Empowerment brings hope in tough times

MOONYEEN CASTLE

One of the most thrilling developments was Netta Barzilai winning the Eurovision Song contest. This amazing 25-year-old is an example to all youngsters who feel that they don’t fit in. WIZO counsels, nurtures and empowers young women just like Netta to believe in themselves. She’s a strong woman with a big voice, delivering an important message and the result was great. Thank you Netta! WIZO applauds you!

The newly-crowned Miss Israel, Nicole Reznikov, is another example. The 18-year-old communications student from WIZO’s Nir HaEmek Youth Village in Afula intends to use the media exposure that comes with the title to create awareness about the weaker segments in Israeli society. She breathes life into the values of giving back to society that WIZO promotes in its educational framework. We know she will be an excellent ambassador for Israel – and for WIZO.

We are also proud to congratulate Lily Peyser, a WIZO honorary life member who was granted an honorary doctorate by Tel Aviv University for her philanthropic contributions.

We are delighted to see photos of our very own Esther Mor, the President World WIZO and Tova Ben-Dov, (Honorary Life President World WIZO, guests at a prestigious event for top dignitaries held at Israel’s British Embassy on the day of the Royal Wedding.

On the home front, WIZO has continued with to work with Israeli NGO, Wheelchairs of Hope, donating a further four wheelchairs, this time to Athlone School for the Blind in Cape Town. The chairs will give greater freedom and help empower children who suffer from impaired vision and mobility.

Habonim and WZO Shaliach Danny Abebe spoke at WIZO events around the country of his 800km trek from Ethiopia to the new world in Israel. He stressed the vital role that WIZO and other organisations play in helping to absorb and integrate new immigrants.

The recently celebrated festival of Shavuot has a message that resonates with WIZO. Taken from Megilat Ruth: “May we learn from Naomi, Boaz and Ruth to demonstrate loving kindness towards each other and towards those who are different or less fortunate.” We hope to continue to emulate – and increase – this very important and much needed attribute throughout our communities.