Isha L'Isha

Newsletter IWD #6

- NISSAN 5776 APRIL 2016

My dear friends, We are pleased to send you the sixth edition of Isha L'Isha to update you on the activities carried out by WDs around the world over the past six months. In addition to the always rewarding normal contacts with the presidents of many of the WDs and the not always easy decisions that need to be taken, there were two activities that I would like to highlight: my visit to Mexico City in November 2015 and the traditional event at my home in Punta del Este in January 2016. In Mexico, I participated in the changeover of WD presidents, when Thalia Tartakovski handed the leadership over to Lisa Torun Souroujon. We hope we will continue to enjoy Thalia’s support, and I wish Lisa the best of luck. I was greatly moved by the love with which I was received by the activists and impressed by their efficient organization and the extraordinary work they do!!! Thank you very much and congratulations, dear Mexican friends.

Changeover of WD Presidents: Lisa Torun Souroujon, WD Mexico President; Nelly de Bobrow, IWD President; Victoria Reimers, Honorary IWD President; Thalia Tartakovski, former WD Mexico President

Over 50 women participated in the traditional event at my holiday home in Punta del Este - from WD Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay and notably, Daniela Perel, a leader of WD Geneva. It was truly gratifying to see the joy and interaction as all these friends met up again! The event was enhanced by the presence of KH leaders- Eliezer (Moodi) Sandberg, World Chairman; Shaul Ravid, Deputy Director General; Yoel Embon, Director for Latin America, Spain and Portugal; and Dani Alaluf, Director of Training and Development and Young Leadership, as well as San Paulo and Buenos Aires shlichim, Shay Maor and Zuli Dreispiel. And as the icing on the cake, two ladies from Sao Paulo decided spontaneously to become Lions of Judah!

Isha L'Isha

Nelly and Moyses Bobrow

IWD meeting in Punta del Este

IWD Director, Marcelo Goldin, paid successful visits to various WDs and will continue doing so throughout the year; I am confident that this will contribute to the development of the WDs. Together with Marcelo and Denise Dalva, our efficient assistant in Jerusalem, we are supporting the efforts of Rebecca Jacquin, President of WD Paris, in the planning and organization of our next European Conference in September. It will be a very unique event and we look forward to all of you participating! My dears, let’s continue with our work and making history. We have much to do in order to achieve the goals we have set and the efforts of each one of you are essential. This relates to the festival of Passover, which we will celebrate within the next days together with our families. When our ancestors escaped from Egypt, the sea opened before their very eyes. A true miracle! We humans also can make miracles! When we struggle to defeat the challenges we face, to overcome whatever it is that stands in our way, that enslaves us, and to achieve what we want, we are creating miracles. Our personal miracles! I wish a Pesach Kasher Ve’sameach to you all! May we celebrate and enjoy this chag together with our loved ones and continue growing, fighting that which enslaves us and achieving miracles! Nelly de Bobrow IWD President

International Women's Division European Conference Paris, 14-18 September, 2016

Isha L'Isha Argentina - Buenos Aires Three events were held toward the end of 2015: Renowned journalist Pilar Rahola spoke about her book Enough at an event organized by Berta Sutton at the prestigious Alvear Hotel. Proceeds were dedicated to the Shelanu Project.

L-R: Pilar Rahola, Raquel Isler, Berta Sutton and Jorge Stern, local KH President

L-R: Claudia Stad and Berta Sutton

A solidarity concert and luncheon hosted by Poppy and Carlos Abolsky at their home in the Miraflores Country Club benefited the KH-supported Sulamot project.

Carlos Abolsky performing at the piano

Musicians and audience at the solidarity concert

L-R: Celia Friedman, Coca Kaczka, Raquel Domber, Claudia Stad, Raquel Friedman, Juana de Jonge, Shula Silberstein and Noemi Gover

New Lion of Judah: During the year’s closing activity, WD President, Shula Silberstein, presented Claudia Jacubovich with a Lion of Judah pin. The event was chaired by Jaime Jacubovich, Claudia’s father and major donor to Keren Hayesod.

L-R: Miguel Gonorowsky, Jaime Jacubovich, Claudia Jacubovich, WD President Shula Silberstein and Jorge Stern

L-R: Jana Koifman, Noemi Gover, Celia Friedman, Yoli Kohen, Sofia Chloca, Niky Ovsejevich, Elda Sztern, Lili Lerner, Shula Silberstein, Leda Junowicz, Raquel Friedman, Laura Lisman, Estrella de Berman, Berta Gutmacher, Raquel Domber and Coca Kaczka

Isha L'Isha Australia - Melbourne 550 women (and a handful of men) attended the Melbourne Women Division’s breakfast opening event held at the International of Brighton on 25 February. Guest speaker, Lucy Aharish, reporter, television host and the first Israeli-Arab news presenter on Hebrew-language television in Israel, discussed life in Israel and current issues, and specifically her own upbringing and childhood. The event included a pinning ceremony of the new Lions of Judah and Lev Chais. Funds raised at the event were dedicated to the Youth Futures project.

KH representative Idan Goldberger presenting Ruth Shafir with her Lion of Judah pin Lucy Aharish

L-R: Hayley Southwick, WD Melbourne President, and Idan Goldberger presenting Pauline Opat with a Lev Chai pin

WD opening event

Isha L'Isha Australia - Sydney WD Opening Events Under the leadership of Bev Michaelis and Judy Stromer, several highly successful functions were held at the end of March. On March 20, the Executive met for a Sunday morning breakfast. Guest speakers, Dr. Einat Wilf and Dr. Richard Prasquier, discussed the current situation in Israel and France and the impact on the Jews of Europe. This was followed by a film about the wave of terror plaguing Israel. Einat, a former Knesset member, is widely regarded as Israel's roving ambassador, defending its legitimacy as the nation state of the Jewish people, and Richard was elected President of KH France after serving in leadership roles for many Jewish and non-Jewish organisations.

L-R: Bev Michaelis, WD Co-Chair; Richard Prasquier, President of KH France; Einat Wilf, former Knesset member; and Judy Stromer, WD Co-Chair

The campaign opening event, a major donor breakfast in which 110 women participated, was held at the end of March. Deputy Ambassador of Israel, Anat Sultan-Dado, presented the new Lions of Judah with their pins as well as two women whose pins were upgraded with precious stones. That evening, 300 women enjoyed a buffet dinner in the ballroom of a beautiful hotel. The next morning 185 women attended an event in a cinema, followed by a light lunch. Helping Terror Victims After 15 years of supporting the Nurit Absorption Centre, WD Sydney decided to focus its major efforts on a new and urgent project – the KH-supported Victims of Terror Fund, which provides desperately needed assistance to victims and their families. Young Women's Tikvah Division Over 100 young women came out for the Young Women's Tikvah Division dinner. Sarah Vanunu, a former Sydney resident who made aliyah, spoke at the event and shared the dilemmas facing young families in Israel today. Tikvah Division, which started five years ago, is supporting a Pesach Holiday Camp for 100 children-in-need at the Ye'elim Absorption Centre.

L-R: Judy Kaye and Lucille Segal, new Lions of Judah

L-R: Donna Rom, Sara Vanunu, Tova Archie and Amanda Isenberg

Isha L'Isha Brazil - Rio de Janeiro Sukkot Party The home of WD President, Claudia C. Chor, was the perfect venue for the annual Succot party. The beautiful Succah facing Ipanema Beach hosted a very special group of women, enabling them to experience the festival’s true spirit of celebration. It was also an occasion to officially introduce the new KH shlichah, Monica Davidovich. Annual Lion of Judah Dinner L-R: Monica Davidovich, KH Representative in Rio; The annual Lion of Judah dinner took place at the home of the Gisela S. Wajner, LOJ President; Henrique Cymerman, group’s President, Gisela Schenker Wajnberg. Nearly 90 guests international journalist; Claudia Chor, WD President; had the privilege of hearing one of the most celebrated names in and Monica Schreiber, Golda Meir President international journalism, Henrique Cymerman, the last reporter to interview YItzhak Rabin, and one of the first to interview Pope Francis in the Vatican, who named Cymerman his “Angel of Peace”. The elegant reception and Cymerman’s lively talk made the evening a great success. Golda Meir Group Chaired by Monica Schreiber, this group celebrated Chanukah with a party at the residence of the former President of the Jewish Federation of Rio, Sergio Niskier. The highlight of the evening was a lecture on the Entebbe Rescue Operation by Keren Hayesod shaliach to Sao Paulo, Shay Maor. Maor kept the audience on the edge of their seats with his firsthand description of the legendary feat. He shared first-hand information about the days preceding the military action, the decision-making process and the real facts of the rescue.

L-R: Simone Rothstein, Rina Avigdor Hasky and Monica Schreiber

Another memorable moment of the evening was the donation of a portrait of Golda Meir by askanit Denise Tredler. The portrait was painted by her father-in-law, Szymon Tredler, who survived WW II together with his family with the help of his artistic skills.

Golda Meir Group

Denise Tredler, Monica Schreiber and Szymon Tredler

Shay Maor, KH representative to Sao Paulo

Isha L'Isha Brazil - Sao Paulo Sukkot Gathering As in previous years, Goldeti Glass hosted her WD colleagues at a festive gathering in her succah.

Rabbi Richard Tamezgui and Nelly de Bobrow saying the blessing over the lulav and etrog

Experience Exchange Day Members of WD Rio de Janeiro joined in for a Standing L-R: Katy Borger, Monica Davidovich, KH shlichah; year-end “Experience Exchange Day” organized Gisela Schenker, President of LOJ Rio; Denise Feder and by Shirley Bidlovski, WD President, at her home. Evelise Ochman. Sitting: Claudia Chor, President of WD Rio; The two groups took part in fundraising recycling Goldeti Glass, Monica Schreiber, President of Golda Meir Group; workshops, exchanged information and discussed Melia Choueke and Nelly de Bobrow, IWD President. new possibilities for cooperation. Participating were Nelly de Bobrow, IWD President; Gisela Schenker, President of LOJ Rio; Claudia Chor, President of WD Rio; and Monica Schreiber, President of Golda Meir Group; as well as Katy Borger, Goldeti Glass, Denise Feder, Evelise Ochman and Melia Choueke, WD Advisors; and Monica Davidovich, KH shlichah. Meeting for Israel Sandra Rabinovitch hosted a meeting at her home with all the Sao Paulo activists to hear renowned journalist Henrique Cymerman discuss his fascinating interviews with Middle East and world leaders. Mrs. Hilda Safra, WD’s most veteran activist, was honored at the meeting with a certificate for her long years of devotion. On this occasion, the “#eu me amarro em Israel” - "I bind myself to Israel" - social media campaign was launched. The women tied blue threads around their wrists and posted photos on Facebook and Instagram. They took home with them additional threads to distribute to their family members and friends.

L-R: Shirley A. Bidlovski, WD President, Henrique Cymerman and Simone Schapira Wajman

L-R: Diana M.Nasser, Hilda Safra, Shirley A.Bidlovski.

Isha L'Isha

L-R: WD Vice President Frida Dayan, Monica Mehler, Stela Waintraub and Monica Fuchs

L-R: Sandra Rabinovitch, Norma Nigri, Helena Chachamovits and Frida Dayan

End-of-Year Luncheon Targets and plans for the upcoming campaign were discussed at an end-of-year luncheon for activists. Lunch was followed by the last session of the Israel Connection Project for donors and activists, which focused on an analysis of the situation in Israel, the Middle East and the world, with the renowned journalist Jayme Spitzcovsky. Israel Shelanu Luncheon Israel Shelanu, a group of younger women, closed the year with a luncheon. The group works with children from Jewish schools in Sao Paulo to promote the WD’s project for 2015/16 – “Let’s help 5 kids in Israel”. They collected donations from the youngsters to help five children in Beit Shean attend the Guilad School.

L-R: Gracia Picciotto, Roni Gedankien, Denise Dayan, Lara Knobel, Silvana Smejoff, Shay Maor, Nicole Rouben, Karina S. Milner, Elisa Griner, Ilana Carasso, Shirley Bidlovski, Patricia Fuchs and Luciana Natenzon

Isha L'Isha Canada - Montreal Pack It Up The “TOV-Pack It Up!” program, chaired by Vanessa Essiminy, was created as part of WD TOV (Tikun Olam Volunteers). They provided 420 underprivileged children with new supplies, donated by local companies as well as community members, enabling them to start the new school year like their classmates and motivating them to succeed. Pack it up

Yom Yocheved Clothing Giveaway The Yom Yocheved Clothing Giveaway gave disadvantaged families the opportunity to choose new clothing in a comfortable, stress-free retail environment for free. In 2015, they helped clothe over 600 children with appropriate clothing for the winter. Chaired by Chaya and Lorne Lieberman and Louise Segal, the Clothing Giveaway was named after Chaya’s late mother Yocheved z”l, a staunch advocate of giving tzedakah and treating everyone with respect. Six conference rooms were filled with clothing donated by local companies - everything from underwear to pajamas, boots and jackets. Seeing the faces of the mothers and children when they left with bags full of new clothes was the greatest reward for all the volunteers at this special event and a testament to the day’s success. Kudos to the 100+ volunteers who gave their time over a three-day period and the generous companies that donated the clothing. Cooking in Heels 100 women gathered at the Sub-Zero Wolf Showroom by Maroline for a cooking demo with author and food blogger Kim Kushner and a sumptuous sit-down tasting featuring dishes from her most recent cookbook, The New Kosher. Watching Kim’s cooking techniques and sampling her delicious food was a fun and educational way to support Federation CJA’S 2015 Campaign. The event was cochaired by Ruth Choueke, Carole Cohen and Leslie Cons.

L-R: Leslie Cons, Carole Cohen, Karen Soussan, Kim Kushner, Danielle Rogozinsky, Ruth Choueke and Heather Paperman

Feed the Truck A massive citywide food drive, headed by co-chairs Linda Bensoussan, Jill Kimmel and Bonnie Levine, galvanized Jewish day school students to collect more than 20,000 food items to be donated to those in need. A special branded truck travelled to the participating schools, giving children a hands-on opportunity to fill it with kosher non-perishable food items, which were Feeding the truck distributed to the locally-funded communal organizations that deal with food security. This experience enabled the children to learn about the needs of the Jewish community and empowered them to make a difference.

Isha L'Isha WD Flies to New York City 48 women flew to New York City for a day of camaraderie, learning and inspiration. Co-chaired by Sandra Abitan, Heather Adelson and Jessica R’bibo, the group enjoyed a full day of activities that included a guided tour of the 9/11 Memorial Museum, lunch at Goldman Sachs with incredible guest speakers, a tour of the Neue Gallery with guest speaker Ambassador Ron Lauder, dinner with Jane Weitzman and so much more. It was truly a meaningful day of meeting with community leaders that increased everyone’s passion and commitment to the Montreal Jewish community.

Challah Bake As part of the Worldwide Shabbat Project, a Challah Bake, co-chaired by Yaelle Benhamou, Debbie Cons, Guila Delouya and Jennifer Lassner Rosenblum, was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Over 1,000 women, both experienced challah bakers and first timers, shared the mitzvah of baking challah. Inspirational keynote speaker Alina Spaulding, a Jewish leader and humanitarian who immigrated with her family from the former Soviet Union to the US in 1979 with the help of several Jewish agencies, spoke about how Federation helped them, stressing that everyone can make a difference in another’s life by supporting their Federation. After kneading and braiding their challahs together, the women took them home to bake and share at their Shabbat table.

Lion of Judah Fall Event Lion of Judah donors and their spouses attended an elegant evening in the exquisite home of Betty and Joe Nezri, co-chaired by Elaine Dubrovsky, Sue Carol Isaacson, Alice Raby, Sarah Rubin and Arlene Yufe. Keynote speaker, Mordecai Dzikansky, retired detective and bestselling author of Terrorist Cop, spoke of his work as NYPD Intelligence Division Overseas Liaison to the Israel National Police. His intelligence gathering and relay of key information to NYC enhanced the Department's ability to deter terror. Special guest speaker was Ziv Nevo Kulman, Israel's Consul General for Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces.

L-R: Heather Paperman, Guila Delouya, Alina Spaulding, Jennifer Lassner Rosenblum, Yaelle Benhamou, Karen Soussan and Danielle Rogozinsky

Top row L-R: Sarah Rubin, Arlene Abitan; middle row: Danielle Rogozinsky, Karen Soussan, Mordecai Dzikansky, Arlene Yufe, Elaine Dubrovsky, Wendy Spatzner; Bottom row L-R: Alice Raby, Sue Carol Isaacson, Consul General Ziv Nevo Kulman, Heather Paperman, Barry Pascal

Isha L'Isha Choices Event Over 700 women enjoyed a wonderful meal with friends at the annual Philanthropy "Choices" event, co-chaired by Trish Bengualid, Karine Hazan, Kerry Kaufman Paperman and Renee Pearl, at the Plaza Centre Ville. Keynote speaker, Campbell Brown, Emmy award-winning journalist and veteran broadcaster, spoke about the choices she has made and shared her heart-warming story of finding love in Iraq and converting to Judaism, raising two children in a traditional Jewish family while trying to “have it all” professionally. Special guest speaker was Miriam Peretz, mother of two fallen IDF soldiers. Everyone was inspired by Miriam’s strength and courage. WD Outreach and Volunteer Programs • “Lunch for a Bunch” provided lunches to over 130 children in Montreal Jewish and public schools. • Cooking for a Cause – 12 volunteers helped bake cookies that were served at Le Café, an arm of Federation CJA eatery for the needy. • Holiday in a Box – For Tu B’shvat, volunteers brought cheer to isolated seniors, personally delivering Shabbat baskets containing fruit, challah, grape juice, candles and a card with the blessings.

L-R: Danielle Rogozinsky, Trish Bengualid, Karine Hazan, Miriam Peretz, Campbell Brown, Renee Pearl, Kerry Kaufman Paperman, Karen Soussan and Heather Paperman

Chile - Santiago de Chile "Askan Day", held in the noted Santiago Cinema, featured cocktails and the first showing of the acclaimed Israeli film Rock in the Red Zone. Hanna Binstock Honig was honored for her exceptionally hard work and unconditional commitment to Israel and the Jewish people. The award was presented by the President of the Women's Division, Yona Pollak, and by the Keren Hayesod representative in Chile, Jorge Stern.

L-R: Yona Pollak, WD Chile President, and Hanna Binstock Honig

Isha L'Isha Holland - Amsterdam Honoring our Donors At the annual evening honoring donors (the HODE) held in early winter, Women’s Division Holland was proud to present Mrs. Naomi Livnat-Vermeer, one of WD’s most dedicated donors, with her Lion of Judah pin, in recognition of her deep commitment to Israel and the Jewish people. “The State of Israel is our homeland”, she said, “and we have a strong connection to our history, our land and its people. We are one nation and one people”.

L-R: Robert Aronson, WD Holland President Carla Aronson, and Aviva Melichi

Freddy Hollander, President of KH Holland, and Naomi Livnat

Naomi Livnat and Erez Manheimer, KH representative in Holland

In the presence of KH Director-General, Greg Masel, WD Holland presented Mrs. Lily Korijn-Dormits from the Hague with the Lion of Judah pin, in recognition of her long years of priceless work and dedication to Israel through Keren Hayesod in general, and the Women's Division in particular. The pin was bestowed upon Lily by WD Holland President, Carla Aronson, at an intimate and emotional ceremony in the presence of her family and close friends. Great appreciation for everything Lily has done was expressed in several touching speeches and notably, by Greg Masel. Museum Trip

Marcelo Goldin, IWD Director, giving LOJ certificate to Lily Korijn-Dormits

A visit to the Rijks Museum in Amsterdam and a guided tour of the “Asia in Amsterdam: Exotic Luxury in the Golden Age” exhibit left the 40 participants eager for more cultural events.

Training Workshop Marcelo Goldin, IWD Director, visited Amsterdam and led a workshop on fundraising, giving lots of motivation and inspiration. Training workshop with Marcelo Goldin

Isha L'Isha Hungary - Budapest Winter Beauty The “Winter Cosmetics” event at the Israeli Cultural Institute brought together potential donors and gave them the opportunity to network, and of course, to raise money for Israel. The event featured three cosmetics companies – the Israeli Seacret Spa company featuring natural Dead Sea cosmetics, the French luxury skincare products company Guinot, and Aniko Ungár, WD President, Donors check out Vera Markovics products Vera Markovics, producer of natural, interviews Ágnes Major of Guinot handmade cosmetics. Aniko Ungár, President of WD Hungary, interviewed them all. The guests enjoyed the warm and relaxed atmosphere and a percentage of all sales was donated to WD.

Italy - Milan Seeing Art from Budapest A group of women that included several members of WD Milan enjoyed a guided tour of the Budapest Art Museum. It offered the opportunity to socialize and discuss projects supported by WD.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Project Bar and bat mizvah youngsters were honored with special certificates to thank them for donating to the “Give a mitzvah, do a mitzvah” project to help needy kids in Israel celebrate their bar/bat mitzvah at the Kotel. L-R : Rav Arbib, Chief Rabbi of Milan; Andrea Jarach, KH Italy President; bar mitzva boys and a bat mitvzah girl; Francesca Modiano, WD Milan President

Training Seminar A training seminar led by Marcelo Goldin, IWD Director, as well as oneto-one coaching, provided advanced tools, a greater sense of empowerment and enhanced motivation to raise fundraising performance.

Giorgia Hassan and Ariella Telio Bueno simulate a face-to-face fundraising pitch

Marcelo Goldin

Isha L'Isha Women’s Food - Tech Mission In March, 25 women, including eight first-time visitors, took part in the WD Italy "High-tech in Food" mission to Israel. It included visits to the Strauss dairy factory, the BioBee factory on Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu and the Technion, where the women got an overview of innovative food technologies and food process engineering methods. "We met the real people that make Israel”, said Francesca Modiano, president of WD Milan, “like the ‘grandfather of Israeli high-tech’ Yossi Vardi, writer Sami Michael, General Ram Shmueli, bio-agricultural pioneer Mario Levi, and legendary Miriam Peretz, mother of two fallen soldiers.

Francesca Modiano, WD Milan President, with biotech pioneer Mario Levi in Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu

At border police base

At biofood lab at the Technion with Prof. Shpigelman

Francesca Modiano with project trainee at CNC training center

Campaign Opening 170 people attended the campaign opening in Milan on March 17. Following a performance by an actress/ guitarist, journalist Giulio Meotti spoke about the situation in Israel. IWD Vice-President for Europe, Estrella Cohen, attended together with Bibina Chocron, an activist from Spain. The committee, L-R: Giorgia Hassan, Shirley Kohannan, Sharon Blanga, Marlene Levi, Loulou Arazi, Judith Halfon, Samantha Sabbadini, Carol Ross, Andrea Baron, Valentina Tesoro and Francesca Modiano

L-R: Giorgia Hassan, Valentina Tesoro, Francesca Modiano, Bibina Chocron, Estrella Cohen and Judith Halfon

Francesca Modiano and journalist Giulio Meotti

WD campaign opening

Isha L'Isha Mexico - Mexico City Changing of the Guard Thalia Tartakovski, outgoing president of WD Mexico, handed the reins of leadership to her successor, Lisa Torun Souroujon, at a special event that was graced with the presence of the president of the IWD, Nelly de Bobrow, and honorary president of the IWD, Victoria Reimers. Also attending was the president of WD Guatemala, Betty Torun, mother of the incoming president. This is the first time in history that a mother and daughter are simultaneously presidents of two different Women's Divisions. The event concluded with a very successful dinner at the home of Victoria Reimers.

Mother and daughter: Betty Torun, WD Guatemala President, and Lisa Torun Souroujon, WD Mexico President

Thalia Tartakovski, former WD President; Nelly de Bobrow, IWD President; Flor Khabie, Marlene Galante and Lisa Torun Souroujon, new WD President

Members of WD Mexico together with Nelly de Bobrow, IWD President

Standing: Flor Khabie, Marlene Galante Sitting: Emma Adler, Victoria Reimers, IWD Honorary President; Nelly de Bobrow IWD President; Martha Flisser, LOJ Mexico President.

Campaign Opening The 2016 campaign was launched with a talk by Israeli Ambassador to Mexico, Jonathan Peled, who spoke about the current situation in Israel. Lisa Torun Souroujon presented him with a certificate for a donation made in his honor to Keren Hayesod's Fund for Victims of Terror. Rabbi Nisso Palti, spiritual leader of the Sephardic community, gave a bracha to the activists and wished them success in the campaign.

Lisa Torun Souroujon, Ambassador Jonathan Peled and Martha Flisser

Isha L'Isha “Month of the Magbit” WD Mexico has named February the “Month of the Magbit". During this month, 23 Mexican-Jewish voluntary organizations raise funds for Participants in the annual seminar Keren Hayesod. Lisa Torun Souroujon visited them all to thank them for their support and present the projects WD is supporting this year.

Main speaker, Edi Lazar

February was also dedicated to education and activist motivation. About 60 activists took part in the annual seminar, which focused on "Israel Today: New Challenges for Action in the Diaspora". The main talk was given by Edi Lazar, who visited eight Jewish schools and spoke about hasbara to high school students. Gabriel Bentasgal of Hatzad Hasheni discussed "Six Ways to Attack Israel and the Jewish People” at a meeting with potential Lion of Judah and Lev Chai donors.

Gabriel Ben-Tasgal, Thalia Tartakovski, Lisa Torun Souroujon and Oscar Jaroslavsky Sara Nayar and Cristina Rosenberg

Listening to the presentation by the askaniot

Cristina Rosenberg and Sara Nayar, two very active askaniot, organized a series of programs on the professionalizing of volunteerism and how to make effective fundraising calls.

Meeting with KH Professionals Yoel Embon, director of the Latin America, Spain and Portugal Division of KH, gave a talk on the progress of the organization. The WD board met with Greg Masel, Director-General of Keren Hayesod, and updated him on their work.

WD Mexico Board together with Greg Masel, Director-General of KH, and Andy Wiesner, KH representative in Mexico

Isha L'Isha South Africa - Cape Town Lion of Judah Summer Tea The Lion of Judah members in Cape Town gathered at Coffee Time in Astra Centre to listen to KH Honorary President Julia Koschitzky, dynamic and inspiring activist, philanthropist and leader of Canadian and world Jewry. Julia paid tribute to Jill Kaplan for recently receiving the Tiferet Lion of Judah award, noting that she is the second woman, after Sheila Samson, in the Cape Town community to be so honored. In sharing her experiences in community development, her local and global philanthropic interests, and her passion for her family and the Jewish people, Julia left the women inspired and honored to be members of the Lion of Judah. Together with Nina Kovensky and Patricia Fine, Julia welcomed two new Lions into the community – Helen Berger and Connie Valkin.

Julia Koschitzky, KH Honorary President, and Helen Berger

Julia Koschitzky and Vanessa Valkin

Nina Kovensky and Julia Koschitzky

Terry Locketz and Franki Cohen

Isha L'Isha Spain - Madrid Beauty and Facial Harmony On 30 March, WD Madrid in conjunction with Dr. Moises Amselem's Clinic organized a lecture by the doctor entitled: "In Search of Harmony and Facial Beauty". The participants had the honor of hearing Dr. Amsalem, one of the experts in the field, discuss different methods of maintaining facial beauty and the importance of personal care. The women received a gift of cosmetics and enjoyed a light meal provided by the clinic. The proceeds of the event were dedicated to the Youth Futures project.

Top row L-R: Dani Alaluf, KH Director of Training and Development and Young Leadership, Liliana Ajuelos, Nina Cohen, Ethy Serfaty, Caroline Gozlan, Bibiña Chocron, Moisés Amselem, Esther Hassan, Ruth Allende, Paola Azulay, Carol Bengualid and Sarah Benazerraf Bottom row L-R: Tuny Cohen, Eva Levy, IWD Vice President for Europe Estrella Cohen, Luchi Amselem, Nelly Levy and Camille Halioua

Singing and Dancing with Einat Saruf WD Madrid organized the opening event of the KH Madrid campaign at the beginning of the year. 260 people participated in what was an authentic Israeli gala, and danced to the rhythm of songs by leading Israeli performer Einat Saruf. Addressing an audience that included community leaders, activists, KH volunteers in Spain and the Director-General of KH, Greg Masel, Israeli Ambassador Daniel Kutner spoke about the importance of KH to Israel and the Jewish people.

L-R: The wife of the Ambassador, Shirley Kutner, Monique Hatchwell, Tuny Cohen, WD President Estrella Cohen, Esther Benatar, Mimi Benzaquen, Marilyn Bengualid, Clara Israel, Dafna Chocron and Nina Cohen

Isha L'Isha Switzerland - Geneva Fifty women took part in a WD Geneva cake decorating contest hosted by Michèle Safra at her home. They enjoyed every minute of it! Tombola tickets were sold to support the Jerusalem Youth Futures project. Each ticket was a winner and all the women left happy and eagerly awaiting the next event!

L-R: Roberta Belfer, Eliana Wainberg, Dani Safdie, Florence Kattan, Deborah Cohen, WD Geneva President Sharon Lagnado, Levanah Muller and Michèle Safra

Participants at the cake decorating contest

Isha L'Isha Venezuela - Caracas Sukkot talk with Mario Nassi Many guests crowded into the Hebraica sukkah to hear to Mario Nassi discuss Jewish history and philosophy. He noted that the Tanakh records the shortcomings of the Jewish people, because we learn from mistakes and can make the world a better place to live in. That is the great contribution of the Jewish people to Western culture, he said, along with encouraging debate – a trait that has made the presence of Jews uncomfortable for dictatorships. He also spoke about the miracle that enabled a people decimated by the Holocaust to build the State of Israel, and stressed the central role of education in Israel, noting that the first institutions to be established were universities and research centers, along with civil and political institutions. Weekly Meetings WD ladies meet weekly to evaluate past activities and schedule new ones. A current project seeks to cultivate a group of young women activists.

An enthusiastic audience

WD Venezuela President Rosita Toledano and Mario Nassi

Standing L-R: Eva Abadi, Nelly Puterman, Erika Weininger, Rosita Toledano WD President, Nir Ben Levy President of KH Venezuela, Renee Sternberg, Esther Chocron WD Vice President, Lydya Kattan, Sarita Kuperstein, Anny Gottfried, Simi Bentata and WD Vice President Sylvia Cohen. Sitting: Flora Serfaty de Cohen z”l and Mario Nassi