Meeting of Representatives 2014
A Powerhouse
of Women
Dedicated, committed, vibrant, powerful and impressive women:
WIZO representatives from all over the world gather in Tel Aviv to
discuss contemporary issues and visit WIZO projects
Jill Shaw, Chair of WIZOuk
The end of the wonderful day in Jerusalem
We could say the same about WIZO. We have done so much
yet we know there is still so much to do to address and
improve the lives of so many disadvantaged children and
adults in Israel today.
World WIZO President Tova Ben-Dov highlighted world
events during the past twelve months, which included the
passing of Nelson Mandela. He once said, ‘Education is the
most powerful weapon which you can use to change the
world.’
Opening night: David, husband of WIZO UK Chairman Jill Shaw in the spirit of the evening with the WIZO chaverot and the dance
troupe of Nachlat Yehuda
Before the MOR [Meeting of Representatives], federation
presidents had sent suggestions to the World WIZO Executive
to change some of the routine format of past years. These
proposals were implemented where possible – starting with
the very first evening. Instead of the opening being in the
hotel, we travelled to WIZO Nachlat Yehuda Youth Village
for dinner and the opening evening’s celebrations. As we
hugged and kissed each other in the hotel lobby prior to
departure, the warmth radiated reminded us all that this
worldwide sisterhood is one of WIZO’s greatest assets.
Two dormitory pupils from Nahalal, Natasha, a Naaleh
student from Belarus, and Liora from Dimona, were
compères for the evening. The atmosphere was set by the
heart-warming dancing and singing by students from our
youth villages.
However, the stars of the evening was a group of former
dormitory students who described their arrival at our WIZO
schools and the warmth, encouragement and strength
they had received, enabling each of them to achieve their
8 I SPRING/SUMMER 2014 I WIZO RE VIE W
dreams. Some of them have returned to their school to
teach and counsel the present teenagers.
Down to business
The next morning we got down to the business side of the
conference with the statutory reports and presentations.
First up was a rousing performance by the children of the
WIZO Nir Ha’emek school choir; indeed every day started
with a short performance from our talented youngsters.
It was very special to have Honorary Life President Raya
Jaglom with us. She recalled WIZO’s founder Rebecca Sieff
and other past presidents in whose footsteps she followed.
How we marvel at her powers of recall and we wish her
good health for many years to come.
Past President Helena Glaser told us a story about the late
Ariel Sharon: as a youngster he had been ploughing the
fields, and complained to his mother that there was still so
much to do – to which his mother retorted, “look at what
you have done…”
We applaud the wide variety of their social welfare
programmes and envy them their opportunities to help at
grass roots! The federations’ partnership with you is of the
utmost importance.
Money matters
WIZO certainly takes such sentiments to heart and translates
them into actuality in our day care centres, schools, youth
villages and services for young people. Tova reminded us
that one third of Israel’s population is officially poor, Israel’s
elderly are the poorest in the Western world and there
is more violence in Israeli society…all of which presents
greater demands on WIZO’s services – but sadly – we can’t
help everyone.
WIZO’s strategic plan
Our World WIZO Chairperson Rivka Lazovsky acknowledged
the sad passing of illustrious prominent WIZO members
during the last twe