April 2017- Nissan 5777

Isha L'IshaNewsletter IWD #8

Dear Friends,

We are delighted to bring you the 8th edition of Isha L' Isha in a new, shorter format and we hope you will enjoy reading about the major events that have taken place around the world over the past few months.

As I mentioned in the previous edition of our Newsletter, one of the IWD goals is to open new campaigns in countries where none exist. We are proud to announce and to welcome two new Women's Divisions in Portugal: WD Porto with Debora Elijah as president and WD Lisbon with Anita Ayash as president.

This initiative was undertaken by Debora and began only a few short months ago after a discussion during our Mifgash in Paris, proving that wonderful things are achieved when we are all together.

Registration is now well underway for Mifgash 2017, which will be held in Israel 18-22 June. This is an important event on our IWD calendar and many women have already committed to come, with many more expressing interest.

Mifgash is a unique opportunity to be together and to be inspired by the achievements of women from all over the world who share the same love for Israel and are dedicated to the goals of KH/WD.

In this Mifgash in particular, we will discover new sites in the north of Israel and enjoy a pleasant experience at Elma Cultural Center and Hotel.

Among the many highlights - and most importantly - we will visit our KH projects and meet first-hand the people whose lives we have helped change through our support - people who now have the opportunity to succeed and become contributing members of Israeli society.

Our Mifgash will provide a space for you to learn more about Israeli politics and other issues that are thought-provoking for you as Jewish leaders. It is also the time to honor and recognise outstanding women who serve as inspiring examples to others.

This Mifgash is a very special one because together we will celebrate two significant milestones: 120 years of Zionism and 50 years of Jerusalem's reunification. We will visit key sites connected to Herzl's vision and locations in the heart of Jerusalem, where it all happened, while enjoying our stay at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

We are planning the most informative and exciting five days for you in Israel!

Isha L'IshaPlease come and be part of this truly rewarding experience - the time we spend together will be filled with memorable moments and lots of fun.

In a few short days we will be gathered around the Seder table with family and friends.

Pesach is the story of freedom and liberation and the message is the same today as in ancient times - do not accept disadvantage and suffering as your fate. We in the WD do not accept disadvantage as the fate of those we support in Israel – that is why we pledge to do whatever we can to make a difference in their lives.

Wishing you all a Chag Pesach Sameach and I look forward to being with you in June in Eretz Israel.

Penny Hurst OAM

President of the International Women's Division

Isha L'Isha

Women’s Division Breakfast

UIA Victoria’s campaign started on a high note with the annual Women’s Division Breakfast on Thursday, 2 March. Close to 530 people attended this year’s event and were thrilled to hear an impassioned and informative speech from The Right Honorable Stephen Harper, Canada’s 22nd prime minister.

Noa Hurwitz, a social worker and the head of the Youth Futures program in Dimona, also addressed the guests.

Cocktail Party

Over 300 people attended the UIA Western Australia’s Women’s Division 2017 Cocktail Function held at "The Rise" on Sunday, 19 March. Guests included members of the UIA Board of Governors as well as directors of the WA Screen Academy and ten of their students.

The two guest speakers, film creator Nancy Spielberg and deputy director-general of Soroka Hospital in Beer Sheva, Dr. Nitza Neuman-Heiman, discussed their respective work, demonstrating the theme of UIA’s Women’s Division 2017 campaign: “The inextinguishable human spirit that is ignited into great achievement when confronted with adversity”.

Australia - Melbourne

Australia - Perth

L to r: KH-UIA shaliach Idan Goldberger, Rosie Lew and UIA VIC Women’s Division chairperson Hayley Southwick

L to r: Felicia Schwartz, Nancy Spielberg and Marcia Wolman

L to r: Ruth Shafir, Hon. Stephen Harper and UIA Victoria president Nathan Shafir OAM

L to r: KH-UIA Shaliach Ori Demb, Nancy Spielberg, Lior Raichel, Dr. Nitza Neuman-Heiman and

Debbie Schaffer OAM

Isha L'Isha

Sydney Women's Division held campaign functions over 2 days in March with wonderful guest speakers Nancy Spielberg and Dr. Nitza Neuman-Heiman. "The ties that bind us" is a concept - similar to the Paris initiative - where we asked everyone to tie the enclosed blue string on their wrist.

Morning Tea180 women came out for an exciting morning tea. An introduction to the movie Above And Beyond produced by Nancy was shown; she was delighted to find a former “machalnik” in the audience.

DinnerThe over 200 women of all ages who filled the hall enjoyed a delicious dinner, followed by talks by the speakers. The new KH project supported by WD Sydney, “A Profession for Life”, was highlighted.

Tikvah Function To close Campaign Week, 120 members of the Young Women's Tikvah Group enjoyed a drink, dinner and another compelling and inspiring address by Nancy Spielberg.

Major Donor EventIWD president Penny Hurst OAM delivered her first official greetings in Australia. She spoke about the IWD Mifgash and introduced the new Australian WD federal president, Debbie Schaffer OAM. Newly enhanced Lion of Judah and new Lev Chai pins were presented.

Australia - Sydney

L to r: IWD president Penny Hurst OAM, WD Sydney co-chair Judy Stromer, Dr Nitza Neuman-Heiman, Nancy Spielberg and

WD Sydney co-chair Bev Michaelis

L to r: Dinah Berlin, Maya Hirsch and Susan Cohen

L to r: Helen Basfky and Gerda Maister

L to r: Sharon Ivany, Sharon Green and Karen Gutman

L to r: Tikvah co-chair Donna Rom, Nancy Spielberg and Tikvah co-chair Amanda Isenberg

Isha L'Isha

Meeting - End 2016On November 24, Shirley Bidlovsky received Sao Paulo WD activists in her home to toast the work done in 2016. Shirley thanked all the activists for the support she received during her mandate, and announced Simone Shchapira Wajman as her successor.

Changeover of OfficersThe changeover of officers took place on March 13 at Katy Borger's house, when Simone Schapira Wajman and Evelyn Nitzan became WD president and vice president respectively. Simone presented the new project to be supported by WD Sao Paulo in 2017 and 2018.

Brazil - Sao Paulo

L to r: Outgoing WD president Shirley A. Bidlovski with new WD president

Simone Schapira Wajman

L to r: Simone Schapira Wajman, Evelyn Nitzan, outgoing WD vice president Frida Dayan

and Katy Borger

L to r: IWD honorary president Nelly de Bobrow, new WD vice president Evelyn Nitzan,

Dora Rosset, Branca Lafer, Gina Picciotto and Lilia Wachsmann

L to r: Honorary IWD president Nelly de Bobrow, new WD vice president Evelyn Nitzan,

new WD president Simone Schapira Wajman and Paola de Picciotto

Isha L'Isha

Lecture: Standing up to ViolenceAs part of its Power Talks series, on December 8, 2016, Women’s Philanthropy presented “Standing Up to Violence Against Women” with guest speaker Rita Kestenbaum. To mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women, Rita recounted the tragic loss of her daughter to a senseless act of violence, and described how she turned grief into hope, working to help empower women and girls.

Yom Yocheved Purim PartyAs part of a Bat Mitzvah project, the organizers of the annual Clothing Giveaway invited some 300 children who are beneficiaries of various social service agencies to come to a Purim party on February 12. They were given costumes to wear, Mishloach Manot baskets and an afternoon of fun activities and entertainment.

Cooking For a Cause: Hamentashen Baking On March 8, eighteen volunteers helped bake over 600 hamentashen, which went into the Mishloach Manot packages that were given to the clients of Le Café, the kosher soup kitchen. The hamentashen baked by volunteers, along with many other treats, were packed by volunteers and delivered to the Le Café clients as part of Purim celebrations on March 9.

International Women’s Day Event with Mayana BraniganIn honor of International Women’s Day, on March 7 Women’s Philanthropy and the Israeli Engagement Initiative invited mothers and daughters to hear guest speaker Mayana Branigan who shared her unique perspective on diversity as an Israeli-American, Black, Jewish woman.

Canada - Montreal

L to r: Kathy Silverstein, Rita Kestenbaum and Heather Paperman

Volunteers helping out at the Yom Yocheved Purim Party

Volunteers baking hamentashen

Volunteers helping out with the Purim Party

International Women's Day at the Donald Berman Maimonides Geriatric CentreOn March 8, volunteers lent a hand to help women residents with limited ability and/or mobility prepare for their annual Purim casino. Having a buddy enabled them to participate fully in the preparations.

Ongoing Programs In Women’s Philanthropy

Eishet Chayil25 women are taking part in this year’s “Journey of Personal Growth through Study and Experience” which focuses on a wide range of topics relating to Jewish women – from Biblical times to the present.

AtidThe Atid leadership development program for Jewish women centers on personal growth, acquisition of skills and development as individuals, at home and in the community.

Isha L'IshaFrance - Paris

Holland - Amsterdam

Children’s Hannukah Museum Visit

18 children, accompanied by ten parents, took part in a special Hannukah program organized by WD Paris at the Museum of the Art and History of Judaism on Sunday morning, December 11. Two groups of children (ages 4-6 and 6-9) and their parents visited the museum’s Hannukah exhibits, after which they took part in a crafts workshop relating to Hannukah.

On February 9, 2017, Women’s Division Netherlands held its first event of the year. A group of 40 women visited the “Hubert de Givenchy – To Audrey with Love” exposition in the Gemeentemuseum Den Haag. One of the activists, Lauren Mescon, talked about the importance of supporting Israel. This year, the proceeds will benefit the First Hug project.

Hafrashat Challa

110 women of all ages, both religious and secular, came together on March 22 in Paris to learn to bake challot. The atmosphere was warm and inviting and the women all had great fun . . . and there were many new WD donors!!!

Hafrashat challa workshop

Hannukah Museum Visit

Visiting the exposition Carla Aronson, WD President (right),

with other WD members

L to r: Sophie Barr,Danielle Bellity, Judith Jacquin, Eva Liss, WD President Rebecca Jacquin, Julie Donio, Caroline Yadan

and Déborah Azria

Isha L'Isha

Campaign Opening: Celebrating 25 Years

More than 250 women attended the campaign opening that took place in the magnificent halls of Palazzo Serbelloni on January 31, and made a contribution to the 2017 project, Masa.

On this occasion, Women's Division Milan celebrated 25 years of achievement. The event chair, WD president, Francesca Modiano Hasbani, thanked the past four presidents, all of whom attended the event. Among them was Ruthy Ben Yehuda, who came from Israel especially for this occasion. Special guests included KH Italy president, Mr. Andrea Jarach, and IWD Vice President for Europe, Estrella Cohen.

Francesca expressed her appreciation to all the guests - and especially to non-Jewish friends. “You support us these days when anti-Semitism is re-emerging in the guise of anti-Zionism”, she said. “We are happy that more and more people understand the importance of the only democracy in the Middle East”.

Following a presentation of projects supported by WD Milan over the past 25 years, guest speaker, Sofia Skriebchov, a Ukrainian-born woman who made aliyah with her family with the help of Keren Hayesod, shared her insights and experiences. A beneficiary of "Profession for Life", the current project supported by WD Milan, she spoke about the project and how it helped her start anew in Israel.

“In 25 years we created a continuity among women and this will go on thanks to you young ladies!” Francesca stated. “WD was not born yesterday and will not disappear tomorrow; we are heading for KH's 100 anniversary!”

Italy - Milan

Some of the of the WD committee members, l to r: Shirley Kohannan, Shabnam Golran, Giorgia Hassan,

Edith Arazi, Samantha Sabbadini, Elena Grego, Carol Ross and Ariella Telio Bueno

L to r: IWD vice president for Europe Estrella Cohen and WD Milan president Francesca Modiano Hasbani

L to r: KH representative to Italy Carmel Luzzatti, KH Italy president Andrea Jarach,

guest speaker Sofia Skriebchov and WD Milan president Francesca Modiano Hasbani

Isha L'IshaMission to Israel

A group of Italian women were among the participants in the Women’s Division Mission to Israel on the theme of “Woman and Health: Research and Prevention” that took place March 8-12. The itinerary included visits to medical startups, hospitals and research centers. Particularly notable was a lecture on gender medicine by Prof. Marek Glezerman, Professor Emeritus of Obstetrics and Gynecology and head of Gender Medicine at the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University. One of the highlights of the mission was a meeting with young woman doctors for whom WD Italy is raising funds this year through the Masa program.

Mission participants spent two nights at the brand new Elma Arts Complex Luxury Hotel in Zichron Yaakov and two nights including Shabbat in Tel Aviv.

Mission participants

L to r: Valentina Tesoro-Tess, IWD director Marcelo Goldin

and Giorgia Hassan

At Kibbutz HardufAt Biond Biologics

Isha L'Isha

Fundraising Breakfast

In January, a selected group of women, potential Lion of Judah and Lev Chai donors, were invited to a breakfast meeting where they learned about the Women’s Division and its important mission.

Mexico - Mexico City

Breakfast for potential LOJ and Lev Chai donors

New WD Board

A new WD Board was elected in December, with Alyn Chenillo de Mondlak succeeding Lisa Souroujon as president of WD Mexico.

L to r: Sharon Kafka, Malke Bellifamine, Eva Schlosser, Ida Lerman, Thalia Tartakovski, Lisa Souroujon,

Alyn Chenillo, Flor Cojab, Malke Izbitski and Jenny Lobaton

L to r:Incoming WD president Alyn Chenillo de Mondlak,

Martha Flisser and outgoing president Lisa Souroujon

Incoming WD president, Alyn Chenillo de Mondlak

Campaign Opening: Talk by Andrés Roemer

The year’s campaign was launched in January with a fascinating lecture by Andrés Roemer, formerly Mexico's Ambassador to UNESCO, about that body’s controversial decisions regarding Israel.

WD president Alyn Chenillo de Mondlak with Andrés Roemer

Isha L'Isha

Israeli Ambassador Jonathan Peled Addresses WD

On February 7, Israel’s ambassador to Mexico, Jonathan Peled, spoke to the WD about Mexican-Israeli and Mexican-American relations, stressing the importance of continuing to support Israel. Amb. Peled stated how impressed he is by the community’s enormous support for Israel, as well as the harmony and unity that exists among its members. L to r: Sharon Kafka, Martha Flisser,

Amb. Jonathan Peled, Alyn Chenillo de Mondlak, Ida Lerman and Francis Picciotto

Fundraising in the Entire Community

In a fundraising model that is unique in the WD world, 23 local Jewish organizations, women’s organizations and schools support WD Mexico’s annual campaign. Each of them has two delegates on the WD board, who represent WD in their own institutions and help raise funds. As it does every January, WD Mexico visited these organizations to thank them for their efforts, present them with a token of recognition and motivate them toward even greater fundraising efforts.

Members of local Jewish organizations

Seminar Month

Three top-tier speakers addressed WD Mexico during “Seminar month” in February: Dr. Mauricio Meschoulam, a world-renowned expert in terrorism and international relations; Enrique Chmelnik, writer, actor and winner of the Zionist Council of Mexico’s 2016 Herzl Prize, and Arie Abir, Chairman of the Amigour Public Housing Company in Israel. The program is designed to provide motivation to the members to meet their fundraising goal and to attract the younger generation of women.

L to r: Alyn Chenillo de Mondlak, Amigour chairman Arie Abir and Sharon Kafka

L to r: Lisa Souroujon, Alyn Chenillo de Mondlak, Enrique Chmelnik and Grace Beja

Isha L'IshaNew Women's Divisions in Portugal

New Women's Divisions have been established in Porto and Lisbon, headed by Debora Elijah and Anita Ayash respectively.

First WD Portugal and Spain Seminar

The calendar of activities of WD Portugal and Spain was launched over the weekend of 17-19 March with a seminar in Porto, Portugal, which was spearheaded and headed by Debora Elijah, together with community president, Sam Elijah. Participating in the event, which was designed to introduce Keren Hayesod to the community and highlight the significance of women’s involvement, were 18 women from Portugal and Spain, among them the presidents of the Spanish Women's Divisions - Estrella Cohen from Madrid (who is also vice president of IWD), and Alicia Barchilon from Ceuta - who shared their personal experiences.

The seminar began with a fascinating panel discussion about Portugal, Jews and Israel, in which Israeli Ambassador to Portugal Zipora Rimon, former Health Minister Maria de Belém Roseira and author Miriam Assor took part. It also included lectures, workshops, Kabbalat Shabbat at the Kadoorie Mekor Haim Synagogue, a visit to the Jewish Museum, a walk in the ancient Jewish quarter dating back to pre-Inquisition times and a special bonus – a guided tour of the beautiful city, a visit to a winery and a Fado musical performance.

During the meeting, Lion of Judah pins were given to Debora Elijah of Porto and to Sara Moshiashvili of Barcelona, and a Lev Chai pin was given to Madalena Barata of Lisbon.

The event created boundless motivation, and the first working meeting of WD Lisbon has already been scheduled.

Portugal - Porto and Lisbon

WD Seminar- participants together with shlichim for Spain and Portugal Dani Alaluf and Maya Talmon

L to r: President of WD Lisbon Anita Ayash and Chai recipient

Madalena Barata Lev

L to r: Israeli Ambassador to Portugal Tzipora Rimon, president of WD Madrid Estrella Cohen,

LOJ recipient Sara Moshiashvili, Sara's daughter, and Dani Alaluf KH shaliach to Spain and Portugal

L to r: President of WD Ceuta Alicia Barchilon, president of WD Porto Debora Elijah,

president of WD Madrid and IWD vice president for Europe Estrella Cohen and president

of WD Lisbon Anita Ayash

L to r: President of the Jewish community of Portugal, Sam Elijah, president of WD

Porto Debora Elijah, director of the Jewish community of Porto Isabel Maria Lopes,

shlicha to Portugal Maya Talmon Chvaicer

Isha L'Isha

General Campaign Opening

WD Madrid organized the traditional General Campaign Opening, which took place on March 4 in the Barcelo Theatre. Community leaders, volunteers and donors attended the event. Israel’s ambassador to Spain, Daniel Kutner, addressed the audience, stressing the importance of Keren Hayesod in the Jewish world. The heads of KH presented the objectives and goals for this year.

Spain - Madrid

L-r: Sara Bengio, Elena Catalán and WD President Estrella Cohen

High school teacher Alberto Jabiles with students

L to r: Lidia Kattan, KH president Nir Ben Levy, Alegria Benarroch, Silvia Cohen, Sol Ponte, Hortensia Benarroch, Alegria Hassan, Esther Chocron,

Prof. Alberto Jabiles, WD president Rosita Toledano, Zenia Serfaty, Mimi Benchimol, Esther Whanon and Fanny Mandenblum

Celebrating Hannukah

A delightful lunch, hosted by WD President Rosita Toledano at her home took place during Hannukah, on December 6.

Keren Hayesod Week

As it does every year, the WD organized KH week for high school seniors, which took place during February.

Venezuela - Caracas

L to r: Sylvia Cohen, Nina Melul, Fanny Mandelblum, WD President Rosita Toledano, Renee Sternberg,

Eva Abadi, Esther Chocron, Zenia Serfaty, Lydia Katan, Alegria Hassan, Anny Gottfried, Nelly Puterman

and Sol Ponte