils, who have no homes to go to during weekends or holidays, are especially grateful for their new living conditions. The opening ceremony took place on the 18th October.

WIZO Gan Ve Nof, sponsored by WIZO Switzerland and WIZO Panama, is very proud to have been named in a survey carried out by the IDF, in which enrollment from Petach Tikva into fighting units in the IDF were surveyed. WIZO Gan ve Nof are in the first place, with 92% of pupils enrolling into fighting units, as opposed to 89% last year.


The WIZO Community Youth Center in Kiryat Shemona, sponsored by WIZO Germany, is taking part in a project in which the youth are learning about the heritage, history and Zionism of the Jewish people in Israel and the group from the Community Youth Center won first prize in a completion organized by the Ministry of Education in the north of the country.

The WIZO Music Center, in Maalot Tashicha, organizes a unique program for Holocaust survivors who live in the city. The activity is weekly, and over 300 Holocaust survivors attend. They hear lectures, music, and enjoy dancing. In addition, several of the musicians visit the Holocaust survivors, who are immobile, in their own homes.

Dear Chaverot, I have just given you a bird’s eye view of WIZO’s activities in some of our projects during October, when we celebrated the Succot vacation. Our pulse continues to beat, and our work continues.

I look forward to sharing our November’s efforts in the next update.


Affectionately yours,

Tova Ben Dov,
Chairperson,
World WIZO Executive


 

Dear Friends and Family,
World WIZO Fundraising Department takes this opportunity to wish all of
our friends and donors a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. We would like to thank you for your ongoing support throughout the year.

What’s New at WIZO?

Early Age: "Together We Can Make Perfect Harmony" a multi cul- tural training program for day care center staff aimed at overcoming cul- tural and religious barriers.

Tikkun Olam: Wheelchair Basketball European Championship
hosted in Israel by WIZO Nir Haemek youth village in Afula.

Youth: WIZO Pardes Katz Center Upgraded
After school studies for over 100 children are improved by newly renovated facility.

Women: Rae and Tom Mandel Family Modiin WIZO Center
Grand opening event promises new opportunities for women and children.

Website: www.wizo.org
Facebook: World WIZO

WIZO Early Age: "Together We Can Make Perfect Harmony"

Last May, fifteen Early Age Workers began a ten session multi cultural training
program aimed at overcoming cultural and religious barriers. All of these women aging in range from twenty four to fifty plus are part of a very unique pilot pro- ject funded by a generous donor. WIZO felt compelled to improve cross cultural relations among workers in the "mixed" WIZO DCC located in the city of Lod.
The women meet once every 2 weeks for two and half hours and are exposed to topics and activities which help them to work in an environment catering to the needs of Jewish, Christian and Muslim children and their families. For most of
the participants, this is the first time that they have been exposed to a profes- sional workshop where they are encouraged to question their values and work within a multi cultural population.

Aisha a young Ethiopian mother smiles as she approaches the WIZO Lod DCC

Workshops are based on principals of pluralism, acceptance, and belonging. Sessions are interactive and include plat-
forms for discussion based on universal values such as doing good deeds, mutual respect, acceptance and tolerance. Holidays of all faiths are addressed. Well known fables and lessons are used to highlight positive society values. The Shavuot holiday story of Ruth, Naomi and Boaz provided many useful lessons on respect, devotion, and assisting the weak. Music and literature are used as a springboard to elicit lively discussions relating to differences and similarities
among the various groups. A well known Israeli children's story "The Green Man" formed the basis for teaching a pow- erful lesson about meeting and accepting individuals who are different, than one another. The warm and inviting atmos-
phere is conducive to open discussion, and the staff is looking forward to continuing these seminars right after the
chagim.
WIZO is a Zionist humanitarian organization dedicated to equal opportunities for the women and youth of Israel in efforts for the betterment of Israeli society through educa-
tion and the reinforcement of Jewish values in the Diaspora

WIZO Tikkun Olam: Dribble, Dunk and Score!

Opening Game—The Israeli team
Women’s teams Israel v Turkey

Kol Hakavod to everyone involved in the spectacular 2011 European Wheelchair
Basketball Championships which took place September 6-18th. The games were hosted by the WIZO Argentinean and WIZO USA sponsored Nir Hamek Youth Vil- lage. The International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF Europe) chose Israel as the host for the 2011 European Wheelchair Basketball Championships.
This illustrates international recognition of the capabilities of the Israel Sports As- sociation for the disabled, and the importance of the Israeli national wheelchair baseball team.

This championship is one of the most major and significant events in the world and
a decider of the national teams that will participate in the Paralympics Games in
London in 2012.

The attractive and newly upgraded David R. Kahn Sports Center at WIZO Nir
Haemek Youth Village was filled with the cheers of hundreds of spectators as nine- teen European sports teams (12 men and 7 women) competed. Participants num- bered at 500 and included athletes, coaches, chaperones, and referees. Participat-
ing countries included Britain, Netherlands, Poland Italy and Turkey. The atmos- phere was filled with a sense of international pride and cooperation as each coun-
try's flags blew proudly under the sunny Israeli skies.

 

Address to Seminar in Florida
September, 7th 2011
(Draft: 26.8.2011)

Dear Chaverot,

I am delighted to be here, in Miami, Florida, with each and every one of you, who, with deep motivation and love, as well as your exceptional leadership, forms one of our most vibrant WIZO federations.

I have come here during an uncertain period. Prior to my journey here, I had thought that the most spoken about issue in Israel today was that of Social Justice, which has brought hundreds of thousands on to the streets to demonstrate, but just three weeks ago a vicious terror attack on a bus and cars travelling to Eilat, together with an unprecedented shower of missiles upon the south of the country, once again shifted the focus to the security situation.

Yet, despite all our advancements, our enemies are not far away, like wild animals waiting to pounce on their prey. Never before in the history of the world, has one nation been the target of global delegitimization such as the present campaign against the State of Israel. Each day we watch the theatre of the absurd play itself out in the media worldwide, detached from truth and reality, once again agitating the world towards the age old hatred of Jews.

In just two weeks, on the 20th, the United Nations is expected to decide on the establishment of a Palestinian State, in the absence of any formal peace agreement, and we cannot prevent the Palestinians from receiving support from the countries that are hostile towards Israel. With a certain trepidation the army, and police force, are preparing for every eventuality, including widespread rioting. Less than a month ago, during terror attacks from Gaza, we had a prior taste of what may be in store for us, and I use this stage to convey my condolences to the victims of these attacks..

This scenario affects Israel alone, yet we are also actors on the world stage, affected by all that happens globally.

A month and a half ago, the whole world trembled when the United States was shaken by the downgrade of the financial rating of US Treasury bonds, sending ripples across Europe and the world, much of which was already facing financial problems, and social unrest.
In WIZO we have shared with you that all governments, were withdrawing their financial support for welfare causes, stating the high costs of security as the cause. Yes, security is an extremely important facet in our budget, as we have just recently been reminded, but social and financial security is no less important for the resilience of the people of Israel.

For many years, the governments have expected the NGO's to step in and take the welfare burden upon themselves. We, in WIZO, have talked about the large gaps in the population, social, educational and financial, which are growing wider and wider.
In Israel today, there is a desperate shortage of Day Care Centers. The result is that women either cannot go out to work, or have to pay a fortune for private child care.

For the last two years, WIZO together with other leading organizations, has been sitting in the Knesset and on various committees, in light of changes that were made, by the government, with no funding on their part. We demanded that the whole issue of Day Care Centers and Early Age Education be reviewed.

As Chairperson of the World WIZO Executive, the leading organization in early age care for children, I have written to the Prime Minister, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, Professor Trachtenberg, who is heading the Prime Minister's Social Team, and involved ministers, stating the problems, and proposing steps, both immediate and long term, that should be taken to alleviate the problem. I wrote that the 'well being and development of emotionally and socially balanced children has an implication on the strength of Israeli society as a whole'.
The Government of Israel has to give priority to Early Age Education and regard it as a national mission.
Soon after, Professor Trachtenberg appeared on television and said that Early Age Education is a priority.
We can be proud that we are running a business, yes, a big business, in fact a concern. The Women's International Zionist Organization, a social organization, embraces so many facets of life, to the sum of NIS: 636 million a year, with the important divisions being the Early Age Division, with a turnover of over NIS: 292 million a year, the Education Division, with a turnover of approximately NIS: 250 million a year, and WIZO Israel, which is the very heart of our volunteerism, with a turnover of approximately NIS: 57 million a year.
In 2010 WIZO celebrated the 90th anniversary of its foundation. The celebrations were held under the banner of the WIZO Heritage and its Activities throughout the Years in WIZO schools, Day Care Centers, branches, Head Office and, of course, in our WIZO federations.
In order to get through the difficult years that hit the economy, especially the 2008 financial crisis, we had to make structural changes, which we did, especially in the Early Age Division. We implemented cutbacks, a word which no one wants to hear, but it was clear to me that there is no other way, but to make changes, in order to achieve WIZO's aims.
The financial situation which engulfs the world is not helping. WIZO federations are finding it harder to stand by their commitments and to send monies for earmarked donations.

As you are all aware, WIZO has always placed firm emphasis on education, from the Day Care Centers, to the Schools and Youth Villages, formal and informal education. Our children come from all sectors of the population, and we see ourselves as the parents of all our children. We have to look after their welfare and education
It is no wonder that Hillary Clinton said,
"IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD"
We, WIZO women, are that village. We regard ourselves as the mothers of all the children who learn in our Day Care Centers, schools and youth villages, or who come through any door with the word WIZO on its plaque. As their village, we often step in where their parents are unable to, providing them with an all round education, which will prepare them for a productive life. Most of our WIZO budget is geared towards education. By opening their minds, they can embrace opportunities for their future.
Education has already opened many, many doors. However, there are the doors to the future which are still waiting to be opened. Our WIZO children will open these doors – we just have to give them the key.
An educated Israel also means a strong Israel, on all fronts. Strength brings with it a high morale even when under continuous rocket fire, and despite terrorist attacks which kill innocent citizens.

Together, you in the US, and we in Israel, are a great team, in teaching our children. I regularly visit WIZO Nir Haemek, and I want to pay tribute to the initiative of Menachem and Mercedes Ivcher who wanted to prepare the pupils of Nir Haemek for the future, by teaching them a profession in this case, the art of cheese making to make 'boutique type' cheeses in WIZO Nir Haemek. They donated funds to build a dairy for cheese making, and now the cheeses are gaining popularity. They are delicious. But more important is the process involved in which our pupils follow through from the milking of cows, the production, packaging and the marketing of the cheese. They are learning one of life's lessons, side by side with their school subjects. They are also already leaving school with a skill, that may take them into the future.

This project is just one of the many learning programs that operate in WIZO NIr Haemek.

WIZO educates over 14,000 children in its 178 Day Care Centers, over five thousand boys and girls in its 8 schools and youth villages and the Neri Bloomfield WIZO Academy of Design and Teacher Training. WIZO operates 2 Shelters for Battered Women, 3 Centers for the Prevention of Violence in the Family, advisory services and an advisory call center for parents of early aged children, we fight for the advancement of women in all spheres of life, as well as a whole myriad of activities and projects, around the country.

You, WIZO USA, started in 1982 but look how much you have achieved. You sponsor 8 Day Care Centers, and some of these Day Care Centers are in areas that are economically challenged. (Yavne Multi Purpose Day Care Center (72 children) Ramat Shikma (80) Ramat Gan (80)) We give these children extra enrichment so that they have the same opportunities, and join first grade, at the same standard as any other child from a functioning home. You sponsor the Lea and Samuel Koplowitz Center in the Palmachim Air Base. We call our air bases the 'eyes of the State' and WIZO is proud to be involved in any way possible.

The WIZO Miami Beach Community Center, which you sponsor, is a thriving Center, a hive of activity in the heart of Ramat Gan. It provides programs for all age groups, including well attended activities for senior citizens. The Miami Beach WIZO center maintains close ties with the community around it, and the Inbal youth movement, which operates there, is definitely one of the highlights.

Uri Goldman, the Director of the Center says 'I believe our children need to learn social skills, and being part of a youth movement provides them with these skills. Our younger generation tends to spend long hours near the computer or the television set, and we feel obliged to get them out of the house,”

Prior to Rosh Hashana and Pesach the Center distributes food parcels to needy families and distributes Mishloach Manot on Purim.

WIZO Nir Haemek School and Youth Village, near Afulla, which co-sponsor, has, over the years, become an icon in the area.

Please join me in a tour around this school and youth village, which I so love.

As well as the subjects that are taught in every Israeli high school, the school offers trends in electronics, theatre, human resources, car mechanics, Russian, Arabic, and criminology. There are also courses, on an especially high level, in sciences, and in electricity, at the end of which the pupils are certified electrical technicians. The school won first place, of all the high schools in the country, at the Chemistry Olympics at the Weizman Institute. That is nachess!

The school boasts a popular Police Class, which is attached to a Police Academy. The pupils work with professional police officers and police patrols. Dozens of graduates received their final certificates, at the end of the year, in an impressive ceremony, in which high ranking officers of the Israel Police, and senior staff of the Ministry of Education, took part, at the Police Training school in Shfaram. It is amazing to watch, they put on their uniform, and their self confidence soars. Many of them are opting to join a police unit in the army.

Rachel Mula, from an Ethiopian background, joined the police course eight months ago. After taking part in a special course in Shfaram she returned to the station in WIZO Nir Haemek, as a policewoman. She has just completed the course with honors.
What is so special about Rachel? Well, when Rachel began the course she was on a downward spiral descending into the world of crime.
According to Rachel, 'When I was in the eighth and ninth grades I hung around kids who were drinking alcohol and using drugs. I knew that I had to be in a proper educational framework, otherwise I will end up like others who I know, and who have fallen into crime. My mother is the only wage earner in the family, I have a younger brother and sister, and my mother did not want me to leave the house. Eventually I persuaded her to let me join WIZO Nir Haemek.
I did not want to join the Police trend at the beginning. Me? A policeman? I thought it was hilarious, but I joined and have not looked back.
I now know that everything is possible and I have applied to become a policewoman during my army service, and even to become an officer.'
Rachel is just one of hundreds who has been put on the right path in WIZO Nir Haemek.

The pupils in the youth village, are also very enthusiastic about the Israel Youth Award Scheme- an international scheme, to encourage youth to exploit their leisure time to the fullest degree.
This year, 103 pupils are taking part in the various stages. This scheme is not just another activity, it is a wonderful opportunity for many of our children, who have seemingly endless obstacles in their way of success, and doors that continually slam in their faces, to take part in a challenging scheme, with youth from around the world.

Many participants have already had the opportunity to travel abroad in delegations. They have also hosted delegations from other countries, such as this group from Ghana, who visited WIZO Nir Haemek. This too, does wonders for their self confidence.

But what happens when many pupils graduate from the 12th grade, after completing their 12 years of education, in this cocoon, called WIZO Nir Haemek, where they are cared for and know that they can receive support with problem that comes their way? Don't forget that many of these children are from dysfunctional homes, and when they finish school, and enlist in the army, they are often unable to go back to their homes. With the help of the Falic family, we set up Bet HaBoger, 'Graduates House', a residential unit for those between 18 and 23, who do not have a supportive family framework. WIZO Nir Haemek is their home, in every sense of the word, they get pocket money, meals, but it does not stop there, when they finish the army they are helped to complete their studies and to find work. These children, well they not children any more, would have fallen between the cracks, and have had to fend for themselves, if WIZO Nir Haemek had not seen the whole picture.

Every year the school and youth village holds a 'Salute to its Graduates who are serving in the regular and permanent army'. It is an exciting evening, where old friends meet, this time in their army uniforms. Every year we marvel at the large number of our graduates who are serving in elite fighting units.

WIZO Nir Haemek is going to be the home of the Beit Ruth Educational Village. This is a joint project between the Amutah for the Advancement of Education in Tel Aviv and WIZO, for girls in the 14-18 age group who have been removed from their homes by court orders, and whose families cannot cope with them. The girls have become apathetic and isolated, but Beit Ruth will give them every opportunity to return to mainstream society. Rather like the Menifa program, which is housed in the Rebecca Sieff WIZO Center in Jerusalem, and in which you, here in Miami, are involved.

Many of the children in the WIZO Nir Haemek Youth Village, originate from religious or traditional homes, but when turning their backs on their upbringing, they threw out the 'baby with the bathwater'. The progression of events since the Rohr Family, from Miami, donated a beautiful synagogue to the youth village, has surprised us all. These same pupils are rediscovering their roots, though prayers in the synagogue. They see the beautiful building as a reflection of their own worth and are drawn to the atmosphere of the synagogue. Again, this was made possible through the efforts of WIZO Miami. (Thank you Mercedes)

The cherry on the cake will be in a couple of weeks, when the European Basketball Championships, for Players in Wheelchairs, will be held at the WIZO Nir Haemek Sports Hall. Twelve European teams will take part in this prestigious event, which will have wide coverage in the press. ( It is needless to add that my personal bet is on the Israeli team to win – such wonderful boys, many injured or paralyzed in Israel's wars, who have overcome their physical disabilities, God bless them all).

As I already said, you can be proud of WIZO Nir Haemek, it is truly an icon.

Through your efforts you are helping to prepare the next generation.

Throughout the good times, and the not so good times, you are at our side. Loyal to the State of Israel and to WIZO. The road we travel is often rocky, but we stride forward with confidence.

In January, we hold our WIZO Conference in Tel Aviv, and 1,000 WIZO women from all over the world will 'raise the roof' with their enthusiasm. I hope that many of you will join us.

I have marched forward with this organization for over half its life, 45 years of active volunteering. We have grown, and blossomed, together. WIZO is my second home, after my family, of course.
As I have said many times, 'united we stand, divided we fall' and each one of us, as a united body, has taken upon herself to better the life of children, and youth, in Israel. When we stand united, and work together, we can only win.
We are in the hebrew month of Elul so please join me in my personal prayer for the New Year.
We pray that all who live within Israel's borders find peace and fulfillment.
We pray for the wellbeing of our brethren around the world who are facing new outbreaks of anti semitism..
We pray for the immediate release of Gilad Shalit, who has not seen the light of day for over five years.
We pray for the safety of the young men and women who serve in the Israel Defense Forces.
We pray for the success of our WIZO mission, for the welfare, and equality, of all sectors of Israeli society and Jewish education in Israel and the Diaspora.
And finally, as we dip our apples in honey, we pray that our world will be a sweeter place for all

Amen
 

24th August, 2011
(748 WIZO NY, WIZO Fl. )

Mrs. Evelyn Sommer,
Founding President, WIZO USA
Mrs. Mercedes Ivcher,
Founding President, WIZO USA
Mrs. Jana Falic
Co President, WIZO USA
Mrs. Gail Perl,
Co-President, WIZO USA
Mrs. Anita Friedman,
Vice President, WIZO USA
Mrs. Judit Groisman,
Chairperson, WIZO Florida
Mrs. Rosita Retelny,
Vice President, WIZO USA

Dear Chaverot,

I am delighted to report to you that the WIZO Kiryat Bialik branch is really moving forward. The branch has a young Chairman, Anat Ziv, who has taken upon herself to enroll volunteers and to organize activities for the local community. Anat is well known, and liked, in the town, and has excellent contacts with the local authority.
 

It was discovered, when putting together the needs of the community, that in Kiryat Bialik, and especially in the area around the WIZO branch, there are many Ethiopian immigrants, and immigrants from the Former Soviet Union. Most of the families are young, and she has begun to organize projects for the empowerment of women, which she is integrating with their Israel experience, and with activities for their children.

Anat has enrolled an Ethiopian immigrant to cooperate the activities amongst the immigrants and she works with the Organization for the Advancement of Education in the town.

At the same time, she is planning enrichment programs for citizens including a Course for Directors, a mediation course, and a course for Senior Citizens with the Culture Department in WIZO.

I am very impressed with the motivation and the endeavors of this young Chairman and her team.

I also would like to take this opportunity to thank you, Evelyn, for the renovations that were made possible through the donation of Gail (Siegel). I am enclosing some photos.

I look forward to a fruitful future for the branch, and hope that it will become another Warm Home like other WIZO branches.

Affectionately yours,

Tova Ben Dov,
Chairperson,
World WIZO Executive

 

23rd July, 2011
(746 WIZO NY, WIZO Fl. )

Mrs. Evelyn Sommer,
Founding President, WIZO USA
Mrs. Mercedes Ivcher,
Founding President, WIZO USA
Mrs. Jana Falic
Co President, WIZO USA
Mrs. Gail Perl,
Co-President, WIZO USA
Mrs. Anita Friedman,
Vice President, WIZO USA
Mrs. Judit Groisman,
Chairperson, WIZO Florida
Mrs. Rosita Retelny,
Vice President, WIZO USA

Dear Chaverot,

I am writing you this moving story which refers to Esti Cohen, the Director General of WIZO Nir Haemek, which you sponsor.
For the last five years, during the summer holiday, a national chess competition for up to fourteen year olds, in the name of the late Nahum Naftali, has taken place.
Nachum was the oldest brother of Esti Cohen, the Director General of WIZO Nir Haemek, and he was killed on the first day of the Yom Kippur War, in Egypt. He was just 19.
During his school years he excelled in sciences, and maths, physics and chemistry. He studied, for two years, at the Haifa Technion, his city of birth. In addition to his capabilities in science, he was chess champion and a serious player of the game. He learned chess from foreign language literature.
His friends, and family, set up an Amutah which supports youth activities in chess, in the suburbs, in general and a national competition, especially.
Last Thursday marked the end of a competition in which 270 young chess players participated, they played in silence and concentration, from the morning hours to the evening, throughout the course of a week.
Kfar Saba won first place, and we look forward to hosting the competition next year.

Affectionately yours,

Tova Ben Dov,
Chairperson,
World WIZO Executive
 

23rd August, 2011
(749 All Feds)

To: Presidents and Chairpersons of all WIZO Federations.

Dear Chaverot,

During these crazy times, in which one event follows another, our regular WIZO work continues and I am happy to inform you that we have received confirmation for 'Correct Management in 2012'.
This authorization is a precondition for NGO's to receive government funding, including the funding that we receive, for our schools, youth villages and Day Care Centers.
Since this funding involves the use of public funds, the Controller of Amutot checks out, in depth, that the NGO's act according to law, and their standards, and only then, do they award certification for 'Correct Management.' Failure to comply leads to fines or the dismantling of the amuta.
Their high standards have obligated us to work according to a strict timetable, and according to standards that did not exist during previous years.
We, obviously, fulfilled all their demands in order to receive the confirmation of 'Correct Management ' for the 2012 financial year.
Needless to say, we will continue to work according to the law, and will continue to issue our financial reports, according to their conditions, in future years.

Affectionately yours,

Tova Ben Dov,
Chairperson,
World WIZO Executive
 

21st August, 2011
(740 All Feds)

Emergency Update: Circular 1

From the Desk of Tova Ben-Dov, Chairperson, World WIZO Executive:

Dear Chaverot,

It is with a deep sense of sadness and with fear for the future, that I write this emergency update.

The peace that had characterized the summer holiday period was shattered when, last Thursday morning, a terror cell, affiliated with Hamas from Gaza, who infiltrated through Egypt to Israel, carried out a multi stage terror attack in Southern Israel. They opened gunfire on a bus, a private vehicle, and detonated an explosive device on an IDF patrol.

The driver of Egged bus 392 was just 27 kilometers from Eilat when the bus was caught up in a hail of bullets. The quick thinking of the bus driver who carried on driving, rather than slowing down, saved many lives, although 31 passengers had to be taken to hospital. An officer, S, who was on the bus and covered with blood, took off her clothes, including her bra, to make tourniquets for people who were hit and losing blood.

Two sisters, and their husbands, were driving towards Eilat, for their summer holidays, when they were shot at. All four were killed. In the car behind, their brother in law, and his two young daughters, watched the horror onfold before their eyes. In a second car, Yosef Levi, was shot by a bullet, and his wife Ettie, played dead, for over an hour, bleeding by her husband's body. Two soldiers , one a young soldier, and one a father of three, were also killed whilst chasing the terrorists.

The rockets and missiles then began to rain on the south of the country. Some were intercepted by the Iron Dome, an extremely advanced piece of technology, which has a measure of success in downing the missiles before they reach their target, but, for monetary reasons and the high cost, this is being moved, from site to site, according to the immediate need at that moment. But how does one possibly decide where it is more important to save lives? Is the life of someone in Ashdod less important than a life in Beersheba? It is just one of the heartbreaking decisions facing the decision makers.

Shabbat, in the South, was spent, once again, in the shelters, as 90 missiles fell during the period. Today, as I write these words, everyone has been ordered to stay in the area of their shelters. I need not remind you that it is the summer holiday period, and everyone is trying to keep children occupied, and cope with the heat and stuffiness of shelters. It is a nightmare.

There are several factors to be added into the mix. Firstly, since the uprising and changes in Egypt, we are in a precarious situation with them, not wanting to upset the status quo, yet whilst trying to shoot down the terrorists, some Egyptian soldiers were killed, sparking off demonstrations opposite the Israeli embassy in Cairo. In addition, the Sinai Peninsula, inhabited by Beduin, who, at present have no fear of the Egyptian government, has largely become a no man's land, where there is little order, and no one is taking responsibility or restraining what is going on there, leading to infiltrations of terror cells from Gaza. Although this is the longest border with Israel, it has not been walled off, due to the quiet nature up to now, but we fear that this is about to change. We are indeed walking on egg shells.

My heart goes out to all those in the Southern area, the injured and the families of the dead. WIZO is standing by, as always, ready to help whenever we are needed. We have proposed opening our school and youth village campuses to pupils from the South of the country, who are in danger.

As I write this update I cannot help remembering the updates that I wrote you during the Lebanon II War. I hope that this is not the beginning of that nightmare, all over again, but I will keep you alongside of all developments, and together we will pray for the safety of all and the peaceful opening of the new school year in 10 days time..

Affectionately yours,

Tova Ben Dov,
Chairperson,
World WIZO Executive
 

Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu,
Prime Minister.

Dear Sir,

Re: Early Age Education (Day Care Centers) in Israel – Outline Proposal

I am approaching you, in the name of the WIZO organization, calling for the adoption of a new proposal outline, to address the needs of Day Care Centers, within the framework of Early Age education.

WIZO, which leads many social, educational and therapeutical projects in Israeli society, was the first to set up a network of public Day Care Centers for the early age group, across the country. Today, WIZO operates a network of 178 Day Care Centers in which 14,000 children from the ages of three months, to four years, are educated.

Our experience of over 90 years, and our familiarity with the reality at present, has led us to the conclusion that, as of today, basic changes are necessary in the early age educational framework, based on the principle that the government must assume overall responsibility for the education of children from the early age.

First and foremost, this responsibility means planning, and building, additional Day Care Centers in order to address the needs, with identical, supervised fees, and with the ultimate goal being that of free early age education (as of today, the issue has been partially dealt with, as specific problems have arisen).

Much has been said about major changes in education and increased investment in early age education.

The quality of the educational and therapeutic framework, for the children, is one of the major factors in assuring the well being and the development of emotionally, and socially, balanced children and adults.

Accordingly, every action in this sphere, also has implication on the resilience of Israeli society, as a whole.

In addition, Day Care Centers are a basic necessity, which are needed by every family, which is raising children, with parents who want to be part of the workforce. The lack of enough accessible Day Care Centers is, in fact, one of the main obstacles to the optimal absorption of the parents in the working world.

Today, there is a severe shortage in frameworks for the early age group. The waiting lists for Day Care Centers, that are operated by supervised organizations, such as Naamat, Emunah, and others, are especially long. In Tel Aviv, Givataim, Ramat Gan, Petach Tikva, Holon, Rishon Lezion, as well as places further away from the center of the country, such as Kiryat Shemona, the demand far outweighs the supply.

In the center of Tel Aviv, for every child that is accepted into a WIZO Day Care Center, we have to refuse another two children.

In WIZO, we work to raise resources to build Day Care Centers, but this governmental duty cannot be imposed on voluntary factors alone.

In addition, the decision relating to the number of Day Care Centers that need to be established, has to be made on the basis of demographic data, as in other essential services.

The allotment of land for the building of essential Day Care Centers, has to be an integral part of the planning, and building, of every new neighborhood (it has to be included in the obligations of the entrepreneur).
 

The effects of the shortage are felt in every sector of the population but mainly affect the weaker sectors and the middle class, who have to turn to private factors, which are very expensive, or alternatively, to turn to factors which do not reach the necessary standards.

For some of the families, the shortage of Day Care Centers, prevents them from going out to work. Arguing with parents over places in the Day Care Centers is a phenomenon that causes us much despair.

Increasing the number of supervised Day Care Centers involves a budget to establish new Day Care Centers, but also involves increasing the subsidies and making the Day Care Centers accessible to a greater number of children, and their parents, at subsidized rates. Simultaneously, an obligation has to be undertaken to freeze all new steps of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor, which will cause an even greater reduction in the number of children, in the existing Day Care Centers.

Every attempt has to be made to include tens of thousands extra children in the Day Care Centers. We have to freeze this law for least three years or until a solution is found to the desperate shortage by building Day Care Centers.

It is worth mentioning that we know that the State of Israel, over the last few years, has allotted budgets both towards the subsidies and for building, budgets which, up to now, have not been realized in full, or have not been realized due to the work procedures in the government office responsible.

In addition, during the last year, a new move was brought up for legislation, regarding supervision in the Day Care Centers, seemingly due to the clear need to introduce more order. At the same time, the last version of the law, which was, quite rightly, delayed, could endanger the whole Day Care Center framework in Israel, cutting down the number of frameworks for toddlers, and significantly raising the tuition fees that parents have to pay.

The agreement with the Treasury, to allot one billion shekel, over seven years, which is at the basis of the law, cannot cover the demands stated in the law, and, in the end, the parents will have to pay for its implementation.

In WIZO, we view supervision, and the increase in the number of Day Care Centers, as well as parental subsidies, as an overriding, and important aim, which is being denied,and therefore propose that all resources for the building and operation of every new Day Care Center – is an important, and urgent, component, demanding implementation!

I am attaching a short document which includes a list of the outline proposals.

In conclusion, we would like to repeat, and emphasize, that we have been operating Day Care Centers for decades, I have written based on accumulated experience, in the field, and with the deep social obligation==0 that WIZO feels towards the future of the educational framework for the early age in Israel.

The subjects that I put forward in this appeal form the basis of any progress in the field of early age education. These subjects do not only interest us as a social organization which is responsible for the operation of Day Care Centers, but they are, of course, the concern of the government.

Respectfully yours,

Tova Ben Dov,
Chairperson
World WIZO Executive

Ccs.
M.K. Shalom Simhon – Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor
Professor Emmanuel Trachtenberg - Head of Professional Committee

 

To: Presidents and Chairpersons of all WIZO Federations

Dear Chaverot,

I continue to update you on what is happening in Israel, as a whole, and in WIZO, specifically. The two are entwined.

Protest meetings and mass demonstrations, which began in Tel Aviv, have been taking place for a number of weeks, and have spread into other cities in Israel, Haifa, Beersheba, as well as in the smaller towns such as Sderot.

300,000 people participated in a demonstration, that was held in Tel Aviv, last Saturday night. It is an authentic protest, non violent, unlike those we are witnessing in other parts of the world. Students, young couples, pensioners, doctors and others have joined the demonstrations. Although the financial situation in Israel is not as bad as in other countries, during recent years there have been distortions and a widening gap, between the rich and the poor, leading to the erosion and gradual disappearance of the middle class, which is the main sector of society, contributing to defense and financial welfare - due to the high costs of housing, rentals, food and education. These costs, are not realistically reflected in salary increases.

In an interview that I gave, and was publicized in Maariv, on the 1st of August, and which was then put on the WIZO site, I spoke of one of the main problems being that of the Day Care Centers. You know our Day Care Centers well, you support them, they are your projects, and you are aware of the problems.

WIZO was asked by the Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to suggest an outline in order to deal with the problem and I am enclosing the letter which I sent. I am sure that, this time, we are seeing a window of opportunity to solve the problems, coming from the government offices. We also publicized a press release in the spirit of the letter. WIZO is at the forefront in solving these issues.

Affectionately yours,

Tova Ben Dov,
Chairperson,
World WIZO Executive

N.B. In my letter to the Prime Minister I included an outline of proposals


 

4th August July, 2011.
(Update August 705)

To: Chairperson and Presidents of all WIZO Federations.

Dear Chaverot,

Welcome to our monthly update.

August has begun and the scramble is beginning to buy school books, and other stationary materials for the children, who will soon begin the next school year. The shopping malls, and high streets, are lined with colorful school bags, and parents, no doubt, will breathe a sigh of relief when the long summer holiday finally comes to a close.

In WIZO, we too are planning for the new school year, we are taking advantage of the summer holiday to paint, and to carry out necessary renovations, in the Day Care Centers, our schools and youth villages are being spruced up, and we are finalizing plans and projects for the coming year's programs.

Over one thousand children are taking place in the summer camps organized by WIZO Israel, in Tel Aviv. The camps are for children of working mothers, and the children arrive in the early hours and remain until the late afternoon hours enjoying enrichment activities, breakfast and lunch, and much more. This gives their mothers the opportunity to carry on working, as they usually do during the course of the year, knowing that their children are in the best hands, despite the educational system being on summer vacation.

Several courses in the project to help women join the workforce have ended. This wonderful project, which is in partnership with Microsoft, Apple and the Ministry of Labor, gives them the computer skills, and the confidence, to apply for a job, therefore helping with their families finances. Many of the women continue to be identified with WIZO in the branches where they learned.

Volunteers in charge of the cultural activities, in the branches of WIZO Israel, took part in a 'Culture Marathon' . They could then decide which cultural activities would be most suitable, for their individual branches, at a reduced fee.

WIZO Israel operates the 'Shelanu' project, which provides advice, guidance and direction in all matters that involve looking after a family relative who is mentally challenged, in partnership with the Minister of Health. 400 people attend the Center on a regular basis. Recently the film, 'Transparent in the World – Living with a stories of the relatives', was screened. The film described the path of mental illness, and tries to address some of the taboos and the attitude of the public towards the subject. It is a very difficult subject, and WIZO has taken up the gauntlet to help the families of the sufferers. It is just one of our undertakings for the benefit of a sector of society which is rarely heard from, but suffers in silence.

The present wave of social protest in the country has also reached the costs of child care and Day Care Centers. Please see my interview, with the Maariv newspaper, from the 1st August, which is on our Internet site, for a more detailed explanation.
The WIZO Early Age Division will be opening five new Day Care Centers at the beginning of the school year and two multi purpose Day Care Centers in already existing Day Care Centers. All the new Centers will be well attended and funded.

The Division has a great tradition, which began a few years ago in which we, together with the parents, pay tribute to the hard work of the metaplot (carers). The parents in each of the Day Care Centers choose their own way in which to honor the metaplot, decorating the Day Care Centers, presenting awards, and lectures, followed by song and dance. They certainly deserve it!
At the end of the school year the staff in the Day Care Centers met with the staff at Head Office. It was also a meeting which everybody benefitted from.
And to close the school year in the Early Age Division on another high note, I am delighted to report that Maggi Buganim, who is the Director of the WIZO Savionim Day Care Center, in Maalot Tarshicha, sponsored by WIZO Italy, was awarded the title of 'Excelling Worker', in a prestigious ceremony that was held in the Residence of the President of Israel, Mr. Shimon Peres.

The WIZO Education Division is still active despite the summer holidays. WIZO Nir Haemek, sponsored by WIZO Argentina and WIZO U.S in the framework of the European Basketball Championship for Players in Wheelchairs, hosted a tournament, in which the Israeli team took part, together with a number of prime teams from Europe. The tournament was a huge success, and WIZO Nir Haemek was congratulated on its excellent organization. In addition, a graduate of the Nir Haemek Youth Village, has just completed an extremely difficult course for soldier policemen, with honors. In the award ceremony she spoke of how WIZO Nir Haemek has brought her to where she is today.

The WIZO Community Center in Afulla, sponsored by WIZO uk and WIZO Holland, hosted 26 Jewish sportsmen and women from the Sports Center in Stanford, USA. The youngsters also took part in the activities in the center, and toured the country.

The WIZO Haberer Community Center, sponsored by WIZO Switzerland, operated a summer day camp for children from the Katamonim areas of Jerusalem. 25 volunteer counselors helped run the camp, for children whose parents would probably otherwise have been unable to fund activities for their children, during the long summer holiday.

WIZO Hadassim, sponsored by Canadian Hadassah WIZO, held for the second year running, a social learning project called 'Brothers in Hadassim'. It was highly successful and everyone expressed the hope that it would be held again next year. The project is sponsored by Adi Strauss, an Israeli business woman who donates generously to WIZO.

The Israel Youth Award Scheme continues to draw new participants, and give wonderful satisfaction to all those who are taking part. 22 students from Ghana, under the sponsorship of the son of the President of Ghana, visited Israel, as part of the scheme and were hosted in WIZO Nir Haemek for three days.

I am sure you join me in wishing our staff at WIZO, across the country, in the schools, youth villages, Day Care Centers, WIZO Centers and Head Office, who are about to enjoy the summer holidays, together with their families, a wonderful summer, just as I wish you, together with your families, a great summer.

Affectionately yours,

Tova Ben Dov,
Chairperson,
World WIZO Executive


 

11th July, 2011
(652 WIZO US)

Mrs. Gail Perl,
Co President
Mrs. Jana Falic
Co President
WIZO USA

Dear Gail and Jana,

Please find enclosed the translation of a very complimentary article that appeared in the local newspaper, from the north of the country, describing a bar and batmitzvah celebration that was held in WIZO Nir Haemek.
It is yet another glimpse into the wonderful work being done by WIZO and the youth village that you sponsor.

Affectionately yours,

Tova Ben Dov,
Chairperson,
World WIZO Executive


55 Boys and Girls Celebrate their Bar and Bat Mitzvah.
 

WIZO Haifa and WIZO Kiryat Haim continues a tradition of many years, and organizes celebrations for boys and girls from families who, for various reasons, would not be able to organize such an event for their children. They are called up to the Torah, and enjoy a day of organized activities, receive gifts, and celebrate with their families.
 

Some children celebrate their barmitzvah's in large halls. Some celebrate on luxury liners and others fly abroad. There are also those who do not celebrate, whose families cannot organize the ceremony and ensuing party.

But these children are also cared for. In a tradition that has continued for many years, volunteers from WIZO Haifa and WIZO Kiryat Haim help dozens of children celebrate their bar and batmitzvah, with a fun day and it is hard to describe the joy it brings. A day on which they are spoiled, enjoy an outing, are called up to the Torah, receive great gifts and are surrounded by love.

Last Thursday this special event took place. 55 girls and boys, from across Haifa, some accompanied by their mothers, and some by their fathers, gathered in the hall of the Municipality. The Mayor, Yona Yahav, hosted the barmitzvah celebrants, and provided them with food and gifts. He told the children that it is very important that they set themselves goals in life. 'I am here' he said of himself, 'At the age of 15 I said that I will be the Mayor' and the rest is history.

The boys and girls then climbed aboard two busses which had been organized by the WIZO branches, which were bound for the WIZO Nir Haemek School and Youth Village, on the outskirts of AFulla. During the journey they were given shirts with the words 'I have reached Barmitzvah' written on them, together with green caps, a gift from Maccabi Haifa, and all alighted from the busses in the one uniform.

The children and their parents enjoyed refreshments throughout the course of the day. Members of the WIZO Executive also joined the children. The guest of honor was the newly elected Chairperson of WIZO Israel, Mrs. Gila Oshrat.

The climax of the day was the visit to the beautiful synagogue in the youth village. They put on their tefillin for the first time, accompanied by yeshiva students from Afulla, and Rabbi Amir Ben Iluz.

It was a pleasure to see the joy in the eyes of the children which they received tallitot and kippot, which they wrapped around themselves . the Holy Ark was opened in their honor, and the sefer torahs were taken out for dancing, the children together with the yeshiva students. The girls, who were celebrating their batmitzvah, received silver pendants, . They all sang together.

The celebrants toured around the youth village, tasted the cheeses that are produced in the Dairy and recorded from the local radio studio. They swam in the pool of the youth village, and many voiced a desire to learn there.

The gifts were donated by various consumer bodies and other donors who were approached by WIZO volunteers in Haifa. They also received an extra gift, a new school bag with a watch, writing equipment, sunglasses, a beach towel, goodies to eat, small make up holders for their mothers, musical discs.

The children, and their parents, thanked the WIZO volunteers, and nothing could equal the joy of the children.

It was another day spent putting a WIZO tradition into practice. Next year a new group will enjoy the experience, thanks to the WIZO volunteers from Haifa.

 

Estimadas amigas de WIZO Miami,

Quiero agradecerles por el cálido recibimiento que me dieron en mi visita a vuestra sede.
Para mi fue un placer haber compartido con Ustedes un momento tan agradable.
En el archivo adjunto les envío una foto de mi visita.

Un abrazo,


Agnes Mannheim
Presidenta
WIZO Chile
 

MEMO
June 21, 2011

To: Conference of Presidents Leadership
From: Richard B. Stone, Chairman & Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman
________________________________________

This Shabbat, June 25th, marks the fifth anniversary of Gilad Shalit's kidnapping by Hamas and day 1,825 that he has been held in total isolation. As we join Noam and Aviva Shalit and the entire Shalit family and their supporters in their ongoing fight to gain freedom for Gilad, we urge you to encourage synagogues, rabbis as well as chapters and members to remember Gilad Shalit and all of the missing Israeli soldiers this coming Shabbat. Please recite this prayer for the Israeli MIAs in Hebrew and/or English during services.

In addition, please encourage your members to express their solidarity with Gilad through the web site, www.giladgreetings.org. The site gives individuals an opportunity to submit an electronic greeting to Gilad and is a means to urge continued efforts by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to press Hamas to allow the ICRC to visit Gilad to ascertain his conditions of detention and treatment in compliance with international law.

We pray for the immediate release of Gilad Shalit and all the missing Israeli soldiers.

RBS
MH
________________________________________
Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations
633 Third Avenue, 21st Floor, New York, NY 10017
Tel. 212-318-6111 / Fax 212-644-4135
Email: info@conferenceofpresidents.org www.conferenceofpresidents.org
 

5th June, 2011
(568 Updates)

To Presidents and Chairpersons of all WIZO Federations
Presented by
Mrs. Tova Ben Dov, Chairperson of the World WIZO Executive
Update of Activities of World WIZO Departments and Divisions. June 2011


My Dear Chaverot,

As during previous months, I continue to share with you our WIZO work, over the last month. It is unbelievable to think that we are coming to the end of the school year. Time has flown by and it seems like just yesterday, that we began this year, and we are now planning the summer camps for the holidays.

WIZO is having an uphill battle with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor, which is continually making new demands, of the Day Care Centers, whilst avoiding the issue of funding their demands. Sadly, as usual, the changes will be at the expense of the parents, and those who run the Day Care Centers. This is not only a WIZO problem, and therefore, all the organizations who run Day Care Centers, have joined forces, to enforce the issue of funding. AS Chairperson of the World WIZO Executive, I have spent hours at the Knesset, with the heads of other organizations, who also operate Day Care Centers. We met with Members of the Knesset, who sit on the various committees.

The Knesset, the Committee for the Welfare of the Child, the Finance Department and the Status of Women Committee, have all joined forces to oversee the issues involving Day Care Centers in Israel. We hope that, during the next few days, we will have a preliminary agreement, enabling us to begin registration in the Day Care Centers, for next year.

During the next school year, the Yad Vashem Day Care Center in Beersheba, sponsored by WIZO Mexico, and the Day Care Center in King George in Tel Aviv, sponsored by WIZO Australia, will become Multi Purpose Day Care Centers, and will also absorb children at risk. These will be in addition to the other 16 multi purpose Day Care Centers that we are already operating. We are doing fantastic work in the Multi Purpose Day Care Centers, not only with the children, but also with their whole family.

As the school year draws to a close, our pupils in the WIZO Education Division, are preparing for matriculation examinations, end of year parties, and, those who are about to graduate, are planning their army duty. It is a frightening, yet exciting, prospect for them, and our WIZO schools prepare them for this new stage in their lives, by inviting representatives from the IDF to speak to them, and inviting graduates of the school to tell them about their experiences.

Now for a short survey of what is happening in some of our schools and youth villages.

WIZO Gan VeNof, sponsored by WIZO Switzerland and WIZO Panama, will open its next school year with two new trends, unique in the city of Petach Tikva: A six year, pre veterinary course, which will be taught by professionals and a six year science trend towards the matriculation examination.

WIZO Hadassim, sponsored by Canadian Hadassah WIZO, has made great strides, this year, with the number of pupils who are eligible for matriculation certificates, 80% as opposed to 69%, last year.

Within the framework of the Israel Youth Award Scheme, a project which is giving so much to our pupils and increasing their self confidence by leaps and bounds, a ceremony was held, for the award of Bronze Stage certificates, in the auditorium, at WIZO Nahalal, sponsored by Canadian Hadassah WIZO and WIZO uk. 65 pupils received the award including 29 pupils from the Former Soviet Union, who came to Israel with the Naaleh program. I cannot describe how much 'nachess' we are getting from this scheme.

After I received the Honoree of Tel Aviv award, on Yom Haatzmaut, and feeling that when one receives something, one also has to give back, I donated NIS:10,000 to this wonderful project.

WIZO Nir Haemek, sponsored by WIZO Argentina and WIZO U.S. hosted a basketball game, part of the Basketball Finals for Wheelchair Players, was held in the Sports Hall of the David R. Kahn Sports Complex following a year of cooperation between the youth village and the sports authority. The players were all victims of Israel's wars, who were, as a result of the injuries whilst serving the country, now confined to wheelchairs. It was a very emotional, and exciting game, and I found myself full of gratitude to these players, who paid such a high price, for us to be able to live here in peace.

Representatives of the animation studio at the WIZO Helena Kagan Community Center, sponsored by WIZO uk, took part in an International Festival for Animation which was held in Croatia. They entered three films into the festival.

Also, within the framework of the Israel Youth Award Scheme, the WIZO Community Center in Afulla, sponsored by WIZO uk and WIZO Holland, organized a visit to the Center for the Deaf, accompanied by Senior Citizens and professional carers.

The fourth program in the 'Stories at First Hand', series, in which members of the community spoke about their personal experiences from different periods of the State of Israel, was enjoyed by all who attended..

Musicians from the WIZO Music Center in Maalot, sponsored by WIZO Switzerland, have been invited to a Music Festival which will take place in Geneva, during June, this year. This pays testament to their high standard.

'Seeing is believing" is the motto of the Tourist Department. We firmly believe that in order to understand the wonderful work WIZO does and to be more connected people need to visit and see what it’s all about. During May 2011 WIZO's work was presented to some of our non-Jewish German friends. These visits contribute greatly to their gaining a better understanding of the "real" Israeli society.

A group from the Burgerreise visited Beit Heuss sponsored by WIZO Germany, accompanied by Saya Malkin who is in charge of Special Projects at the Tourist Department. As has become a tradition over the last few years the WIZO Brazil Sao Paulo chapter organized a large group of people to visit Israel in order to participate in the Yom Ha'atzmaut celebrations.

The Rheinland Pfalz, State Agency for Civic Education send a delegation annually to Israel. Dr. Dieter Schiffman and his colleague met with Brenda Katten Chairperson of the Public Relations Dept to discuss the theme of their 2012 visit "Women in Israel' and WIZO's work in this field.

This month, Brenda Katten, also met with Antonia Fraser, granddaughter of J. Arthur Rank, and who writes for the BBC. Brenda took her on a visit to Sderot, where she explained Israel's position, as only Brenda knows how!

The dedication of the Rae and Tom Mandel WIZO Center in Modiin, was held on the 5th May. Unfortunately, the donors Tom and Rae Mandel, from Australia, whose love of WIZO and the children of Israel, has led them to donating many WIZO projects in recent years, were unable to participate in the ceremony, which was attended by members of the World WIZO and WIZO Israel executives. They were, however, represented by their children, Vivienne Selwyn and Colin Mandel, and we wish them a refuah shalema (speedy recovery). I sent them a CD of the ceremony.

During the past year, WIZO South Africa have undertaken the renovations and refurbishment of Neve WIZO, sponsored by WIZO South Africa, and are in the process of fundraising for a fifth building.

On Wednesday, June 1st, the 44th anniversary of the unification of Jerusalem, a ceremony was held at the Rebecca Sieff Center for the Family, sponsored by WIZO uk, which has agreed to house, for a five year period, the Menifa project, for disconnected youth from the Jerusalem, and other nearby areas following a request from Mrs. Jana Falic, Co President of WIZO USA.

The WIZO Finance Division is working, at full speed, to prepare the Financial Report, which is to be approved at the Meeting of Representatives on the 27th June, at Beit WIZO, in the presence of representatives of the World WIZO federations. I look forward to seeing all those of you who will be attending the meeting.

On 30th and 31st May, WIZO Israel held its 24th Conference, in the presence of 350 WIZO members from all over the country. We all heard amazing stories about the sacred work of WIZO Israel, over the last four years. A new WIZO Israel Chairperson, Gila Oshrat, has been elected to office, and, together with her new Executive, she is already getting down to work. I wish her every success. A farewell ceremony was held for the outgoing Chairperson, Mrs. Yochy Feller, who ended eight years as Chairperson of WIZO Israel.

As you can see from the above, our work is ongoing, and intense. Every day brings a new challenge and I cannot describe the pleasure I have, from belonging to the WIZO family. In World WIZO, we are also getting into full gear with preparations for the Conference, next January, and I am sure that you are all getting as excited as I am.

It is, without doubt, a very exciting period for WIZO.

Affectionately yours,

Tova Ben Dov,
Chairperson,
World WIZO Executive
 

In the first 25 years after Israel’s founding in 1948, it was repeatedly attacked by the large armies of its Arab neighbours. Each time, Israel prevailed on the battlefield, only to have its victories rolled back by Western powers who feared losing access to Arab oilfields.

The fear was and is legitimate – Arab nations have often threatened to use their “oil weapon” against countries that support Israel and twice made good their threat through crippling OPEC oil embargoes.

But that fear, which shackles Israel to this day, may soon end. The old energy order in the Middle East is crumbling with Iran and Syria having left the Western fold and others, including Saudi Arabia, the largest of them all, in danger of doing so. Simultaneously, a new energy order is emerging to give the West some spine. In this new order, Israel is a major player.

The new energy order is founded on rock – the shale that traps vast stores of energy in deposits around the world. One of the largest deposits – 250 billion barrels of oil in Israel’s Shfela basin, comparable to Saudi Arabia’s entire reserves of 260 billion barrels of oil – has until now been unexploited, partly because the technology required has been expensive, mostly because the multinational oil companies that have the technology fear offending Muslims. “None of the major oil companies are willing to do business in Israel because they don’t want to be cut off from the Mideast supply of oil,” explains Howard Jonas, CEO of IDT, the U.S. company that owns the Shfela concession through its subsidiary, Israeli Energy Initiatives. Jonas, an ardent Zionist, considers the Shfela deposit merely a beginning: “We believe that under Israel is more oil than under Saudi Arabia. There may be as much as half a trillion barrels.”

Because the oil multinationals have feared to develop Shfela, one of the world’s largest oil developments is being undertaken by an unlikely troop. Jonas’s IDT is a consumer-oriented telecom and media company that is a relative newcomer to the heavy industry world of energy development. Joining IDT in this latter-day Zionist Project is Lord Jacob Rothschild, a septuagenarian banker and philanthropist whose forefathers helped finance Zionist settlements in Palestine from the mid-1800s; Michael Steinhardt, a septuagenarian hedge fund investor and Zionist philanthropist; and Rupert Murdoch, the octogenarian chairman of News Corporation who uncompromisingly opposes, in his words, the “ongoing war against the Jews” by Muslim terrorists, by the Western left in general, and by Europe’s “most elite politicians” in particular.

Where others would have long ago retired, these businessmen-philanthropists have joined the battle on Israel’s side. While they’re in it for the money, they are also determined to free the world of Arab oil dependence by providing Israel with an oil weapon of its own. The company’s oil shale technology “could transform the future prospects of Israel, the Middle East and our allies around the world,” states Lord Rothschild.

To win this war, Israeli Energy Initiatives has enlisted some of the energy industry’s savviest old soldiers – here a former president of Mobil Oil (Eugene Renna), there a former president of Occidental Oil Shale (Allan Sass), over there a former president of Halliburton (Dick Cheney). But the Field Commander for the operation, and the person who in their mind will lead them to ultimate victory, is Harold Vinegar, a veteran pulled out of retirement and sent into the fray. Vinegar, a legend in the field, had been Shell Oil’s chief scientist and, with some 240 patents to his name over his 32 years at Shell, revolutionized the shale oil industry.

Before oil met Vinegar, this was dirty business, a sprawling open mine operation that crushed and heated rock to yield a heavy tar amid mountains of spent shale. The low-value tar then needed to be processed and refined. The bottom line: low economic return, high environmental cost.

Vinegar boosted the bottom line by dropping the environmental damage. No open pit mining, no spent shale, no heavy tar to manage. In his pioneering approach, heated rods are inserted underground into the shale, releasing from it natural gas and light liquids. The natural gas provides the project’s need for heat; the light liquids are easily refined into high-value jet fuel, diesel and naphtha. The new bottom line: oil at a highly profitable cost of about $35-$40 a barrel and an exceedingly low environmental footprint. Vinegar’s process produces greenhouse gas emissions less than half that from conventional oil wells and, unlike open pit mining, does not consume water. The land area from which he will extract a volume of oil equivalent to that in Saudi Arabia? Approximately 25 square kilometers.

Although the Israeli shale project is still at an early stage, its massive potential and Vinegar’s reputation have already begun to change attitudes toward Israel. “We have been approached by all the majors,” Vinegar recently told the press, and for good reason. “Israel is very well positioned for oil exporting” to both European and Asian markets. The majors have other reasons, too, for casting their eyes afresh at Israel. Through its natural gas finds in the Mediterranean’s Levant Basin, and with no help from the oil majors, Israel is becoming a major natural gas exporter to Europe. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the Levant Basin has vast natural gas supplies, most of it within Israel’s jurisdiction.

Attitudes to Israel in some European capitals – those in line to receive Israeli gas — have already warmed and the shift to Israel may in time become tectonic, in Europe and elsewhere, when oil is at stake – 38 countries have an estimated 4.8-trillion barrels of shale oil, many of which would benefit from the shale oil technology now being pioneered in Israel. Speeding that shift could be the Arab Spring, which many fear will flip pro-Western Arab states into hostile camps. Long time U.S. ally Saudi Arabia is reportedly so distrustful of the U.S. following its abandonment of long-time Egyptian ally, President Hosni Mubarak, that it has pulled back its relationship with the West in favour of China.

Before 1973, when the Arab world first punished the West for its relationship with Israel, Israel was a favourite of the left and of most of the free world. Under Arab punishment, much of the world started seeing the world through Arab eyes and turned on Israel.

But freed of the threat of Arab punishment, and in a new world energy order, Western countries may turn again, to their benefit. Rupert Murdoch well expresses the highest hopes of his partners: “If [our] effort to develop shale oil is successful, as I believe it will be, then the news we’ll report in the coming decades will reflect a more prosperous, more democratic and more secure world.”
Isn't it amazing how European attitudes towards Israel might change just because of oil and natural gas?




 

Junio 9 del 2011, Iton Gadol

Marcos Aguinis alertó que buscan “deslegitimar a Israel para quitarle el derecho sobre Jerusalem”

El escritor argentino Marcos Aguinis alertó que existe una campaña para “deslegitimar a Israel y quitarle el derecho sobre toda Jerusalem” e instó a todos los judíos a “no dejar pasar ninguna de las injurias, calumnias y mentiras” a las que se apela contra el Estado hebreo.

“No tenemos que dejar pasar ninguna de las injurias, calumnias y mentiras que se están utilizando para quitar legitimidad al Estado de Israel y quitarle el derecho sobre toda Jerusalem. En todas las festividades y acto religiosos cantamos y alabamos al Estado del Israel”, dijo el autor de La pasión según Carmela.

El escritor argentino realizó estas declaraciones en un encuentro celebrado en el edificio de la organización Jabad Lubavitch Argentina con motivo de la festividad de Shavuot, que conmemora el momento de la entrega de la Torá en el Monte Sinaí.

Para Aguinis, “no existe lógica” en el reclamo de los palestinos sobre el derecho de Jerusalem y los acusó de usar la misma estrategia de propaganda llevada adelante por Joseph Goebbels durante el nazismo para deslegitimizar a los judíos.

“No existe lógica en el reclamo de los palestinos y como dijo Goebbels insiste y miente que algo queda. Esta mentira (la de que Jerusalem le pertenece a los palestinos) ha sido repetida que hasta algunos judíos creen que Jerusalem le pertenece a los palestinos”, dijo el escritor.

El autor del libro Las redes del odio también consideró que “cada judío tiene un desafío para enfrentar y no debe dejar pasar ninguna oportunidad para defender los derechos del Estado de Israel”.

“¿Qué es lo que pasa sobre los derechos de los palestinos sobre Jerusalem? La única invocación que tienen para reclamar Jerusalem es que en un versículo del Corán (el libro sagrado del Islam) señala que Mahoma es visitado por un animal con cabeza de mujer, cola de pavo real y cuerpo de caballo. Mahoma sube al caballo y lo lleva a la mezquita más lejana y cuando llega dicen que ató este animal al Muro de los Lamentos”, relató.

Aguinis indicó que “nadie puede constar esto pero, Mahoma subió al cielo llevado por el ángel Gabriel, Alá le habla y vuelve a la meca todo ese viaje duró pocos minutos”.

“Sin duda eso pudo haber sido un sueño de Mahoma. Pero podemos preguntarnos a qué se refiere la mezquita más lejana, quién la creo, dónde está la mezquita más lejana… debió haber sido el templo más lejano y entonces sería el templo de los judíos”, afirmó.

Aguinis indicó que “Shavuot es una ocasión en la que a los judíos nos trae alegría porque darle la Torá a un pequeño pueblo de nómades sin capacidad de defenderse, un pueblo que se iba dotando de grandes energía lleva a que nosotros en la actualidad tengamos que aceptar algo que cada generación de judíos tiene y tuvo como un desafío especial”.

“Los que leen microscópicamente la historia judía dicen que cada vez que un judío nació hubo un desafío, una matanza, un genocidio”, señaló el escritor, quien agregó que “toda la época había que defenderse con eso”.

Incluso, Aguinis comentó que parecía que con la Shoá (Holocausto) “se llegaba al extremo, pero como un rebote extraordinario surgió el Estado de Israel, un Estado permanentemente amenazado por la mecánica de deslegitimación”.

“Acaso Hitler no logró imponer ese concepto de que los judíos eran cucarachas y ratas y había que matarlos para higienizar el planeta. Entonces matar judíos no era ningún delito”, señaló.

Por eso, Aguinis lamentó que “la mente humana sea maleable”. “Como puede ser que un pueblo como el alemán, el pueblo más culto y más desarrollado de Europa se haya dejado arrastrar por un pintor de brocha gorda, un cabito, hasta lograr que matar a un judío y no era considerado un crimen”.

Ante este antecedente del pasado más triste de la historia, Aguinis insistió en la necesidad de estar alerta ante cualquier proceso que busque deslegitimar a Israel.

En un salón colmado de Jabad Lubavitch, el escritor nacido en la provincia de Córdoba retomó la actividad luego de superar una enfermedad que lo tuvo alejado de los escenarios sociales y políticos.

DB-GB


 

5th June, 2011

To Presidents and Chairpersons of all WIZO Federations
Presented by
Mrs. Tova Ben Dov, Chairperson of the World WIZO Executive

Update of Activities of World WIZO Departments and Divisions. June 2011

My Dear Chaverot,

As during previous months, I continue to share with you our WIZO work, over
the last month. It is unbelievable to think that we are coming to the end
of the school year. Time has flown by and it seems like just yesterday,
that we began this year, and we are now planning the summer camps for the
holidays.

WIZO is having an uphill battle with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and
Labor, which is continually making new demands, of the Day Care Centers,
whilst avoiding the issue of funding their demands. Sadly, as usual, the
changes will be at the expense of the parents, and those who run the Day
Care Centers. This is not only a WIZO problem, and therefore, all the
organizations who run Day Care Centers, have joined forces, to enforce the
issue of funding. AS Chairperson of the World WIZO Executive, I have spent
hours at the Knesset, with the heads of other organizations, who also
operate Day Care Centers. We met with Members of the Knesset, who sit on
the various committees.

The Knesset, the Committee for the Welfare of the Child, the Finance
Department and the Status of Women Committee, have all joined forces to
oversee the issues involving Day Care Centers in Israel. We hope that,
during the next few days, we will have a preliminary agreement, enabling us
to begin registration in the Day Care Centers, for next year.

During the next school year, the Yad Vashem Day Care Center in Beersheba,
sponsored by WIZO Mexico, and the Day Care Center in King George in Tel
Aviv, sponsored by WIZO Australia, will become Multi Purpose Day Care
Centers, and will also absorb children at risk. These will be in addition
to the other 16 multi purpose Day Care Centers that we are already
operating. We are doing fantastic work in the Multi Purpose Day Care
Centers, not only with the children, but also with their whole family.

As the school year draws to a close, our pupils in the WIZO Education
Division, are preparing for matriculation examinations, end of year parties,
and, those who are about to graduate, are planning their army duty. It is a
frightening, yet exciting, prospect for them, and our WIZO schools prepare
them for this new stage in their lives, by inviting representatives from the
IDF to speak to them, and inviting graduates of the school to tell them
about their experiences.

Now for a short survey of what is happening in some of our schools and youth
villages.

WIZO Gan VeNof, sponsored by WIZO Switzerland and WIZO Panama, will open its
next school year with two new trends, unique in the city of Petach Tikva: A
six year, pre veterinary course, which will be taught by professionals and a
six year science trend towards the matriculation examination.

WIZO Hadassim, sponsored by Canadian Hadassah WIZO, has made great strides,
this year, with the number of pupils who are eligible for matriculation
certificates, 80% as opposed to 69%, last year.

Within the framework of the Israel Youth Award Scheme, a project which is
giving so much to our pupils and increasing their self confidence by leaps
and bounds, a ceremony was held, for the award of Bronze Stage certificates,
in the auditorium, at WIZO Nahalal, sponsored by Canadian Hadassah WIZO and
WIZO uk. 65 pupils received the award including 29 pupils from the Former
Soviet Union, who came to Israel with the Naaleh program. I cannot describe
how much 'nachess' we are getting from this scheme.

After I received the Honoree of Tel Aviv award, on Yom Haatzmaut, and
feeling that when one receives something, one also has to give back, I
donated NIS:10,000 to this wonderful project.

WIZO Nir Haemek, sponsored by WIZO Argentina and WIZO U.S. hosted a
basketball game, part of the Basketball Finals for Wheelchair Players, was
held in the Sports Hall of the David R. Kahn Sports Complex following a year
of cooperation between the youth village and the sports authority. The
players were all victims of Israel's wars, who were, as a result of the
injuries whilst serving the country, now confined to wheelchairs. It was a
very emotional, and exciting game, and I found myself full of gratitude to
these players, who paid such a high price, for us to be able to live here in
peace.

Representatives of the animation studio at the WIZO Helena Kagan Community
Center, sponsored by WIZO uk, took part in an International Festival for
Animation which was held in Croatia. They entered three films into the
festival.

Also, within the framework of the Israel Youth Award Scheme, the WIZO
Community Center in Afulla, sponsored by WIZO uk and WIZO Holland, organized
a visit to the Center for the Deaf, accompanied by Senior Citizens and
professional carers.

The fourth program in the 'Stories at First Hand', series, in which members
of the community spoke about their personal experiences from different
periods of the State of Israel, was enjoyed by all who attended..

Musicians from the WIZO Music Center in Maalot, sponsored by WIZO
Switzerland, have been invited to a Music Festival which will take place in
Geneva, during June, this year. This pays testament to their high standard.

'Seeing is believing" is the motto of the Tourist Department. We firmly
believe that in order to understand the wonderful work WIZO does and to be
more connected people need to visit and see what it's all about. During May
2011 WIZO's work was presented to some of our non-Jewish German friends.
These visits contribute greatly to their gaining a better understanding of
the "real" Israeli society.

A group from the Burgerreise visited Beit Heuss sponsored by WIZO Germany,
accompanied by Saya Malkin who is in charge of Special Projects at the
Tourist Department. As has become a tradition over the last few years the
WIZO Brazil Sao Paulo chapter organized a large group of people to visit
Israel in order to participate in the Yom Ha'atzmaut celebrations.

The Rheinland Pfalz, State Agency for Civic Education send a delegation
annually to Israel. Dr. Dieter Schiffman and his colleague met with Brenda
Katten Chairperson of the Public Relations Dept to discuss the theme of
their 2012 visit "Women in Israel' and WIZO's work in this field.

This month, Brenda Katten, also met with Antonia Fraser, granddaughter of J.
Arthur Rank, and who writes for the BBC. Brenda took her on a visit to
Sderot, where she explained Israel's position, as only Brenda knows how!

The dedication of the Rae and Tom Mandel WIZO Center in Modiin, was held on
the 5th May. Unfortunately, the donors Tom and Rae Mandel, from Australia,
whose love of WIZO and the children of Israel, has led them to donating many
WIZO projects in recent years, were unable to participate in the ceremony,
which was attended by members of the World WIZO and WIZO Israel executives.
They were, however, represented by their children, Vivienne Selwyn and Colin
Mandel, and we wish them a refuah shalema (speedy recovery). I sent them a
CD of the ceremony.

During the past year, WIZO South Africa have undertaken the renovations and
refurbishment of Neve WIZO, sponsored by WIZO South Africa, and are in the
process of fundraising for a fifth building.

On Wednesday, June 1st, the 44th anniversary of the unification of
Jerusalem, a ceremony was held at the Rebecca Sieff Center for the Family,
sponsored by WIZO uk, which has agreed to house, for a five year period, the
Menifa project, for disconnected youth from the Jerusalem, and other nearby
areas following a request from Mrs. Jana Falic, Co President of WIZO USA.

The WIZO Finance Division is working, at full speed, to prepare the
Financial Report, which is to be approved at the Meeting of Representatives
on the 27th June, at Beit WIZO, in the presence of representatives of the
World WIZO federations. I look forward to seeing all those of you who will
be attending the meeting.

On 30th and 31st May, WIZO Israel held its 24th Conference, in the presence
of 350 WIZO members from all over the country. We all heard amazing stories
about the sacred work of WIZO Israel, over the last four years. A new WIZO
Israel Chairperson, Gila Oshrat, has been elected to office, and, together
with her new Executive, she is already getting down to work. I wish her
every success. A farewell ceremony was held for the outgoing Chairperson,
Mrs. Yochy Feller, who ended eight years as Chairperson of WIZO Israel.

As you can see from the above, our work is ongoing, and intense. Every day
brings a new challenge and I cannot describe the pleasure I have, from
belonging to the WIZO family. In World WIZO, we are also getting into full
gear with preparations for the Conference, next January, and I am sure that
you are all getting as excited as I am.

It is, without doubt, a very exciting period for WIZO.

Affectionately yours,

Tova Ben Dov,
Chairperson,
World WIZO Executive


 

'Al Naksa' events- central messages

1. The violent 'Al-Naksa' events are a direct continuation of the 'Al-Nakba' disturbances. The demonstrations and riots are directed against Israel's basic right to exist. It is not the events of June 1967 which they protest against, but those of May 1948.

2. Israel, like all nations, will exercise its right under international law to firmly maintain the integrity of its borders and sovereignty against attempts to breach them.

3. Israeli defense and police forces have no interest in confronting demonstrators and using force. However, they will act firmly to maintain security, law and order.

4. Israel holds the governments of the region responsible for preventing violent incidents and provocations originating from their territory.

5. [In accordance with developments]- The incidents on the Syrian border are a cynical attempt by the Assad regime to divert international attention from the massacres it is carrying out against its own citizens.

6. [In accordance with developments]- The events in Lebanon and Gaza are being organized by Hezbollah and Hamas, Iran's regional proxies.

7. The Palestinian leadership must cease to perpetuate the myth that Palestinian refugees will return to Israel. They must have the courage to speak this truth, which is acknowledged by the international community, to their own people. Their failure to do so constitutes a central obstacle to peace.

8. Israel calls on the Palestinian leadership to tear up its pact with Hamas and to return to peace negotiations. It calls on Arab countries to support and not obstruct the peace process.


 

World Jewish Congress Applauds U.S. Decision on Durban III Conference


New York , June1, 2011 - The World Jewish Congress today applauded the statement by the Obama administration that announced that the United States will not participate in the Commemoration of the Durban World Conference Against Racism scheduled to take place in September of 2011 during the United Nations General Assembly in New York .

In a letter to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Joseph E. McManus , acting Assistant Secretary of the US State Department, stated that, “ In December, we voted against the resolution establishing this event because the Durban process included ugly displays of intolerance and anti-Semitism, and we did not want to see that commemorated.”

Ronald S. Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress, said.” We commend the Administration‘s determination to not participate in nor lend legitimacy to another international event that politicizes and undermines the battle against racism and discrimination by promoting anti-Israel canards. It is truly regrettable that still too many elements in the United Nations allow the international body to be misused and become an instrument of discrimination rather than truly fighting hatred and bigotry as it was intended. We call upon the other member states of the United Nations to join the United States and Canada in not attending the Commemoration of the Durban World Conference Against Racism.”

“It is our fervent hope that the international community will one day unite in a genuine effort to defeat all forms of racism and anti-Semitism in a United Nations that will be free of all influences that defeat its true purpose, “added Lauder.


The World Jewish Congress is the international organization representing Jewish communities in over 90 countries around the world. The WJC serves as the diplomatic arm of the Jewish people to governments, parliaments, and international organizations.



Contact:
Betty Ehrenberg
212 755 5770, x 205
917 514 1102
behrenberg@wjcmail.org
 

Tel Aviv, June 6, 2011

Dear Chavera,

We are pleased to announce that the June 2011 issue of the Lapid newsletter (No. 102) is now available online. You can reach it by clicking on Lapid 102.
Alternatively, you can see it by entering the World WIZO website www.wizo.org and clicking on “Media” (upper right), then on “Lapid Newsletter”. It is presently online in English, and will soon appear in Spanish. http://www.wizo.org/Media/Doc/lapid/english/109.pdf

I take this opportunity to wish you a Happy Shavuot.
With warm WIZO wishes,

Sylvie Pelossof

Chairperson
Department of Organization & Education
World WIZO Executive

New Beginnings on a Historical Date

As Jerusalem celebrates 44 years since its reunification, WIZO and Menifa celebrate the housing of the project, at the Rebecca Sieff WIZO Center for the Family, under the sponsorship of WIZO uk


Wednesday, June 1st, was the 44th anniversary of the unification of Jerusalem. The city was throbbing with joy, blue and white flags held high by groups who had come from throughout the country to celebrate the day, forty four years ago, when Jews could once again pray a their holiest site. The Jewish people throughout the world, felt the pride of being able to once again utter those words, that have become synonymous with Judaism and the State of Israel in our times, ‘Never Again,’ and, as the Prime Minister of Israel, announced to the world, in his historical address to the Congress just last week, ‘When we say never again, we mean never again!’.

It was with this background of unity, that WIZO, in one of its prime locations in the united capital, the Rebecca Sieff WIZO Center for the Family, the pride and joy of WIZO uk, who have nurtured and supported this Center, which they had built and supported throughout the decades, held its own celebration of unity. The original Center was the Jerusalem Baby Home, established in 1924 in Shaarei Hessed. Two large buildings were built in Bet Hakerem, in May 1955, with the generous support of the Federation of Women Zionists, now known as WIZO UK. Today the WIZO Rebecca Sieff Center for the Family is a microcosm of our WIZO work, embracing all sectors of the population of Jerusalem, from the heart of Jerusalem, the Day Care Center, one of the biggest in the capital, cares for 300 children, letting their parents go about their daily work knowing that their nearest and dearest are well taken care of, new hope is given to teenagers, who have dropped out of the other educational systems and, in the WIZO Vocational School, have their self confidence restored as they learn a vocation, and face the future with expectation, which they did not have before, and battered women, from around the country, who are brought to safety, and independence, all thanks to British WIZO, the founding federation of the WIZO movement.

Thousands of miles away, in Miami Florida, another group of committed Jewish Zionist women, also bitten with the WIZO ‘bug’, heard about the Menifa project, the brainchild of Ettia Dan, in Jerusalem, which was building bridges for disconnected youth from the Jerusalem, and other nearby areas, was looking for a home, in order to continue its work rehabilitating these young people. She had already received a major donation for the project from Mrs. Cherna Moskowitz, an avid supporter of WIZO and Jerusalem. Jana Falic, the fire behind the federation in Miami, and Co President of WIZO USA, approached Tova Ben-Dov, Chairperson of World WIZO, with a request asking whether the project could be housed in a WIZO center. After working through the possibilities, it was decided that the third floor of the Rebecca Sieff Center for the Family, could be a wonderful, home for these girls. So, on the 44th anniversary of the unification of Jerusalem, the new home for the Menifa girls was being celebrated, there was another cause for celebration.

The guests, who included Mrs. Cherna Moskovitz and her daughter Lori, and Jana and Simon Falic, and Rabbi and Mrs. Sholom Lipskar, from Miami, Mrs. Rivka Lazovsky, Strategic Planning in the WIZO Division of Education, Mrs. Betty Crystal, Mrs. Celia Michonik, Chairperson of the WIZO Public Affairs and NGO Department, were welcomed by Mrs. Tova Ben-Dov, Chairperson of World WIZO, on arrving at the Rebecca Sieff WIZO Center to flag waving children, dressed in blue and white, from the Day Care Centers, against a background of 'Heveinu Shalom Aleichem,' and songs about Jerusalem. Mrs. Ben Dov also welcomed Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, the Rabbi of the Kottel, and Deputy Minister of Health, Rabbi Yaakov Litzman. They were joined by the founders of the Menifa project, Mrs. Ettia Dan, Director General of the Project, Dr. Michael Abulafia, the psychiatrist who was the force behind the whole idea of Menifa, and is the guiding force today

Two plaques were unveiled, by Mrs. Jana Falic and Mrs. Cherna Moskowitz, one at the entrance to the building, and the other, a larger plaque was unveiled, on the third floor, the venue of the new project.

All the guests, and the speakers, spoke of the symbolism of this ceremony taking place on Jerusalem Day, and bringing together Am Yisrael, from all over the world.

Rabbi Lipskar from Miami: Was delighted to share this simcha together with families from his community. He stressed that Israel is part of every Jew and we are linked through the Jewish People, the Torah and the Land of Israel and this a project will lead to mothers, in the future, bringing up their children here.

Rabbi Yaakov Litzman: Deputy Minister of Health spoke of the many problems that Jerusalem has to cope with. At this very moment we are in the middle of a crisis in the health service. We continually try to change things. I am proud to stand here and to see all those who help Israel, there is no better time to celebrate this help than on Jerusalem Day.

Mrs. Jana Falic: Welcomed and thanked everyone who was at the ceremony. First and foremost, Mrs. Cherna Moskowitz, without whom nothing would have been possible. She thanked WIZO uk for allowing them the use of the third floor, adding that the Center is the Jewel in their Crown, and she never dreamt that they would have the possibility to be part of this wonderful, historical, Center. She thanked Ettia Dan for her initiative to begin Menifa, and she thanked Mrs. Ben Dov, who she termed as an 'amazing woman, for her farsightedness. 'There is no doubt that when women want to do something, it gets done!' she declared.

Mrs. Tova Ben Dov: What a wonderful date for new beginings. We so love your all, Cherna, Jana and Simon, you are remarkable individuals. When we see someone with such an open heart as you, Cherna, there can only be one thank you, and that is thank you of all those who you help to become functioning, loving adults, contributing citizens, and the pride of our people. Who can ever forget that day, 44 years ago, when Rabbi Goren blew the shofar, surrounded by tired, but excited faces of young soldiers, and he shouted out 'Har Habayit be Yadeinu'.

WIZO has always placed Jerusalem, 'berosh simchateinu'. And today we proudly operate 21 Day Care Centers, 2 Community Centers, 4 WIZO Centers, a school and a Shelter for Battered Women in the city.

But our WIZO history in Jerusalem began well before 1967, and well before 1948. The Baby Home was built with the generous support of the Federation of Women Zionists (now WIZO.uk) and became the first home for abandoned and convalescing children, immigrant children and children who suffered from polio, asthma and orthopaedic problems. Today the centre represents the social, welfare and educational work WIZO undertakes at its 800 projects throughout Israel.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank WIZO uk, who sees this WIZO Center as their flagship project in Jerusalem, for their support and goodwill towards this new undertaking.

WIZO's blessings are many. We are blessed with our faithful chaverot, and volunteers around the world. You, Jana Falic, are an icon in WIZO. Your vibrancy, your motivation, your determination never to take NO for an answer, as well as your love for WIZO, for Israel, for the Land of Israel, for Judaism and for the people of Israel, makes us very fortunate that you are Co President of WIZO USA, even if you do leave us all breathlessly gasping to keep up with you!!

As this program begins to operate, and we recite the words 'Shechchiyanu, vekiymanu lazman hazeh', may each young person that enters these walls, of the Rebecca Sieff WIZO Center, leave as a credit to Israel and the Jewish people.

Mrs. Ben Dov called upon Mrs. Cherna Moskowitz and presented her with the WIZO Woman of Valor pin, a 'state of the art' bible, and a certificate of gratitude. She presented Jana with a 'state of the art' bible.

Mrs. Cherna Moskovitz: Thanked everyone for their work for the people of Israel. 'Everyone knows that our children are our future, thank you all for the work that you do'.

Mrs. Jana Falic spoke of when Ettia Dan began to speak about the youngsters who were disconnected, and who also deserve a home. Ettia has made sure that these kids now have love and nurtured through Menifa. She presented Ettia with the USA 'WIZO Forever' pin.

Mrs. Ettia Dan: Thanked everyone for their efforts. She said that there are over 150,000 children at risk in Israel, 85,000 of whom have dropped out of the school system. The project brings them back to normative community, and, after a short film, she introduced two young girls, who spoke about the love they received, and feel, for Menifa.

The guests were then entertained by the performing dance group from WIZO Nachlat Yehuda, who themselves were from families who had the odds stacked against them, yet who brought tears to the eyes of many in the audience, with their song and dance routines, paying tribute to Jerusalem, on its special day. Together, audience and performers, sang Halellujah, and positively` rocked to the sounds of 'He who believes is not afraid!'.

The ceremony ended, but the joyous vibes continued. It was an event to remember, on a day that will always be remembered. Thank you to everyone who made it possible.









 

May 30, 2011


"If I forget you Jerusalem, let my right hand lose its strength. Let my tongue cling to my palate if I fail to recall you, if I fail to elevate Jerusalem above my highest joy."


Dear Chavera,

Jerusalem symbolizes the connection between the People of Israel and the Land of Israel from the beginning of our existence as a nation.

When Israel’s War of Independence began in 1948, Jerusalem was a divided city. The western section of the city was under Israeli sovereignty, while the eastern section, including the Old City (except for Mount Scopus), was controlled by Jordan. But on the 28th of Iyyar, 5727 – June 7, 1967 – which was the third day of the Six Day War, Israel’s soldiers captured the eastern section, bringing about the reunification of the city.

In 1968, the Knesset established the day of Jerusalem’s liberation as a national holiday, a day meant to commemorate the reunification of the city and the special historical connection between the People of Israel and Jerusalem throughout the ages.

In honor of Jerusalem Day, to be celebrated on Wednesday, we present you with a link to “The Jewish Connection to Jerusalem”:
http://www.myjewishlearning.com/holidays/Jewish_Holidays/Modern_Holidays/Yom_Yerushalayim/Centrality_of_Jerusalem_Prn.shtml


With best wishes,


Sylvie Pelossof
Chairperson
Department of Organization & Education
World WIZO Executive

 

2 June 2011
Our Ref: 08962010


Dear Presidents of World WIZO Federations,

WIZO Israel held its 24th Conference between 30-31 May 2011 in Tel-Aviv.

It was a very interesting, informative and exiting event that also marked the end of Yochi Feller's term as Chairperson of WIZO Israel.
Yochi served two full terms (eight years) as Chairperson of WIZO Israel and is held in high esteem. Throughout the Conference, her hard work, efforts and achievements were recognized and appreciated by those who worked with her on the WIZO Israel Executive; at the WIZO Israel headquarters, and by the chaverot from the WIZO Branches She was showered with much love and affection.

It also gives me pleasure to inform you that Gila Oshrat was elected by the Executive and the WIZO Israel branches to succeed Yochi Feller.
Prior to her election as WIZO Israel Chairperson, Gila Oshrat worked vigorously and diligently in her capacity as Chairperson of the Department for the Advancement of Women’s Status in Legislation and Society.

A true WIZO chavera in every fibre of her body & soul, Gila was a fitting candidate and deserving of the election.

I know you join me in congratulating Gila and wishing her much success and achievements during her coming term.

Shabbat Shalom,

Helena Glaser
President
World WIZO
 

Another day to remember.
Today was the Wizo-menifa project inauguration. Etia Dan(menifa), most of the executive of World Wizo the health Minister. Mrs Moskowitz ,the Rav ha Kotel, Rabbi Lipskar ,the Rebbetzn etc
Everything was above and beyond. Kids singing,dancing ,little ones marching. Music, food. I know Mrs Moskowitz was moved, there was so much love. And we met some of the girls. I am over excited and emotional.
Lunch at Luciana and then Marching the streets of Jerusalem with 120,000 people with Israeli flags. We went up to the balcony where we saw the singers, music and dancing. Simon blessed the Bircat Cohanim and spoke. (We remembered the Mission last YEAR)
Dinner ending a day that should have lasted forever
 

30 May 2011
Our Ref: 087-2010


Dear Presidents of World WIZO Federations,

Last week I returned from the 2011 Congress of Latino-Americano WIZO Federations that took place in Uruguay and today and tomorrow I am attending the WIZO Israel Conference. Notwithstanding, I would like to bring you up to date on a number of important events that happened last week

I am sure that many of you saw, heard or read the speech Prime Minister Netanyahu delivered at the Joint Meeting of the U.S. Congress. Here in Israel, we were overwhelmed with pride at the respect and support afforded him and the State of Israel. His eloquent speech and ability to describe accurately our region; the reality we live in and the dangers we face (along with other countries and regions in the world), while pleading Israel's just case for peace and secure borders was magnificent and resulted in no less than 29 standing ovations.

In his speech he said: "Peace can be achieved only around the negotiating table. The Palestinian attempt to impose a settlement through the United Nations will not bring peace. It should be forcefully opposed by all those who want to see this conflict end." However, Palestinian leaders immediately repeated their intention to achieve statehood through a Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) via the United Nations, rather than through negotiations with Israel.

This causes Israel great concerns as we are all familiar with the overall attitude towards Israel in UN institutions especially the General Assembly and the Security Council. Moreover, some UN state member has already confirmed that they will vote in favour of the Palestinians declaration.

Israel diplomacy and hasbara is working around the clock, as are NGOs. WIZO is an NGO with consultative status on UNICEF and ECOSOC, with representatives active in the United Nations in New York Geneva and Vienna, and therefore, I have first hand experience on the hard sometimes impossible work, carried out by the Jewish and Israeli NGOs to try and improve Israel's image and status within the UN. I have been there, done it and am proud of what we achieved. However, in all honesty, we must admit that although NGOs may achieve momentary successes here and there, they have failed in causing a permanent or long term change in the UN's attitude towards Israel.

On the other hand, the constant combat of inequality fought by WIZO and other women's organizations is bearing fruits and we are all very proud that two women have been chosen for senior positions in traditionally male dominated sectors – the military and the economy.

Orna Barbivai is the first woman to be made Major General ‎) Aloof) in the IDF. On May 26 2011 Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak approved her appointment as head of the Personnel Directorate.
Major General Barbivai spent her entire career in the Manpower Directorate. She has previously served as the head of the IDF's Adjutant Corps and later commanded the Manpower section of The IDF Ground Force Head Quarters.

Dr, Karnit Plog is the first women to hold the position of Deputy Governor of the Bank of Israel (Israel's Central Bank) after serving 10 years as Head of the Bank of Israel Research department.

In his congratulations to Major General Barbivai, Prime Minister Netanyahu noted that there is great importance to the integration of women into senior positions in both the IDF General Staff and the Israeli economy.

Breaking the glass dome is a slow and sometimes frustrating process, with many bumps along the way, therefore each achievement, each success is that much sweeter.

Equipped with these two latest achievements, we will vigorously continue our quest, until the day comes when more and more women are integrated into the executive levels in all fields, and such nominations will be an every day occurrence rather than an extraordinary event.


Yours sincerely,

Helena Glaser
President
World WIZO
 

22nd May, 2011
(520 WIZO NY, WIZO Fl. )

Mrs. Evelyn Sommer,
Founding President, WIZO USA
Mrs. Mercedes Ivcher,
Founding President, WIZO USA
Mrs. Jana Falic
Co President, WIZO USA
Mrs. Gail Perl,
Co-President, WIZO USA
Mrs. Anita Friedman,
Vice President, WIZO USA
Mrs. Judit Groisman,
Chairperson, WIZO Florida

Dear All,

I want to share with you the most unbelievable experience that I had last night, as Lag B'Omer came to an end, one in which you also had a major share!

It was the Basketball Finals for Wheelchair Players was held in the Sports Hall of WIZO Nir Haemek, in Afulla, which is under your sponsorship, following a year of cooperation between the youth village and the sports authority. The players were all victims of Israel's wars, who were, as a result of the injuries whilst serving the country, now confined to wheelchairs. Each and every player was a hero, in his own right, before he even started the game!! The leading player. Roi Rosenberg, has been working in the youth village for two years as a coordinator of sports, and the relationship between the youth village and the sports authority for the disabled is proving to be highly beneficial for both sides.

The pupils in the dormitory attend the practice sessions twice a week, two of them register as players and have to sit in wheelchairs to play. Our pupils held the disabled veterans to unload the wheelchairs from the vehicles, and then watch the game, and they are then brought back to the youth village.

It is an excellent lesson in learning 'I can do anything' despite problems. The pupils hear all the personal stories, and how the players have started families, found work, and are lawyers, engineers, business owners - all successful despite their injuries.

I arrived at Nir Haemek, and, my breath was taken away by the beautiful scenery that spring has brought there. Prior to the game, I was invited, together with the Mayor of Afulla, and other dignitaries from the world of sports, to enjoy refreshments in the VIP room. The refreshments included an array of cheeses, together with cake and fruit, Everyone was surprised, and thrilled, to learn that the cheeses were 'home produced' in the Menachem and Mercedes Ivcher Dairy in the youth village. They were all delicious.

When I entered the Sports Hall, it was full, from wall to wall, with families and supporters of the two teams who were competing for the cup, all in a festive mood. The game lasted for two hours, and the cheers almost raised the roof. Cheerleaders from WIZO Nir Haemek added to the color and spectacle of the event, and danced during each time out and interval.

At the end of the exciting game, the Mayor of Afulla, the Director General of the Ministry of Leisure and Sport and myself, presented the cup to the winning team, from Bet Halohem in Tel Aviv.

Here too, is hidden a WIZO story.

Bet Halohem in Tel Aviv was provided with new apparatus, by Renata Perez, in memory of her late cousin. Since Bet Halohem had no need for the apparatus, which was all of the best quality, they, in turn, donated it to WIZO Nir Haemek.

As you can see, it was an evening full of emotions. So very bitter sweet, and our debt to these wonderful players cannot ever be evaluated. It was televised from the beginning to end on the sports channel

I was proud to see the many ways in which WIZO was represented there, in our own small way, supporting those who had given up so much so that we can continue to live in security.

I will send you photos when I receive them The championships will begin in September.


Affectionately yours,

Tova Ben Dov,
Chairperson,
World WIZO Executive


 

Israel's National Wheelchair Basketball Cup Finals

at the David R. Kahn Sports Center at

WIZO Nir Ha'Emek youth village sponsored by WIZO USA

Sunday, May 22 2011

 

Israel's National Wheelchair Basketball Cup Finals were held this week at the David R. Kahn Sports Center at WIZO Nir Ha'Emek youth village sponsored by WIZO USA.

Below is a letter by Ron Bolotin, Phd. Director of the Israeli Paralympics Association. Bolotin is a Gold medalist from the European Paralympics championships and former holder of world record for 100m butterfly.

Dear Esti and Roy
 

( Esti Cohen-Youth Village Director)
(Roy Rosenberg Sports Coordinator)

I have no words to express my gratitude for your assistance in organizing the successful hosting of the National Wheelchair Basketball Cup Finals game at the WIZO Nir Haemek Youth village.

Esti- Thank you and your wonderful staff for making every effort to ensure the success of this event. You did it, as usual, with your heart and soul.
Both the athletes and the spectators enjoyed a wonderful experience thanks to your personal involvement.
Please convey our thanks to all the staff members that spent many hours, making sure that the event was successful. A huge thanks to you Roy, - you were the driving force, a real turbo engine behind the event. You spent many hours of thought and effort, endless ideas and involvement in every little detail, all with endless enthusiasm. Even though you were preparing for the games as a player at the same time, you worked until the last minute for the success of the event.

Thank you,

I know we will have real and wonderful partners in the European Championships this September.
On behalf of the athletes and fans,

Ronnie Bolotin









 

UN Watch Conference

Durban III, Lawfare and the UN : Israel in the Arena of Human Rights& International Law
International Conference in Geneva 5-6 of April 2011

Tuesday 5 of April 2011:

First Mr Hiller Neuer announced that the rectification of Goldstone Report was reviewed the first of April. Therefore all the speeches of our speakers which attended this even have been changed.

Ambassador Alfred H Moses, Chairman of UN Watch spoke and explain in what the Lawfare “Juridical Guerilla” is another way of doing a war.
Until the last 25 years, a military threat exists between Israel and the Arab countries.
After the 1973 war, Israel won the war and therefore changed the dynamic.
Other elements of the equation and amongst other, the U.S. President Obama have pledged to help Israel militarily. Muslims have turned to terrorism, because they are no longer states’ actors but terrorists. Until 1993, the PLO stands alone behind all terrorist attacks.
Judge Goldstone explained in his report that Israel has the obligation to defend itself.
The jury is impartial because the Muslim states have the majority.
Today, we are witnesses of changes of regime in Syria, Libya and other Arabs countries there are currently regime changes in Syria, Libya and other Arab countries.
It may be an opportunity for Israel since those countries aspire to a democratic regime.

Ambassador Aharon Lechno-Yaar explained that in the « human right sessions » everything is political . Here in Geneva, they spend their time to condemn Israel. One month ago Soudan have changed its political regime and one person who was present in the room affirmed that the South of Soudan would be currently favorable to Israel.

Trevor Norwitz observed that the Goldstone report contains procedural defects and had a biased view. It is an essential allegation which lead to the accusation of war criminals against Tsipi Livni who had to withdraw a official visit aboard, a against Shimon Peres who was also accused to be a war criminals during a recent official visit in Geneva. .

David Hatchwell denounces the poor media coverage and the success of the delegitimation of Israel.

Anne Herzberg spoke about the strategy of boycott toward Israel, by drawing the attention of the media who have attacked Israel policy and by threatening all companies that have business relation with Israel ( Canada, Netherlands , and some NGOS amongst other PCHR, HRW, Amnesty, FIDH

Why the NGOs which are supposed to promote Universal human rights have always accused Israel and do not accused Palestinians who used their civilians as human shields?

Brooke Golsdtein, Lawfare Project

lawfare is a misuse of the law in order to reach their political and military goals
lawfare : is to avoid the appliance of the law.
Therefore, why we are not engaged in this juridical guerilla
Israel was used as a legal guinea pig, a ground to test things.

We should refuse, and start actions against war criminals, Universal competences of persons who were democratically elected

« « « We find Mrs Brooke Goldstein very interesting and we believe that we should invite her for next January 2012 in Tel-Aviv. » » »

Gerard Steinberg « Chairman of the political studies at Bar Ilan University and the Président of NGO Monitor »

An offensive guerilla is taking place now,
We must condemn the textbooks that indoctrinate hundreds of thousands of Muslim children and push them to commit suicide attacks. Currently those texts are spread through internet, illegal satellite channel and often condemned. But many continue to distribute them we must raise public awareness and start a juridical guerilla.

Robert Bernstein founder of the UN Watch received by videoconference the price of UN Watch Lifetime Achievement Award.

Mr Gerard Steinberg :NGO Monitor

We must fight hate speech
We must find the courage to denounce in order to avoid skidding
We must check the funds allocated to those pro Palestinians NGO that secretly act against Israel.

We must build alliances (South Sudan) because Israel is accused of war victims. They do not let the real victims of war to speak.
These pro Palestinian organizations are based on principles that used and abused, they are based on moral principles that are immoral and lose their credibility.
We must launch a campaign of NGO accreditation founded on the name of democracy.
NGOs such as Malhaq : their funding of 200 millions dollars have been withdrawn.


David Hirsch : Engage

All humans are fundamentally equal: essential principle.
Criticism of the universality protected by the rights of the Universalism.
The principle of universality of rights is not enough.
We must denounce those who accuse Israel.

End of the day

My opinion is:
We should observed that through all these lessons, we must be two time more vigilant, because a new legal guerrilla is born. This Guerilla is mainly political and attack in an abusive way Israel, taking in hostages the state by boycotting their companies which have commercial relation with Israel or using the funds of pro-Palestinians NGOs that spread furtively hate speech against Israel
We must also do our own "Lawfare" and react.


 

4th May, 2011
(475 Updates)
To Presidents and Chairpersons of all WIZO Federations

Update of Activities of World WIZO Departments and Divisions. May 2011

Dear President/Chairperson,

Our WIZO and Jewish calendar is crowded with events during this time of the year, some happy, some sad, all part of our tradition and heritage, which is at the core of our work and survival as the Jewish people.

I continue to share with you our WIZO work, over the last month, although the month included Pesach, during which many, if not most, of our facilities were closed.

In WIZO's schools and youth villages we stress the importance of each special day in the calendar, both Jewish and national, believing that a child who is aware, and proud of his roots, will be a proud member of society in the future, contributing to others, and an asset to the community at large.

I invite you to share with me a tour of our WIZO work, here in Israel, during the last month.

Throughout the Early Age Division, and all its facilities, Pesach was celebrated this month. On the day that the Day Care Centers began their Pesach holiday, each Day Care Center held its own Seder. The children, and their carers, celebrated the coming of Spring and cleaned out their toys and tables in preparation for the festival. They also learned the special songs, including the Ma Nishtana.

The children enacted the traditions surrounding the festival, ate matzah and tasted wine. They became familiarized with the story of the Exodus and were all given a gift of a book about Pesach.

During the recess, prior to Pesach itself, 189 children from the Day Care Centers, took part in the Day Camps, organized by WIZO in 7 kindergartens, which were organized by the carers.

During the Pesach break we took the opportunity to renovate some of the Day Care Centers – which was well timed to coincide with Spring and the season of renewal.

In the WIZO Cumet Day Care Center, in Modiin, sponsored by WIZO France, the playground of the toddlers was renovated, and divided into different sections, such as a section for dolls, a section for the sand box, a balcony area for activities, coverings for shade from the sun, and more. The renovation was made possible through a generous donation from WIZO France.

In the WIZO Simone Berr Porge Day Care Center, in Tel Aviv, sponsored by WIZO France, the pre kindergarten and babies play areas were renovated. Rubber flooring was laid, synthetic grass and new apparatus was installed. The renovation was made possible thanks to a donation from WIZO France.

The Lisa Morgenthau WIZO Day Care Center, in Tel Aviv, of the Sherman Foundation, was completely renovated, the play areas and the kitchens were upgraded, and the flooring was replaced throughout the Day Care Center. The renovation was made possible through a donation from the Sherman Foundation.

The bathrooms were renovated and new apparatus was purchased for the Maccabim Day Care Center in Modiin, sponsored by WIZO Sweden. In addition a window was added to the toddlers class, thanks to a donation from WIZO Sweden.

The directors and carers in the Day Care Centers attended a first aid refresher course, during April, which included resuscitation of babies and children and a course entitled 'The Safe Day Care Center' on safety and avoiding accidents amongst early aged children during periods of crisis, in order to help the carers to cope during such times. We hope and pray that they will never have to use the information!!

A fundraising event, for Bet Paamonim, took place at the beginning of April, with all proceeds going to helping the children in the Home. Bet Hapaamonim is one of three homes that WIZO operates, which are facilities for infants, sometimes from birth, who have been removed from their parents by court order. The children are provided with a range of therapeutic services in an effort to overcome their trauma as they were abused by, and are frightened of, adults.

WIZO Israel's Natanya branch, held an event in the home of the French Ambassador to Israel, who opened his home to volunteers from the branch, donors and guests.

The Sixth Fleet is continuing its volunteering activities, for the benefit of the citizens of Haifa, when anchored in the Port of Haifa. The soldiers use their free time to help the citizens of the city, and this month they were involved in renovating the outside areas of WIZO centers in Haifa.

A Training Course for Female Directorates, which was held in Jerusalem, in conjunction with the Magid Institute, has been completed. Participants in the program were awarded certificates, enabling them to take their places on Boards of Directors and public companies. As you know, WIZO is making every effort to increase the number of women holding decision making positions.

As part of their training, coordinators of cultural activities in WIZO branches, took part in a special meeting, in which they heard the life story of a woman, who was stricken with polio, as a child. It was a very emotional meeting.

As you are aware, pupils in the WIZO Education Division, enjoy many other activities, besides frontal learning in the classroom, during the course of their under our WIZO 'wings'.

An exhibition of art and graphics, of the art trends in WIZO Nahalal, sponsored by Canadian Hadassah WIZO and WIZO uk, was displayed during the course of the month.

An up to date Computer Room was donated to WIZO Nir Haemek, sponsored by WIZO Argentina and WIZO U.S. by Rad Communications. Mrs. Tova Ben Dov, Chairperson of the World WIZO Executive and Mr. Avi Wagner, of Rad Communications, participated in the dedication ceremony.

Also in WIZO Nir Haemek, for the third year running, top pupils from the school too part in the Chemistry Olympics, which was organized by the Weizman Institute for excelling pupils.

WIZO Miami Beach Community Center, sponsored by WIZO Florida-Miami Beach, organized a volunteer happening as part of 'Good Deeds Day'. Clothing was collected and given to the WIZO Second Hand Shop in Ramat Gan. The Miami Beach Community Center is also involved with an animal charity, which helps find homes for neglected animals.

Pupils in the 10th grade at the WIZO Bet Hakerem School, sponsored by WIZO uk, held a 'Citizen's Certificate' march, within the framework of their studies in Citizenship. They also visited government institutions such as the Knesset and Supreme Courts of Justice.

Five pupils from WIZO Gan VeNof, sponsored by WIZO Switzerland and WIZO Panama, WIZO Hadassim, sponsored by Canadian Hadassah and WIZO Nir Haemek, who are taking part in the Israel Youth Award Scheme, took part in a delegation, made up of twelve pupils, to Finland, where they were hosted by the Finnish Ministry of Education, and the Finnish Youth Award Scheme. For many it was the first time that they had seen snow in their lives!




The Bet WIZO Italia Youth Club, sponsored by WIZO Italy, hosted a 'Future Youth Leadership' in the Center which was under the sponsorship of Tel Aviv Municipality. Hundreds of young people, from 21 local authorities, took part.

'A 'Spring Day Camp', was held at the WIZO Community Center in Afulla, sponsored by WIZO uk and WIZO Holland. 132 children took part from grades 1-6. The camp was organized by female soldiers, who would often come to the Community Center, prior to joining the army.

Seven, out of the eleven, counselors, were graduates of the first course of 'We can too', Nine, out of the eleven, were from the Ethiopian community in the city.

During the month of April the Tourist Department was a hive of activity as we had many visitors from WIZO Federations around the globe. These chaverot and their families, visiting Israel for Pesach, took advantage of this opportunity to visit different projects. We also coordinated visits for a few of our donors.

Besides the regular individual visits there were two group visits. The first, in the beginning of April was by a group of Christians (Christadelphians) from Adelaide, Australia who visited Ahuzat Yeladim. This group had made a donation to WIZO and a brick was placed in the Road of Hope in their name. They were overjoyed to see the plaque up close and thoroughly enjoyed their visit to this school which is the 'jewel in the crown' of WIZO Australia.

After Pesach, a group comprised of chaverot mainly from WIZO Germany (Frankfurt, Berlin) but also Switzerland and Austria visited WIZO Nachlat Yehuda. After a viewing a short presentation on the youth village and a video clip on the dance group Hezi showed the chaverot around the village (club room, petting zoo). For some of the visitors it was their first visit to Nachlat and they were very impressed with the entire complex and the beautiful and well kept gardens. The most moving part of the visit was meeting with the students and hearing first hand their personal stories and achievements. It is important for chaverot to make these field trips because they get to see and learn up close about the wonderful work WIZO is doing.

Since this will arrive on your desk just prior to Yom Haatzmaut, let me take this opportunity to wish you, your families, WIZO and the whole House of Israel, a very Happy Yom Haatzmaut.

Affectionately yours,

Tova Ben Dov,
Chairperson,
World WIZO Executive
 

Alan P. Solow
Chairman

Malcolm I. Hoenlein
Executive Vice Chairman

Media Contact: Malcolm Hoenlein, 212-318-6111


CONFERENCE OF PRESIDENTS EXPRESSES APPRECIATION TO IDF, SHIN BET AND ISRAELI POLICE FORCES FOR THE ARREST OF ITAMAR MURDERERS
CALLS UPON PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY LEADERSHIP TO END INCITEMENT TO HATRED AND VIOLENCE
EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES TO FAMILY OF SCHOOL BUS TERROR VICTIM

New York, April 17, 2011… Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations Chairman Alan Solow and Executive Vice Chairman Malcolm Hoenlein expressed their appreciation for the IDF, the Shin Bet, and the Israeli police, whose joint investigation culminated in the recent arrest of two Palestinian teens for the brutal slaying of five members of the Fogel family in their Itamar home last month.

“We thank the IDF, Shin Bet and Israeli police forces for their work, since this barbaric murder, in identifying and apprehending those responsible for this heinous act as well as those that provided assistance to the murderers following the massacre. This next generation act of terrorism – that an 18- and 19-year old were involved – is further evidence of the indoctrination of hatred that is present within the Palestinian society. We call upon the leadership of the Palestinian Authority to take serious and substantive steps to end the incitement to hatred and violence that contributes to this kind of barbaric attack,” said Hoenlein and Solow. “This is a sad Passover for the remaining members of the Fogel family and their loved ones and we express our renewed condolences to the entire Fogel family.”

The Conference of Presidents leaders also expressed their condolences for the family of Daniel Raphael Viflic. The 16-year-old student passed away today after being critically injured in the anti-tank missile attack on a school bus in the south of Israel 10 days ago.

“We send our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Daniel Viflic and wish them no more sorrow as they enter into the holiday of Passover. This is indeed a sad Passover for the Israeli community. Again, we call on the Palestinian leadership and the international community to condemn these murderous acts of terror as well as the indoctrination of Palestinian youth with the hatred that condones and celebrates the perpetration of such attacks against Israeli civilians,” said Solow and Hoenlein.

The Conference of Presidents is the central coordinating body representing 51 national Jewish organizations on issues of national and international concern.





 

Alan P. Solow
Chairman

Malcolm I. Hoenlein
Executive Vice Chairman

Media Contact: Malcolm Hoenlein, 212-318-6111

CONFERENCE OF PRESIDENTS EXPRESSES APPRECIATION TO IDF, SHIN BET AND ISRAELI POLICE FORCES FOR THE ARREST OF ITAMAR MURDERERS

CALLS UPON PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY LEADERSHIP TO END INCITEMENT TO HATRED AND VIOLENCE

EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES TO FAMILY OF SCHOOL BUS TERROR VICTIMS

New York, April 17, 2011… Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations Chairman Alan Solow and Executive Vice Chairman Malcolm Hoenlein expressed their appreciation for the IDF, the Shin Bet, and the Israeli police, whose joint investigation culminated in the recent arrest of two Palestinian teens for the brutal slaying of five members of the Fogel family in their Itamar home last month.

“We thank the IDF, Shin Bet and Israeli police forces for their work, since this barbaric murder, in identifying and apprehending those responsible for this heinous act as well as those that provided assistance to the murderers following the massacre. This next generation act of terrorism – that an 18- and 19-year old were involved – is further evidence of the indoctrination of hatred that is present within the Palestinian society. We call upon the leadership of the Palestinian Authority to take serious and substantive steps to end the incitement to hatred and violence that contributes to this kind of barbaric attack,” said Hoenlein and Solow. “This is a sad Passover for the remaining members of the Fogel family and their loved ones and we express our renewed condolences to the entire Fogel family.”

The Conference of Presidents leaders also expressed their condolences for the family of Daniel Raphael Viflic. The 16-year-old student passed away today after being critically injured in the anti-tank missile attack on a school bus in the south of Israel 10 days ago.

“We send our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Daniel Viflic and wish them no more sorrow as they enter into the holiday of Passover. This is indeed a sad Passover for the Israeli community. Again, we call on the Palestinian leadership and the international community to condemn these murderous acts of terror as well as the indoctrination of Palestinian youth with the hatred that condones and celebrates the perpetration of such attacks against Israeli civilians,” said Solow and Hoenlein.
###
The Conference of Presidents is the central coordinating body representing 51 national Jewish organizations on issues of national and international concern.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations
633 Third Avenue, 21st Floor, New York, NY 10017
Tel. 212-318-6111 / Fax 212-644-4135
Email: info@conferenceofpresidents.org
www.conferenceofpresidents.org





 

To: Presidents and Executive Directors
From: Alan P. Solow, Chairman
Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman
Re: Remembering Gilad Shalit at Your Seder

For Gilad Shalit, the Seder night will not be different from all other nights. As Jews world-over sit down at the Seder table next week with family and friends to celebrate z’man heruteynu, the festival of our freedom, Gilad Shalit spends his fourth Pesach in captivity. His Hamas captors continue to deny him any contact with his family or the outside world. But he remains in our thoughts and prayers.

A group of New Jersey high school students has created a vehicle for including Gilad at the Seder. Gilad represents the fifth child, the child whose captors and oppressors prevent him or her from joining their family Seder. Please broadly circulate the text below and encourage your leadership and members to remember Gilad at the Seder table, and to re-commit to working to reunite him and other long-missing IDF soldiers with their families. It is vital that we take a stand against Gilad’s continued captivity, against this injustice and flagrant violation of international law. Ask your members to add their voices to the tens of thousands who have marched, rallied and called for Gilad’s release and supported his family. Let this be the last year Gilad can only dream about l’shana ha’baa b’yerusahalyim – next year in Jerusalem.

Please urge people to take a moment before or during Pesach to click on www.giladgreetings.org, to express solidarity with Gilad. Many thousands already have visited the site, and viewed the video about Gilad’s plight. All the messages and cards will be delivered by the Conference of Presidents to the International Committee of the Red Cross with the demand that Hamas allow the ICRC to visit and deliver the messages to Gilad in accordance with international humanitarian law.

I just went to see the 3 children of the Fogel family.
I met Rabbi and Mrs Benishay , the grandparents in charged of raising them now. To see the 2 boys the survived their family's massacre is truly a miracle , they were in the house and the murderers did not find them, but they look so much like their brothers that it feels eerie, long life to them and their sister Tamar who at 12 seems so mature , way beyond her years.
I gave the grandmother the money WIZO FL gave me for them and she said she needed it and has very good use for it.
May Hashem bless all of them with good health,a good long life. May they never know from sorrow again. And may we hear great things from those whose life was spared. G-d bless Love Jana Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
 

Please see the links below to learn more about a moving rally organized by WIZO USA Co-President's Jana Falic's daughter, Tila Falic Levi.
There is a facebook link about the rally below. Below that are the 2 links from the local media in Florida documenting the rally. At the bottom is the flyer which was sent out to the whole community to come for support of Israel and remembering the massacred Fogel family on the date of their shloshim.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/World-WIZO/213742727174#!/pages/World-WIZO/213742727174?closeTheater=1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Solidarity rally was held in Miami in support of the Fogel family
"What started as a crazy dream for two women just two weeks ago turned out to be a huge joint effort and show of solidarity for the Jewish Communities of all of South Florida" said Diana (Tabacinic) Sragowicz who together with Tila (Falic) Levi initiated a rally attended by over a thousand people, Monday night in Miami. The two WIZO AVIV members (3rd generation Wizo) brought together many supporters to peacefully protest the brutal murder of the Fogel family in Israel.

The former Chief of Staff for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Miami-based Consul General for Israel spoke at the rally, condemning the increasing attacks on Jewish settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
“We are calling on the international community to apply pressure on Hamas to cease the violence, because there will be no peace as long as terrorist activities continue…and organizations operate freely within Palestinian territories,” said Ofer Bavly, Consul General of Israel to Florida and Puerto Rico.
This "memorial rally was a true show of ACHDUT, solidarity and demonstrated how it is possible for the Jewish people to shed their differences and unite towards a common goal, as in Am Echad im Lev Echad - One people with one heart." Concluded Diana (Tabacinic) Sragowicz and Tila (Falic) Levi.
The event not only managed to inspire the large crowd, it also attracted the attention of the media. The activists hope that news coverage of their peaceful demonstration will raise awareness and spur on solidarity and calls for justice.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/videobeta/f53303ba-306f-4c78-b631-0e0efb67ba1e/News/Rally-Organizer-Fogel-family-was-murdered-massacred-butchered-

http://miami.cbslocal.com/2011/04/11/hundreds-rally-in-hallandale-beach-for-peace-in-israel/

 

April 14, 2011

Dear Gail:

It is with pride and newfound respect of being a wizo woman that I write to you --i am returning from the Rebecca Sieff Wizo Center in Beit Ha-Kerem Jerusalem---and altho it is not a US center-but of Great Britain the imprint of our collective work is indelled in my brain. My children and I were greeted by Miriam Friedel the representative of the tourist department who gave us a rich and detailed history of Wizo and its relationship with the birth of the state of Israel--many facts that were so informative and enlightening. As she spoke to us with her bold yet alluring english accent her every word made us yearn for the next, as I gradually saw my usually typically blaze` American children's eyes perk up with every point of Wizo's role in the journey of forming our State.

We were then invited to tour the various child care classrooms-that were quite frankly run like a top-notch private school. The beautiful children beamed with their rosy cheeks as we entered and interacted with them. My children were enchanted with their friendliness and poise. Every classroom was serene and content-even the outdoor playground that was host to the children of battered women. The level of cleanliness hit the high-point when we visited the kitchen that had just finished serving lunch to 300 children --yet not a morsel of food was anywhere to be found and the devoted wizo workers were busy away with their "spongias" mopping the already pristine floors. As we toured the test kitchen of the trade school -that trains otherwise "street kids" to learn a trade the chef ran out with freshly picked apples and cold water to refresh us-we told him the kids looked like they enjoyed the lunch he prepared-where he answered that if he pleased the children-his job was done.

As we left reading the various plaques covering the walls of the center I caught my children looking at me a bit differently as if to say --now we understand and we are proud---as am I--to be a woman of Wizo---hag kasher v'sameach---

Esther Chetrits

 

Muy queridas javerot:

El 13 de febrero pasado la federación mexicana se vio honrada con la entrega del "Premio Instituto Cultural México-Israel".

Este premio se instituyó en el año de 1998 con el fin de reconocer a instituciones y personalidades que han logrado con su trayectoria fortalecer la amistad entre Israel y México mediante la cultura, la política, las ciencias, la pedagogía, etc.

En esta ocasión, el Premio 2010 se decidió otorgar a personas y organismos destacados en la labor educativa y humanista, quienes a través de sus diversas expresiones forman parte esencial del engrandecimiento de ambos países. Se decidió galardonar a WIZO de México como reconocimiento a su actividad "Proyecto Educación" en beneficio de las escuelas de escasos recursos que han sido beneficiadas durante 70 años.

¡Qué honor presidir esta gran federación!

Nos sentimos muy orgullosas no sólo de recibir este premio, sino de recibir enormes satisfacciones al poder ayudar a incontables personas, instituciones y familias con la labor que todas juntas realizamos a través de los años.

Adjunto envío el discurso que tuve a bien dirigir a los presentes en este memorable acontecimiento.

Reciban mi cariño y un muy fuerte abrazo.


Rackel Alfille

Presidenta WIZO México .

 

Some 150 members of the Women’s International Zionist Organization, a Jewish activist group celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, gathered in Tel Aviv on Monday for its annual Meeting of Representatives.

WIZO chairwoman Tova Ben-Dov welcomed the delegates from 24 countries to the event at the Hilton Hotel and spoke about the organization’s significant contribution to Israel.

“During the last 90 years WIZO has stood for integrity,” Ben-Dov said. “It is our ongoing commitment which makes WIZO an icon of Israeli society.”

Since its founding in the UK 90 years ago, WIZO has spread around the world to almost every country with a Jewish community. It employs around 5,000 people in Israel and runs dozens of day care centers, women’s shelters and other charitable projects.

However, since the start of the global recession WIZO, like many other Jewish not-for profits, has had to cope with diminished donations.

“We’ve carried out a cutback of NIS 15 million to the core budget and it was very hard,” Ben-Dov informed the delegates.

“Here in Israel we are doing everything possible to approach funds and foundations for support. I know our members in the [WIZO] Federations are making an extra effort.”

One of the issues on the agenda on Monday was Israel’s political standing in the world.

Michal Moda’i, the widow of the late minister Yitzhak Moda’i, spoke with alarm about the challenges the country is facing on the international arena.

“Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is using the same terminology used by another dictator in Europe 70 years ago,” she said, drawing parallels with Adolf Hitler. “He is making every effort to achieve nuclear weapons.”

Moda’i later lashed out against the Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, saying it ignored Israel’s human rights record.

“Israel is the only country in the region which offers equal rights to every citizen regardless of their color, gender and religion,” Moda’i said.

“Women are not stoned to death in Israel. Homosexuals are not hunted down in front of cheering crowds. Everyone is equal in front of the law and even a president can be tried for rape and molestation.”

One of the more interesting group of delegates was from a Mediterranean country that cannot be named for fear of repercussions against its members.

“If you write about us, we will be in jail,” one delegate implored. “Please forget we were here.”

Ben-Dov said the WIZO group meets clandestinely at the rabbi’s house without the authorities’ knowledge. She added that WIZO groups exist in several other countries where public opinion is not always favorable toward Israel, such as in Greece and Latin America.

WIZO President Helena Glaser chose to touch on the relative dearth of WIZO representation in Eastern Europe, reiterating her call to expand its operations into that part of the world.

“I resubmit my suggestion.

WIZO cannot fall behind other Jewish or Zionist organizations that have already established themselves in that region,” Glaser said. “In the age old debate about whether leadership is congenital, I believe it can be acquired and therefore, it is imperative that WIZO Federations put emphasis on preparing the future leadership on all levels – local, state, national and international – so that WIZO never find itself without the right people in the right positions at the right time. Again, this calls for innovative and ego-free thinking and focused theme programs. Emphasis should be put on nurturing those committed haverot [members] who can advance and benefit our movement and organization.
 

24th March, 2011
(Feds 407)

To: Presidents and Chairpersons of all WIZO Federations

Dear Chaverot,

For many weeks we have been nervously eyeing the situation which has developed in many Arab countries surrounding us. We may have even viewed ourselves as an oasis of calm, in a region that was erupting in a different place, on an almost daily basis.

However, it seems that we have been eluding ourselves to a degree, whilst below the surface the situation in Israel was becoming more and more fraught with terrorist acts.

Since the world has been taken up with the earthquake in Japan, and the attack on Libya, I want to fill you in on what has been happening here, in just the last ten days, since the brutal murders at Itamar, in which five members of one family, including two children and a three month old baby, had their throats slashed by a terrorist.

15th March – The Israeli Navy boarded the ship 'Victoria', bound for Turkey, having loaded up in Syria. They discovered that the ship was carrying carrying huge amounts of illicit arms destined for terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip.

19th March – A hail of 50 Patzmar missiles were fired into the area surrounding Gaza, throughout the Shabbat, which many spent in shelters.

22nd March – Two grad missiles were fired on Nitzan (ironically the new homes of many of the evacuees from the Gush Katif area. The missiles were sent from the location of their previous homes)

23rd March – A massive hail of grad missiles, kassam rockets were fired into Israel, injuring a resident of Beersheba.

Yesterday, 23rd March, one woman was killed, and 50 people are still hospitalized after a booby trapped suitcase exploded near the Central Bus Station in Jerusalem, in an area which is continually crowded with passers by.

In addition to the suitcase incident, 16 rockets exploded in the south of the country, during the course of the day, with the first landing at 5.00 am after the siren blasted the peace of the area.

As a result all schools and day care centers in the Beersheba and Ashdod area were ordered closed by the municipalities, including WIZO's numerous Day Care Centers in the area, and the parents of Ashdod, also decided to cancel the education in the city, for fear of attacks. Bear in mind that Ashkelon is just 40 km. from Tel Aviv.

These are the main events, but there has also been a growing amount of stones thrown at vehicles during the last month, and the general situation is a grave cause of concern.

However, I want to leave you with a heartwarming story about the resilience of the people here in Israel. During the shiva for the Fogel family, in Jerusalem, mourners saw a man filling up the cupboards of the house, with food and provisions. They asked him who he was and were told, 'I am Rami Levy, get used to my face because I will be here every week until the youngest Fogel child reached the age of 18, to bring you food and provisions'. Rami Levy owns a well know supermarket chain in Israel, which bears his name.

Here, in a capsule, is the secret of our people. Whatever may happen, we will stand united, in Israel and abroad, and realizing that our destiny is one, we will continue to support one another.

At these difficult junctures I am especially proud to be part of WIZO. I know that you are there for us, whatever may happen, we are one people, one voice and one soul.

Affectionately yours,

Tova Ben Dov,
Chairperson,
World WIZO Executive
 

Dear All,

It was my honor to be part of the World WIZO delegation to the 55th session of the CSW at the United Nations in New York.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the representatives of the official Israeli delegation as well as the WIZO members from the different Federations who took part in this important conference.

WIZO contributed to making the voice of the Israeli women heard especially with regards to achievements in the area of the advancement of the status of women.

WIZO is a leading women's organization in Israel which supports women and children in their struggle against violence and poverty and works tirelessly to promote gender equality and the advancement of women into high level positions which they so rightly deserve. We can all be proud to be representatives of this organization knowing that our presence at this conference contributed directly and indirectly to the efforts to promote pro-Israel advocacy which as we are all too aware is essential in today's political climate.

I personally experienced the wonderful interaction between the WIZO delegation led by Celia Michonik and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Moreover, the WIZO delegation split up in order to attend as many parallel events as possible, whose subject matter was relevant to Israel and to make sure the Israeli presence was felt.

I noticed that at panel discussions hosted by the NGO's there was more transparency than those hosted by official delegations.

At some of the parallel events the speakers did not validate their information to make sure their sources were reliable and sometimes they manipulated the information and of course the anti-Israel agenda was presented.

Luckily our WIZO ladies are always on their guard at these type of events. They were always ready to speak out so that the misinformed public could receive the correct information and the real facts because first and foremost we have to defend the position of the State of Israel.

Accomplishing these goals brings respect and satisfaction to every one of us.
Yours sincerely,
Riki Oz - a proud WIZO AVIV member

 

DISTRITO XXIII

B´NAI B´RITH INTERNACIONAL

NORTE LATINOAMÉRICA Y EL CARIBE

Raramente el mundo ha visto un ataque tan vil y sin sentido como el perpetrado en contra de la familia Fogel en Itamar, Israel.

Esta joven familia estaba descansando durante el Shabat, la más sagrada de las fiestas judías, y fueron asesinados por

terroristas palestinos mientras dormían. La carnicería fue horrible: asesinar adultos mientras duermen es una gran cobardía

pero rasgar la garganta de un bebé de 3 meses, junto con dos de sus hermanos jóvenes no puede ser descrito apropiadamente.

El Herald de Miami eligió cubrir esta historia publicando una gran fotografía de una madre palestina desarmada, parada al lado

de sus dos niños desarmados, después que su casa fuera requisada por las Fuerzas de Seguridad israelíes que perseguían

al terrible asesino. No dudamos que ella debe haber sentido miedo de ver su casa requisada por soldados pero ¿porqué el

Miami Herald no mostró la desesperación de la familia, de los amigos y de los vecinos en Itamar? ¿El dolor y el sufrimiento

de los tres huérfanos restantes de la familia Fogel? ¿Las 25.000 personas que se reunieron para acompañar los cuerpos

a su lugar de reposo final en Jerusalén? ¿El dolor judío no es bastante relevante para vender periódicos?

No podemos permanecer callados cuando sentimos la indiferencia con la cual ustedes han tratado uno de los episodios más

sangrientos de la historia del Estado de Israel. Vemos la indiferencia como una manera pasiva de permisividad.

Somos judíos orgullosos con los corazones quebrados y este dolor se refuerza cuando el Herald Miami, la supuesta “voz” de

nuestra comunidad, falló en reflejar la indiferencia hacia la humanidad de los que no sólo perpetraron este tipo de actos actos

que nos dejan sin palabras, sino también la de aquellos que festejan con música y bailes en las calles de Gaza en honor

a los asesinos.

Estamos afligidos y estamos de luto con los miembros de la familia de Fogel y la nación de Israel que tuvo que enterrar a una

familia joven inocente debido a un ataque vicioso y sin sentido.

(Traducción: Distrito XXIII de B´nai B´rith Internacional, Norte Latinoamérica y el Caribe)
* B´NAI B´RITH - .
"Distrito XXIII B'nai B'rith Internacional" -
 

Seldom has the world seen a murderous attack as vicious and senseless as the one perpetrated against the Fogel family in Itamar, Israel. This young family was resting during the Sabbath, the holiest holiday of the Jews, and slaughtered in their sleep by Palestinean terrorists. The carnage was horrific: Murdering adults in their sleep is cowardly enough but slitting the throat of a 3-month old baby, along with two of her young brothers cannot even be described appropriately. The Miami Herald chose to cover this story by publishing a large photograph of an unharmed Palestinian mother, standing next to her two unharmed children, after her neighboring home was searched by the Israeli Defense Forces following the gruesome murder.We don’t doubt that she must have been scared to have her home searched by soldiers but why didn’t the Miami Herald show the desperation of the family, friends and neighbors in Itamar? The pain and suffering of the three remaining orphans of the Fogel family? The 25,000 people that got together to accompany the bodies to their final resting place in Jerusalem? Jewish pain is not relevant enough to sell newspapers? We cannot remain silent as we feel the indifference with which you address one of the bloodiest episodes in the history of the State of Israel. We see indifference as a passive way of permissiveness. We are proud Jews with broken hearts and this pain is compounded when The Miami Herald, the supposed “voice” of our community, failed to reflect the disregard for humanity of those who not only perpetrate unspeakable acts such as this one, but rejoice with music and dance in the streets of Gaza in honor of the assassins.

We are heart-broken and mourn with the Fogel family members and the nation of Israel who had to bury an innocent young family because of a vicious and senseless attack.

Respectfully yours,

Jackie and Michael Abels
Jason Abels
Leo and Yvette Abitbol
Rafael Admoni
Doctor Shalom and Michelle Amselem
Yankie and Debora Leah Andrusier
Jassie and Joseph Antebi
Yotam and Janina Barchama
Ronit and Enrique Behar
Reyna and David Behar
Roberto and Marisol Behar
Fortuna Benarroch
Annie and Jimmy Benarroch
Daniel and Peggy Benarroch
Mireya Benarroch
Jimmy and Beibi Benarroch
Simon and Lorena Benarroch
Claudia and Alberto Benarroch
Sarah Benarroch
Ruthy and Max Benoliel
Daniel Benoliel
Barbara Black Goldfarb
Judith Bouzaglo
Maria Bromberg
Andres and Lori Citti
Linda and Ezra Cohen
Katherine Crespin
Debbie Falic Deutsch
Linda and Seymon Deutsch
Terri and Mark Deutsch
Rosalie and Adrian Dombey
Shena and Eli Dominitz
Sandra and Steven Dunn
Dr. Miguel and Beile Edelstein
Sara and Roland Elnecave
Stephanie and Salo Esquenazi
Evelyn and Sergio Faigenblatt
Jennie and Joseph Falic
Valerie Finchltub
Lia Fischer
Miriam and Friedheim
Ileana Flint
Itzhak and Anita Friedman
Miriam and Rene Friedheim
Amy and Bruce Gelb
Ivonne and Richard Goihman
Eugenia Gordon
Gabriel Groisman and Lisa Falic-Groisman
Dr. Horacio and Judit Groisman
Melissa Groisman
Raquel Grosfeld
Ilanna and Noam Heller
Ann Herth
Lisa Hinojosa
Nori and Reuben Hoch
Mercedes and Mani Ivcher
Daniel and Clara Kattan
Evelyn and Dr. Shmuel Katz
Tamar and Phillip Katz
Broncha Klainbaum
Jenny and Motti Klainbaum
Joana and Jacobo Kirsch
Leah Klein
Fortuna and Leon Kopel
Jackie Korn
Valerie and Alan Krigsfeld
Boris and Pola Lekach
Jana Falic Lekach
Roma and Sarita Lekach
Zalman Lekach
Moshe Levi and Tila Falic Levi
Carla and Izzy Lewin
Jerry and Geri Levine
Dina and Soly Levy
Zalman and Chana Lipskar
Sholom and Chani Lipskar
Gisella Lusky
Aida and Elias Mitrani
Libby and Oren Manelis
Sara and Ralph Mizraji
Diana and Simon Mundlak
Vivian and Jacob Muller
Miriam and Samuel Moshaioff
Guitele and Abraham Pomerantz
Esther and Samuel Rabinovici
Golda Retchkiman
Rosita Retelny
Jose and Lili Retelny
Claudia and Andres Rosen
Aryeh and Raquel Rubin
Sandra and Yosi Sadon
Talia Sanker
Hadas Sanker
Paul and Sylvia Simko
Elizabeth and Daniel Sawicki
Marco and Galit Shrem
Morris and Raquel Shrem
Cathy and Ovadia Shrem
Laura and Mauricio Sion
Yoseph Tabachnik
Mytil Simancas and Sergio Bister
Cynthia and Eric Stein
Ilana Susman
Margie and Roberto Szerer
Mark and Vanessa Tabacinic
Jael Toledo
Lisa Silverstein Weiner
Mariana and David Wiznitzer
Joel and Joana Wiznitzer
Natalie and David Wolfe
Gila Falic Yohros
Yoval Zaliouk
Sergio and Rosita Zelcer

Tsunami sweeps ashore in northern japan after massive 8.9 magnatude quake
Jerusalem, March 11 – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly offered aid to victims of Friday’s massive earthquake in Japan and the first group of Israeli humanitarian experts was already preparing to leave for the scene.
Netanyahu’s office issued a statement, saying: “Prime Minister Netanyahu delivered a message to the Japanese government, saying that the people of Israel express their deep sorrow over the tragedy in Japan, and that he will work to provide any help that will be required. The Japanese ambassador expressed his gratitude and said that he will convey the message to his government.”
Shachar Zahavi, founder and coordinator of IsraAID, The Israel Forum for International Humanitarian Aid, said in an email to The Israel Project, “IsraAID/FIRST disaster relief teams, consisting of first responders, search and rescue specialists, logisticians, emergency medical personnel and water specialists, are preparing to travel to the region within the next 24 hours.”
IsraAID, a coordinating organization for 17 Israeli and Jewish humanitarian groups, has established a Japan & Pacific Earthquake and Tsunami Emergency Fund to assist victims of this disaster. For more information please be in touch: szahavi@hotmail.com or 972.54.678.5033 or go to http://www.israaid.org.il.

The group was checking where the team could fly to a nearby country and then trying to make it to northeast Japan, where the tsunami has killed hundreds and devastated cities and towns.

“We’re in touch with local groups to check the situation in the area,” Zahavi told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. “We’re trying to get to the closest airport and then get to the affected area from there.”

Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi, founder and president of The Israel Project, said the Israeli response was the latest example of how the Jewish state rallies to people in need around the world.
"At this time our hearts are with those suffering. It is important for our wallets and actions to be there as well. I am proud of Israel and Israelis for standing with those in need at this time and always," she said.

The Japanese consul in Israel, Mitoshiko Shinomya, told the Israeli news webstite Ynet he was heartened by the Israeli government's offer of assistance. "Israel officially offered its help an hour after the earthquake struck,” Shinomya said. “It is very heart-warming, but at this point we do not know exactly what the extent of the damage is, so it is difficult for us to say what can be done.”

Another Israeli aid group, ZAKA International Rescue Unit, said it would send a team of trained volunteers from Israel to help the search and rescue efforts headed by the organization's co-directors Mati Goldstein and Dovi Maisel. A second ZAKA team based in Hong Kong was to leave for the quake area after the conclusion of the Sabbath in their region.

ZAKA’s experts have gained valuable experience assisting at natural disasters around the world, including Haiti, the tsunami in Thailand and the hurricane in New Orleans.

Israelis, who have dealt with many disasters through wars and terrorism in their own country, have become experts in emergency medicine and trauma. Israel also has considerable expertise in clean water management.
Israelis were among the first on the scene to help during the earthquake in Haiti and the Jewish tradition of reaching out to those in need dictates that they would also offer help to people in Japan and elsewhere stricken by this devastating event.
The Jewish Federations of North America is setting up an emergency relief fund to help those in affected areas, a spokesman said, and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee opened a mailbox Friday for donations to be used for Japan/Pacific disaster relief. Donations can be made at https://jdc.org/donation/donate.aspx.

"JDC is now conducting an up-to-the-minute assessment of the situation in Japan and the Pacific Rim and has activated its network of partners to determine critical, immediate needs of the hardest-hit areas," the organization said in a statement.
For more information, contact Alan Elsner: TIP Communications Director 202-857-6671 or email to alane@theisraelproject.org

 

6th March, 2011
(Federations, 369)

To Presidents and Chairpersons of all WIZO Federations

Dear President/Chairperson,

In order to keep you posted with what is going on in WIZO, on a more regular basis, I have asked each Department and Division to write down what is new each month, so that you will both connected and aware of the changes that are taking place.

As I send this update to you, I can hear the sounds of Purim coming from the school across the road to Beit WIZO. So let me wish you, your members and your families a Happy Purim.

Early Age Care Division

The Early Age Division was awarded the tender to operate a Multi Purpose Day Care Center for children at risk, and their families, in the Yad Vashem Day Care Center, in Beersheba. This will be our 17th Multi Purpose Day Care Center. Last year we physically invested in the building of the Day Care Center, and it is ready to begin.

We are about to sign an agreement with Tel Aviv University enabling us to operate a unique university Day Care Center there. It is due to open next September.

We are continuing our intense activities to expand the 'Day Care Center and More', project in other Day Care Centers, during the next school year. We are presently completing the Hiba (counseling in the homes of children at risk) pilot scheme, and we are going to prepare a model that can be adopted by municipalities and local authorities.

Due to an escalation in the security situation in the South, we are faced with problems in three of our leading Day Care Centers in the area, where there is a need to further increase and strengthen the protection for the children, and staff.

The subject of the Development of Future WIZO Directors is moving forward at a fast pace, and over one hundred Day Care Center carers applied. 45 have been classed as suitable, and have been recommended. Carers who pass the evaluation examinations will be sent on a course which will prepare them for future directorship positions in WIZO's Day Care Centers. The course is due to begin after Pesach.

WIZO Israel

An exhibition was organized on the subject of Childhood and Toys, at the Tel Aviv Port. The opening was held in the presence of M.K. Yizhak Herzog. The exhibition was divided into three subjects: An art exhibition, an exhibition of rare toys of collectors, and toys that were designed by students and exhibited over the next three months.

International Women's Day, which is celebrated on the 8th March, will complete the campaign against sexist advertizing, and the badge of shame for the most sexist advert will be awarded, as decided by a reality panel.

On the 22nd March, the Conference of Latin American groups, which is held once a year, for Latin American speakers from across the country, will take place. The Conference will host ambassadors and other VIP's, and will also include an artistic performance.

The horrific fire in the Carmel, exposed the weaknesses of the system, which was not prepared for such an emergency. Many of the residents of the area had to cope with new realities, both physical and financial, in order to return to normal. Thanks to donations which were sent to the WIZO Campaign for the Carmel, we are organizing workshops for women and girls, who were forced to come to terms with a previously unknown reality, and their fears.

WIZO Israel is in the midst of preparations for the 24th WIZO Israel Conference, which is to be held at the end of May, under the sponsorship of the Minister of Social Welfare. During the Conference, elections will take place for the next Chairperson of WIZO Israel, and the Chairpersons of the various divisions.

Department of Organization and Education.

The Department is preparing the 101st Lapid booklet, which will be put on the Internet site. We are gathering material for the Bible Day booklet.

Building Division

The Division continues with its building and renovation work, including the building of a new branch in Modiin, thanks to a generous donation of Tom and Rae Mandel, from Australia. The opening will be held on the 5th May, and you are all invited. They are also building a Day Care Center and branch in Nes Tziona, carrying out renovations in Beit Heuss, and are making preparations for renovating Dormitory B at WIZO Nahalal, thanks to a generous donation which was received from Lady Beryl Steinberg, of WIZO uk.

Education Division:

A ceremony to present the Bronze Award (Stage 1) of the Israel Youth Award Scheme, to 22 pupils was held at WIZO Ahuzat Yeladim, sponsored by WIZO Australia. The pupils will soon take part in a challenging expedition. 8 pupils are participating in the Gold Award Stage and 3 pupils are in the Silver Stage.

Pupils in the dormitories of WIZO Hadassim, sponsored by Canadian Hadassah WIZO and WIZO Gan VeNof, sponsored by WIZO Switzerland, were chosen to take part in an international delegation, of the Israel Youth Award, to Finland, which will take place this month.

Within the framework of their Tu B'Shvat activities, pupils from WIZO Hadassim planted a grove in memory of graduates and staff from WIZO Hadassim who feel in Israel's wars. The grove is called, 'The Grove of the Sons'.

WIZO Nahalal, sponsored by Canadian Hadassah WIZO and WIZO uk received letters of appreciation from national supervisors of the Ministry of Education, in the subject of Biology, for their high achievements, on a national standard, in this subject.

The WIZO Nachlat Yehuda Youth Village, sponsored by WIZO Switzerland, was chosen to be amongst four candidates for the Regional Educational Prize of the Authority for Rural Education in the Ministry of Education, after being recommended by the Supervisor of the dormitory. WIZO Nir Haemek, sponsored by WIZO Argentina and WIZO USA went up to the final in a countrywide competition for young initiators.

Four computer courses have opened at the WIZO Haberer Center, sponsored by WIZO Switzerland for adults (from a donation by WIZO Switzerland). The counselors are boys in the 10th grade, graduates of the 'Buds in the Future' course which took place at Haberer during the last school year. 8 new boys will be trained to lead the course. The course last for one year (25 meetings). The boys commit to volunteer work next year, and to open new computer courses for children and adults.

At the end of February, 2011, a delegation of 12 children, of bar and batmitzvah age, came to WIZO Community Center in Afulla, sponsored by WIZO uk and WIZO Holland from Springfield, Massachusetts, within the framework of the Partnership 2000 project, in order to take part in the barmitzvah program of the Community Center, and pupils in the Municipal WIZO Music Conservatory in Tiberias, sponsored by WIZO uk, are preparing for a concert in the Jewish school in Frankfurt next August.

Public Relations Department

The department’s main focus remains “The Fuller Picture”. The department is constantly on the look out for interesting articles giving the view from Israel as well as information on the manifold scientific and health related discoveries that emanate from here.

Currently the department, together with the Tourist Department, is in the process of organizing a visit of some 40 members of the Nottingham Women’s Institute (UK).

Affectionately yours,

Tova Ben Dov,
Chairperson,
World WIZO Executive

 

2nd March, 2011

My dear friends,

On March 8th, we celebrate International Women's Day. We have come a long way since 1893, when New Zealand was the first country in the world to give women the right to vote. But it was to be long fight. One by one countries granted women the vote, some earlier, some later, Swiss women only received full voting rights in 1971, and today, in many countries, women still do not have the basic right to vote.
As we celebrate International Woman's Day, it is an opportunity to reflect on the past, and on all that we have achieved, for women, since the early days of the settlement in Israel.

Rebecca Sieff, founded WIZO, in Great Britain in 1920, after having visited the yishuv and seen for herself the terrible conditions, and poverty of the women there. Rebecca Sieff was no stranger for the fight for women's rights. She, herself was a suffragette, and so it is natural that the issue of the Status of Women, has played a major role in the WIZO vision from those days up until today.
In the famous Jewish prayer, Eshet Chayil, ‘A Woman of Worth’ that is recited in Jewish homes every Friday night we clearly see the basic concepts of the Jewish woman in the past. ‘She thinks of a field and buys it’ therefore quite clearly she was a business woman. ‘She extends her hand to the poor, she offers her hand to the needy’ she was also quite clearly a philanthropist and ‘she fashions linen garments and sells them’ – from this we can deduct that the original Jewish manufacturers were obviously women . Yes indeed, the concept of the ideal woman of the Bible is just how we would like to see the ideal woman today but somewhere along the line things have got a little confused and we find ourselves fighting to have the rights that women obviously enjoyed at the time that ‘A Woman of Worth’ was composed.
Since the time of its creation in 1920, WIZO has been committed to advancing the status of women in all spheres.

With the establishment of the State of Israel, in 1948, women immediately had the right to vote. The Declaration of Independence calls for complete equality, irrespective of gender. This is one of the cornerstones of a democratic society. In the elections for the first Knesset, WIZO formed a women's list to look after the unique interests of women, and one candidate, Rachel Kagan, was elected to the first Knesset and signed the Declaration of Independence.
Just two years later, Rachel Kagan, successfully proposed the ‘Equal Rights for Women Law. This was to be the first law in Israel pertaining to equal rights for women.

WIZO stands at the side of each and every woman in Israel from the day she is born, and even earlier, after her conception or prior to the birth of her child, a woman benefits from WIZO. Should she have had to undergo fertility treatment, throughout the long and difficult treatments, she would have been secure in the knowledge that she could not be dismissed from her work, due to legislation that WIZO Status of Women’s Department fought for, preventing employers from dismissing women who are undergoing IV treatment. She had full information on her rights as a pregnant woman from the WIZO phone line for pregnant women and their partners, including her right to return to her work after the birth of her baby.

As well as raising awareness, and legislation, we prepare women to take their place in public life and to contend in politics, by developing programs to prepare women for public work. For over ten years, WIZO has operated a School for Politics which supply support and encouragement to those who are involved in politics, to improve the administrative and leadership talents, and to adapt their talents for work in the public sector. Through legislation women have to be brought into key positions since the balance of male and female standpoints benefit decision making.

We still have a long journey ahead of us. Violence against women is prevalent as some men view their partners as their property.

Just last week, two women were murdered by their partners. From November 2009 to November 2010, nineteen women were murdered, and in the last three months, already seven women have been murdered by their partners. We feel a sense of helplessness and shame, knowing the huge challenges that still remain unresolved.

WIZO’s program to advance the status of women is interwoven with the changes in the dynamics of Israel society. Changes that are brought about by the political situation, immigration, fluctuations in the economy……and for each change we formulate a response. But each response is based on the belief that women are the key to progress. When a woman advances so does society.

We have achieved much, and we still have a long way to go before we can say that women in Israel have equal rights – but with the vision of Rebecca Sieff, the first WIZO suffragette, running through our veins, we will not give up until there is equality for women in Israel.

Affectionately yours,

Tova Ben Dov,
Chairperson,
World WIZO Executive
 

7 December 2010
Our ref: 183-2010

Dear Presidents of World WIZO Federations,

World WIZO is launching its campaign "WIZO is lighting the road to hope on the Carmel Mountain slope"

Further to our letters of 5 December 2010 and your phone calls and e-mails of support and solidarity, we would like to thank each and every one of our WIZO chaverot for their compassion and thoughts at this devastating time for our beloved country.
The government has announced its plan to expedite (1) the rehabilitation of the infrastructure, houses and farms in the villages that were damaged in the fire, (2) the supply of immediate aid for those who lost everything they owned in the fire; (3) the rehabilitation of the Carmel National Park (4) the restructuring and building up of our Firefighting Service (with the help from some of the countries that took part in the extinguishing of the wild fire).
This morning World WIZO's officers' committee met to explore where our assistance is best needed. Taking into account the responsibility and action taken by the government and locals authorities, we have decided that the best courses of action to pursue are as follows:

Our first duty is to our WIZO Ahuzat Yeladim children. The children and youth suffer from behavioural problems, emotional and/or mental disturbances and need intensive supervision. The fire and their evacuation had a profound effect on them and they must be treated for post trauma.

Based on the experience WIZO acquired during the Second Lebanon War, WIZO plans to hold Post Trauma workshops for: (!) Those families – children and adults in the area affected by the fire (2) The families of the wardens of the Prison Service that perished on the bus.
(3) Firefighters and their families (4) Our WIZO chaverot in Uosfia and Daliat-el–Carmel who experienced the danger and evacuation.

Today WIZO contacted the Welfare Department of the Prison Service and offered to help the families of the wardens that perished on the bus, i.e. : accepting babies into our Day Care Centres, help in coping with the post trauma and any other assistance they feel WIZO can contribute to. They praised WIZO's offer and good will and will get back to us.

The fire exposed the serious problems facing our Firefighting Service – lack of firefighters, equipment, materials etc… Therefore, World WIZO has spoken with the Home Front Command and together are initiating a new Emergency Services Programme in WIZO Gardening and Landscape Technology Youth Village in Petach Tikva. In this Programme the students will study firefighting, first aid, and policing.

WIZO sees great importance in nurturing social awareness and involvement in its youth and see this time as an opportunity to expand the scope of personal commitment WIZO encourages in its students.Elad Riban was a "Fire Scout" – a volunteer of the Firefighting service in the framework of his personal commitment project. He was about to begin instructing other Fire Scouts. The 16th year old lost his life trying to save others and has become a symbol of all that is good in our youth. Therefore, following in Elad's footsteps, the students of the Emergency Services Programme at WIZO Gardening and Landscape Technology Youth Village in Petach Tikva will share their knowledge with their peers at our other schools and youth villages, and aid the relevant services within the community.

We know that you will all want to help and be partners with Am Israel during these troubled times. In order to carry out this important campaign we will need your financial support.

We thank you in advance for earmarked donations for the "WIZO is lighting the road to hope on the Carmel Mountain slope" Fund.

"WIZO – HELPING IS IN OUR NATURE"

Yours sincerely,

Helena Glaser , President World WIZO                                            Tova Ben Dov, Chairperson of Executive




 

Please view our Photo Gallery section to see photos of the newly renovated outside sports ground at the WIZO Nir Haemek Youth Village.

Enjoy!

Public Relations Department
38 David Hamelech Blvd.
Tel Aviv 64237 , Israel
Tel: 3-692-3729, Fax: 3-608-9240
Email: Brendak@wizo.org September 2010

Rosh Hashanah is the time when we gather together and pray for a sweet, healthy and peaceful New Year.
How important this is especially when we look back at this past year – one fraught with many challenges for Israel and the Jewish people. There can be no doubt that this was the year when anti-Semitism, coming in the guise of anti-Zionism, reached a new and frightening level. The campaign of BDS (boycott, divestment and sanctions) against Israel is ongoing with our Jewish students in the forefront of the battle against this verbal terrorism.

On the bright side, however, WIZO celebrated its 90th birthday with Federations worldwide marking this historic and joyful occasion. These ninety years reflect the tragedy and the triumph of our people - from the darkness of the Holocaust to the rebirth of the Jewish state. The WIZO story which began in 1920, just three years after the Balfour Declaration, is the story of Israel . WIZO, from its inception, has provided the human infrastructure of the State through its manifold activities nationwide.

WIZO especially prides itself on its education program serving every age group from babies to senior citizens. The Fuller Picture’s center pages reflect the significance of education – the manifold scientific and medical discoveries that emanate from this little land are simply breathtaking.

This edition shows that we are not alone in our Hasbara battle. Within the past two months Jose Maria Aznar, Prime Minister of Spain until 2004, together with a number of outstanding international personalities, has formed a “Friends of Israel” group with branches opening in a number of countries. Please read the article, written by Jose Aznar, that appeared in “The Times” UK newspaper**. It is a wonderful way to begin this year.

Wishing you everything you wish for yourself and your dear ones!
 

Brenda Katten
Chairperson
Public Relations Dept.
World WIZO
**(Please refere to our Blog section, article in Spanish)

Rosh Hashana Eve, September 2010

Dear Chavera,

May you enjoy a pleasant and joyful year,
A year of peace and good health
for you and your family.

With best wishes,

Sylvie Pelossof
Ahuva Koren, Raquel Dar and Briana Simon

Department of Organization and Education
World WIZO





We are pleased to announce that the September 2010 issue of the Lapid newsletter (No. 100), including two articles pertaining to the Jewish holidays, is now available online. You can reach it by clicking on Lapid 100.

Alternatively, you can see it by entering the World WIZO website www.wizo.org and clicking on “Media” (upper right), then on “Lapid Newsletter”. It is presently online in English, and in the coming week will appear in Spanish and afterwards in French.
 

Tel-Aviv, September 2010

WORLD WIZO – MEETING of REPRESENTATIVES – JANUARY 2011
TO: WORLD WIZO PRESIDENTS, CHAIRPERSONS AND HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS

Dear Chavera,

We are pleased to inform you that the 2011 World WIZO Meeting of Representatives
will take place from Monday, the 17th until Thursday the 20th (inclusive) of January 2011,
at the TEL-AVIV HILTON HOTEL, Hayarkon St. Tel: 03-5202222 Fax: 03-5224111.

Please note that the Presidents Meeting will take place already on Sunday,
the 16th of January 2011.

Prices for hotel accommodation are as follows:
Single room $ 190 per person per night, B/B
Double room $ 210 ( $ 105.- per person per night, B/B )
These prices are valid from Thursday the 113th of January until Sunday the 23th of January 2011.
Please note that business floor rooms are not available this year due to renovations.

Please send the attached registration form directly to the Hilton Hotel.

However, please notify the World WIZO Chairperson’s office of your attendance,
and specify arrival and departure dates.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Wishing you all Shana Tova and Gmar Hatima Tova,

Lili Peyser
Chairperson
World WIZO Tourist Department

Cc: Tova Ben Dov, Chairperson, World WIZO Executive
 

26th August 2010.

Running Far with WIZO

Damasso Zagia, aged 19, national champion in long distance running, and a graduate of the dormitory in WIZO Nir Haemek, under the sponsorship of WIZO Argentina and WIZO USA, runs 20 meters each day in the fields of WIZO Nir Haemek. Damasso competes professionally in long distant races: 5 kilometers, 10 kilometers and a half marathon, and won a gold medal in a nationwide competition. He exercises every day, with a volunteer trainer. His professional running shoes were supplied by WIZO Nir Haemek, where he lives, and WIZO Nir Haemek is giving him every support. Damasso says, 'I want to reach the Olympics, I dream of walking around the stadium holding the Israeli flag'.

Damasso is a new immigrant from Ethiopia, who immigrated to Israel, alone, four years ago, and is learning, and living, at WIZO Nir Haemek, next to Afulla. The staff at the youth village encouraged him to do what he loved doing, and excels in – long distance running, at the same time as he was studying for his matriculation. According to Damasso 'This school only gives the best. Without their help I could not have got anywhere, not with shoes, nor apparatus, nor private coaching. Ivrit was hard for me, so they found me a private teacher. Whatever I asked for, I got – shoes, running gear, sweat suits. Every two months I need new shoes, which cost hundreds of shekels, because I run out in the field, where there are small stones. WIZO provided me with professional running shoes and other equipment, and I am very grateful to them, I will never forget it. The staff in the school are just looking for ways to help – they are just good people'.

Damasso's parents are separated, one lives in Bet Shemesh and the other in Haifa. He has ten brothers and sisters, and therefore has no financial backing to help him in life or with his training in the youth village, which is costly.

Not only is Damasso an excellent runner, he is also a very good pupil. He successfully obtained his matriculation certificate this year, after learning in the unique 'Police Academy', Sociology and Criminology, at WIZO Nir Haemek. At the same time, he was given the opportunity by the school, as all pupils from Ethiopia, to sit his matriculation examinations in the Amharic language, at five unit level. He was successful in the examination.

Esti Cohen, the Director General of WIZO Nir Haemek says, 'We have absorbed many new immigrants over recent years. We work with the children on raising their self image and their belief in themselves, as well as providing a homely, and supportive atmosphere, surrounded by a sensitive staff who make them feel a part of the dormitory. Individual programs are suited to the needs of each pupil'.

Tova Ben-Dov, Chairperson of the World WIZO Executive. 'WIZO is happy to have the opportunity to help Damasso and to be at his side during this long journey, each and every day, as he continues with his sport. We try and support and encourage every pupil. We give all the immigrant pupils, at WIZO Nir Haemek, special attention, ongoing and in depth, which is bringing results. Our schools specializes in nurturing our pupils, in small classrooms. Our learning methods are unique, and are specially suited to the pupils, some of whom are below average, providing them with extra learning hours, extra coaching and supervising and strengthening their individual talents such as music, sport and art. This investment costs a lot of money, but is worth it's weight in gold. They grow up into caring citizens, the pride of the State of Israel.'

The Gesher Project, is for graduates of the dormitory (over the age of 18), who lack support, both from the financial and the familial aspects. During the framework of the project, WIZO Nir Haemek enables these same girls and boys, to live in the youth village, up to the age of 25. They are looked after by a counselor and staff, who provide financial, familial, and emotional support.

Esti Cohen says, ' We are pleased that Damasso will continue living in WIZO Nir Haemek over the coming years, at the same time as he will serve in the IDF. His next competition will be on the 28th of September and we wish him lots of luck'.


















 

14th Av 5770
25th July 2010

To:
Members of the Zionist General Council and its Presidium

Shalom,

The new Zionist General Council was elected by the Zionist Congress which convened in Jerusalem in June this year.

I am honored to become the head of this esteemed body whose task, in accordance with the Constitution of the World Zionist Organization, is to engage in shaping WZO policy on matters and issues on the agenda of the Jewish people, and to hold dialogue with representatives from within Israeli society and Jewish communities around the world.

The Constitution of the World Zionist Organization also determines that in the period between sessions of the Zionist General Council, its Presidium shall represent the WZO in all matters relating to the role of the General Council as a body that deliberates on matters and issues on the agenda of the Jewish people.

I have no doubt that the formulation of these instructions in the Constitution of the World Zionist Organization expresses the importance of this legislative body and the imperative of their implementation, particularly insofar as they relate to items on the agenda of the Jewish people. No less important in this instance is the need to engage in a dialogue between ourselves and representatives of Israeli society and Jewish communities around the world. In so doing, we can enhance and empower the Zionist General Council's activity and bring its deliberations and decisions more closely into line with the Israeli/Jewish reality and their present needs.

For this purpose, I believe it is essential to engage in brainstorming with leading academics and public leadership from Israel and the Diaspora, and to present the outcomes of this process for discussion in order to formulate policy within the framework of the Presidium and the Zionist General Council at the June 2011 meeting.

I shall do everything I can, and this in consultative process with each and every one of you, in order to establish the Zionist General Council as an influential factor in the Zionist movement's leadership modality. This applies equally to the Council's activity in relation to Israeli society and Jewish communities around the world, to molding content appropriate to the principles of Zionism in a changing Jewish world, as well as to ensuring a productive cooperation with the Zionist Executive which is responsible, through the departments, for the implementation of the policy set down by the Zionist Congress and – in the inter-Congress period – by the Zionist General Council and its Presidium.

It remains but for me to thank everyone, in advance, for your cooperation, and to wish ourselves every success in fulfilling the responsibilities laid upon us, and in stabilizing the status of the Zionist movement and the Zionist Idea within Israeli society and the Jewish people, wherever they may be.

With my appreciation and warmest regards,

Helena Glazer


 

Erev Rosh Hashana, 5771
8th. September, 2010

To: Presidents and Chairpersons of all WIZO Federations:

Dear Chaveroth,

תכלה שנה וקללותיה, ותחל שנה וברכותיה

'Let this year end with its' curses
Let the new year begin with its' blessings' (from the Sages)

This year, as every other year, we stand together and try to put our troubles behind us, whilst looking forward to the future. It has not been an easy year. Throughout the world nature has reminded us not to underestimate her strength, and hundreds of thousands have fallen to mud slides, flooding, fires caused by high temperatures and earthquakes. The forces of evil, infiltrate into our 'enlightened' world, and, as throughout our history, the Jewish people are the first to suffer from the regression back into the dark ages of religious fanaticism. The world is also struggling with the aftermath of the financial crisis that shook many foundations during the last year, and stubbornly refuses to disappear.

But, before sinking into despair, and in spite of all our troubles, we are very blessed. Despite the world's bad press and its ongoing condemnations, the tourists, from all walks of life, keep arriving, fascinated by our small country, that refuses to give in to the Goliaths of the world. Our scientists continue to invent new medical procedures, our hi-tech start ups are being bought worldwide, our streets, markets, and real estate are all thriving. Just three weeks ago, Prof. Elon Lindenstrauss, was awarded the prestigious Fields Medal (the Nobel prize for mathematicians under 40 years old)for his complicated work in ergodic theory, a field of mathematics.

And we in WIZO, are celebrating the 90th anniversary of this wonderful enterprise that was set up by our mothers and grandmothers and has become an integral part of our Jewish state. We are a huge machine. The WIZO machine pumps out education to those who were not born into the most intellectual of environments, we pump values into those who have only seen neglect, crime and addiction, we pump out fresh air and new beginnings to

those who have been kept in a world of violence and fear, we pump Israeli culture into those who have come from the most backward of societies.
We pump and we pump. But like any machine, we need oil to keep our wheels turning, and you, in our federations, provide that oil, through your ongoing support and your never ending efforts to raise funds.

Sadly, following the global financial crisis, that flow of support is lessening, and our machine is groaning and creaking, as it tries to keep its wheels turning. Here in WIZO, we are having our own oil disaster, which, to us, is just as threatening as the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Rosh Hashana gives us the opportunity to once again put our priorities into their correct perspective. How can we make the world a better place? How can we strengthen our beloved State of Israel? ……One child at a time……...

We cannot afford to stand aside, whilst global economics threaten all that we, and our ancestors, have worked for, and that so many rely upon. Now is the time to put a cap on the downward trend, join forces, put on our thinking caps, and pay tribute to our founding mothers, by duplicating their efforts and determination of ninety years ago, so that we can once again see the oil gushing into our WIZO machine.

Together, let us pray and look forward to a better year, a year in which the unity of our people reaches new heights, a year filled with peace and prosperity.

I wish you all a Shana Tova


Tova Ben-Dov
Chairperson World WIZO Executive
 

30th August 2010

TO ALL PRESIDENTS/CHAIRPERSONS OF WIZO FEDERATIONS

Dear Chaveroth,

Re: Registration to the MOR – meeting of Representatives
16 – 20 January 2011 at the Hilton Hotel, Tel Aviv

I hope that this letter finds you all well, and I am sure that you are in the midst of preparations for Rosh Hashana.

Thank you for confirming receipt of my letters asking you to ‘SAVE THE DATE’ for the 2011 MOR taking place between 16 – 20 January 2011. This annual meeting is a wonderful opportunity for our WIZO leaders to meet and discuss important matters pertaining to our WIZO projects, to our financial situation and to new ideas and working methods and I look forward to welcoming you all in January 2011.

Orna Ref, Director of the Tourist Dept. will send you all in a few days the registration forms for your rooms at the Hilton Hotel, which should be sent directly to the Hotel.

After Rosh Hashana, we shall send out more details regarding the contents of the MOR 2011, but in the meantime I ask you kindly to book your accommodation well in advance.

Please write to me directly confirming your attendance to the MOR and give the names of those authorized to attend from your Federation.

I look forward to hearing from you, and in the meantime, I send you my best personal good wishes for Rosh Hashana.

Affectionately yours,

Tova Ben-Dov, Chairperson World WIZO Executive
 

Israel Accepted Unanimously into OECD

OECD membership will provide unprecedented benefits for the Israeli economy in the coming years. It has already forced the country to streamline its administration and crack down on corruption. The nation can look forward to greater global integration as well as vastly increased foreign investment. An upgraded credit rating will do much to improve the country's image and ease the burden of defense expenditure. The timeless maxim advocated by the British Chancellor of the Exchequer in the 1930s, Neville Chamberlain, that the economy is the critical fourth arm of defense, has never been more relevant than in today's Middle East.

Nevertheless, Israel's accession to the OECD is long overdue. This week's signing was the culmination of two decades of Israeli efforts to have their contribution to the global economy recognized. The country is something of an economic miracle: no other has transformed itself from a proto-Socialist slither of desert into a regional power in less than half a century whilst under the peril of incessant existential conflict. Today, Israel attracts 30 times more Venture Capital investment per capita than Europe and lists more companies on the NASDAQ than the continent, along with India, China, and Japan combined. Israel has warranted urgent OECD membership more than many longstanding members.

Those appalled and concerned by the recent, all too hasty condemnations of Israel by various bodies and heads of state in response to the Gaza flotilla crisis, as well as the failure of most media outlets worldwide to maintain professional coverage of the affair as the evidence unfolded, can take solace in the proof that, in some respects, Israel is far from becoming the isolated pariah state which it seemed it would some weeks ago, and which its enemies might want the world to believe. Representatives of OECD member states voted unanimously to accept Israel as the group's 32nd member, a symbol of long-awaited, genuine mainstream recognition that the country deserves, as a focal point of international business, industry, and research.
After a three year accession process, Israel yesterday became the newest member of the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). At a signing ceremony in Paris, Secretary-General Jose Angel Gurría praised the country's success in 'extracting itself from huge macroeconomic problems of hyperinflation and massive public debt' in the 1980s and 1990s as well as its general 'valuable perspective on promoting innovation, science and technology.'

OECD membership will provide unprecedented benefits for the Israeli economy in the coming years. It has already forced the country to streamline its administration and crack down on corruption. The nation can look forward to greater global integration as well as vastly increased foreign investment. An upgraded credit rating will do much to improve the country's image and ease the burden of defense expenditure. The timeless maxim advocated by the British Chancellor of the Exchequer in the 1930s, Neville Chamberlain, that the economy is the critical fourth arm of defense, has never been more relevant than in today's Middle East.

Nevertheless, Israel's accession to the OECD is long overdue. This week's signing was the culmination of two decades of Israeli efforts to have their contribution to the global economy recognized. The country is something of an economic miracle: no other has transformed itself from a proto-Socialist slither of desert into a regional power in less than half a century whilst under the peril of incessant existential conflict. Today, Israel attracts 30 times more Venture Capital investment per capita than Europe and lists more companies on the NASDAQ than the continent, along with India, China, and Japan combined. Israel has warranted urgent OECD membership more than many longstanding members.

Those appalled and concerned by the recent, all too hasty condemnations of Israel by various bodies and heads of state in response to the Gaza flotilla crisis, as well as the failure of most media outlets worldwide to maintain professional coverage of the affair as the evidence unfolded, can take solace in the proof that, in some respects, Israel is far from becoming the isolated pariah state which it seemed it would some weeks ago, and which its enemies might want the world to believe. Representatives of OECD member states voted unanimously to accept Israel as the group's 32nd member, a symbol of long-awaited, genuine mainstream recognition that the country deserves, as a focal point of international business, industry, and research.
 

  Mercedes Ivcher-Founding President-WIZO USA  

WIZO’s 90th Anniversary

Thank you Deputy Consul General of Israel, Mr. Paul Hirschon, for welcoming us so warmly and with a such a short time notice. Thank you for taking from your busy schedule to receive us.

It is for me an honor and a privilege to be here today, specially under Israel’s roof, here in the Consulate of Israel in Miami ,with all my colleagues, in the name of WIZO, The Women International Zionist Organization, to officially open the celebrations of it’s 90th Anniversary.

Let me tell you a little bit of history: WIZO was born 90 years ago, in London by Lady Rebeca Sieff, Vera Weissman, Edith Eder, Romana Gudman and Henrietta Irwell. I can assure you they would have being very proud of all of us, that after 90 years, all the Federations all over the world including Israel, are celebrating this milestone .

Simultaneously when Wizo was founded in London, it was established in Jerusalem under the Federation of Hebrew women and under the auspices of Wizo, by Dr. Helen Kagan, the first TIPAT HALAV, mother and child pediatric clinic. Wizo established the first school of sewing and home economics in Tel Aviv, the first agricultural training farm in Nahalal Yehuda for boys and girls and the first boarding agricultural school for girls in Nahalal where the first boy that was admitted was General Moshe Dayan and where we have our sport center for the handicaps thanks to the Rohr Family.

Today, we have 800 projects, we are partners with the State of Israel, to better our Israeli society. We Wizo USA one of the newest federations, we are 28 years old and very proud to say that we started Wizo USA here in Miami from day one. We have here today with us one of the founders, Rosita Retelny, Vice President of Wizo USA. and one year later we opened the young chapter Yonit, that was chaired by Jana Falic with her friends and I can say that I feel very fortunate that Jana is today the new Wizo USA co-President.

The goals of Wizo’s founders remain as relevant today as they were in 1920. Concurrently Wizo keeps pace with changing times, diversifying and adapting activities, raising social awareness of women’s rights in Israel, providing shelters for battered women and promoting them in politics, exemplify Wizo’s success in meeting the needs of the hour.

Wizo strives with love and devotion to increase Jewish and Zionist identity amongst women all over the world; members on every continent are a torch of continuity, tradition, history and the legacy of the Jewish people throughout the ages. Our dedication and love for Israel, comes from our mothers and grandmothers. We are fifth or sixth generations of Wizo, they taught us to love this vibrant Jewish and Democratic State of Israel, a source of inspiration, leadership and moral example for the world.

May HASHEM bless all our leaders in Israel and around the world.
Let us have the strength and the commitment to continue educating thousands and thousands of children and youngsters.
Let us pray for our big children, our soldiers.
Let us pray for the State of Israel and for the whole world.
 

TO ALL PRESIDENTS/CHAIRPERSONS OF WIZO FEDERATIONS

My dear chaveroth,

600 Excited Boy and Girls from WIZO Israel Branches throughout the country converge on the Western Wall to celebrate their Bar/Bat Mitzvah.

These children come from one parent families, families in distress, immigrants and families from Ethiopia and the Former Soviet Union, and all took part in a full day of activities, organized by WIZO Israel in honor of WIZO’s 90th anniversary.

Whilst the country was glued to the media, absorbing every morsel of information regarding the hostile flotilla of 6 ships that were determined to enter Gaza despite every effort by the IDF to dissuade them, including offers to pass on their ‘humanitarian’ aid to the people of Gaza, 1200 children including their parents, members of their family and guests were headed to Jerusalem, Israel’s capital and the heart of Judaism, their spirits high and full of expectancy.

They were joined by Mrs. Helena Glaser, President of World WIZO, Mrs. Tova Ben-Dov, Chairperson World WIZO Executive, Mrs. Yochy Feller, Chairperson WIZO Israel, Mrs. Atara Ilani, Treaurer, Mrs. Esther Mor, Chairperson Fundraising Dept. and co-Chairman ‘Friends of WIZO’, Mrs. Sylvie Pelosoff, Chairperson Organisation & Education Dept., Mrs. Gila Cohen, Chairperson Human Resources Div., Mrs. Betty Crystal, co-chairman ‘Friends of WIZO’ and co-Chairman World WIZO Council, members of ‘Friends of WIZO’, visitors from the WIZO Federations of Chile, Brazil, UK and Germany, members of Executive of World WIZO and WIZO Israel, friends and WIZO Israel volunteers.

The children were no strangers to hardships. They come from homes that struggle on a day to day basis to put food on their table, and to set them on their path to the future. They represent the miracle of Israel’s mass absorption of immigrants from all over the world, who came impoverished, many being catapulted into the 21st century within a short period of time. They represent families who have witnessed violence. They represent the future of Israel.

Each boy and girl who lives in Israel enjoys the freedom to be Jewish, to celebrate Festivals and rejoice in our heritage, but not all are able to celebrate their Bar/Bat Mitzvah, their coming of age.

It is a landmark in Jewish life, when boys are called up to the Torah, and is usually followed by a celebration, which signals the hopes and dreams of the family and friends for the future of the newly emerging Jewish adult. However many families or single parents are unable to provide this basic rite, and it is here, ever since the establishment of the State of Israel, that WIZO branches from all around the country, have stepped in. Following a year of study and experiences around their Jewish history and religion, thousands of girls and boys enjoy a Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration, organized by WIZO volunteers, just like every other Jewish boy and girl around the world.

This year, when marking the WIZO’s 90th anniversary, Yochy Feller, Chairperson of WIZO Israel, with the support of the World WIZO Executive, and the ‘Friends of WIZO’, founded by Esther Mor and Betty Crystal, decided to hold a mass celebration in Jerusalem for 600 boys and girls, from all around the country. The logistics were mind boggling, but it would be an experience to remember, not just for the celebrants, but also for WIZO volunteers, who work hard throughout the year, to make a better life for the underprivileged in Israeli society. With the generous help of Mrs. Jana Falic, co-President of WIZO USA and her husband Simon Falic, Rabbi Lipskar and the Shul of Bal Harbour, and the Gazit Globe Group, headed by Mr. Haim Katzman, this dream was turned into a reality.

The children were divided according to their towns and were showered with gifts. Boys received A Sidur, Tefillin and Tallit and a bag of goodies. Girls received a gold necklace with a Magen David and candlesticks and each participant was presented with certificates from WIZO and Western Wall Foundation. Each group took part in a different tour around Jerusalem and the 28 busses, displaying the WIZO logo and the excited children, wearing white WIZO hats and shirts, with their parents and families, toured around Jerusalem, for some this was their first time in the capital city.

Following the tours, each bus arrived at the Kottel, the Western Wall, and the excited children, eyes filled with wonder, drank in the atmosphere around them. The boys gathered around individual tables, and were warmly received by members of the Western Wall Foundation, who lovingly helped them to put on their Tefillin for the first time. Some of the boys wound their tefillin around their arms with confidence, some were shaking, all were absorbed in the moment in which they were taking joint responsibility for their people. Proud mothers, some with tears in their eyes, watched their children, Yehoshua from Belarus, one of four children, with a father who often left the home unattended, Sima, explaining the whole ceremony to her son in sign language, Orah in traditional Ethiopian dress staring with wonderment at the whole situation, and one child after another saying ‘Shema Yisrael’, the prayer that has accompanied our people throughout the ages.

When each boy had put on Tefillin, and the girls received certificates, there was a procession towards the Kottel, where the Torah was read, and songs were sung.

Particularly poignant was the mass prayer for the youth, and a special prayer for our soldiers, that were recited in front of the ancient stones of the Kottel.

The celebrants crossed over to the amphitheatre, at the back of the Western Wall and following an opening of drums and the peals of shofars (ram’s horns) everyone stood up and sang the Hatikvah. It was a powerful moment, and words cannot do justice to the beauty and the enormous impact on the children in the overwhelming ambiance of the surroundings, opposite the Temple Mount, and with the beautiful hills of Jerusalem in the background. A delicious meal, which is a ‘must’ at every Bat/Bar Mitzvah celebration, was served and enjoyed by the children, parents, families and all WIZO volunteers and guests.

Yochy Feller, the Chairperson of WIZO Israel, and the initiative behind the event, spoke to the hearts of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrants. ‘This morning, you left your homes as children, and now you are adults. Until now, you have been led, now it is up to you to take the lead. You are a powerful force, spread your wings and use that power’.

Mrs. Feller thanked Mrs. Helena Glaser, President of World WIZO and Mrs. Tova Ben Dov, Chairperson World WIZO Executive, for their support and welcomed World WIZO representatives from abroad,. She thanked Jana Falic, co-President WIZO USA, and her husband Simon Falic, Rabbi Lipskar and the Shul of Bal Harbour, Haim Katzman, Esther Mor, Betty Crystal, members of ‘Friends of WIZO’ and Irit Levy, who was the power behind the organization.

Shmuel Shriki, one of the parents from Karmiel, thanked WIZO Israel for organizing the wonderful day, for the gifts, and ended by saying, ‘It is through you, in WIZO, that our children do have equal opportunities, and as parents, we will always remember this special day, and know that we have someone to turn to’

A boy and girl from Azur, on behalf of all the children, parents and families, gave thanks to each and everyone who had taken part in the organization of this special day.

Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, the Rabbi of the Western Wall, congratulated WIZO on its 90th anniversary, and thanked Mrs. Jana Falic, who is a devoted supporter of the activities of the Foundation of the Western Wall, and had done so much to make it all happen. ‘This Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration is the link between the Jewish people and their heritage. Tefillin have been used since the time of the giving of the Torah and candlesticks reminds us that at any time, but especially as Shabbat descends, a Jewish woman can pray for anything she desires. This will not be a one time event, but a continuation in the chain of the Jewish people. WIZO stands by you and will be with you all the way’.Shai Gabso, a popular singer, entertained the gathering.

Rabbi Metzger, Chief Rabbi of Israel said, ‘You have spent a day immersed in Judaism, surrounded by old stones, now you are at the kottel, the core of Judaism, look at the walls behind you and think how many stories they can tell. Thanks to WIZO you have Tefillin and Candlesticks, don’t put them in the cupboard, let them protect you. Today our soldiers have done everything possible to protect life, not to destroy it, that is the Jewish way.

The atmosphere was one of pure joy and excitement, spontaneous song and dance, and an aura of love surrounded each child and his or her parents. As the rest of the world was condemning Israel, here, our children, were being spiritually strengthened with WIZO’s education and values. We cannot promise what these children’s’ future holds but we can ensure that they are equipped morally, spiritually and knowingly, to face every eventuality.

May God bless the children and their families, and all those who helped make this day into a reality.

I know that when reading this report, you will all be as moved as I was when I attended this outstanding memorable ceremony.

Affectionately yours,

Tova Ben-Dov
Chairperson World WIZO Executive








 

Dear WIZO members:

It gives me great pleasure to let you know of the latest news from WIZO USA.

After a lifetime commitment as a volunteer to this great organization, I decided that it is time to give the opportunity to young leaders to continue and bring their energy and love to take this organization to new heights.

I would like to announce officially JANA FALIC as the new WIZO USA Co-President.

Jana is well known to all of you; she is a founding member of WIZO Florida, she served as WIZO USA and WIZO Florida Vice President, as WIZO AVIV representative to World WIZO and WIZO AVIV USA. She founded WIZO Yonit and served as its Chairman. Jana is well known for her love and devotion to WIZO and to the State of Israel.

She is a born leader and I am sure that she will give an outstanding performance. She is dynamic, young and full of great ideas which will enhance the strength of WIZO USA.

I am not leaving WIZO, I shall remain as a supportive member in the National Executive ready to work in membership and fundraising campaigns whenever and wherever you will need me, under my new title of Founding WIZO USA President.

My best wishes for WIZO’s bright future and for your very necessary cooperation with the new leadership.

Affectionately yours,

Mercedes Ivcher
Founding President
WIZO USA