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Reeva gets highest Zionist accolade
Community leader and makeup icon Reeva Forman was honoured last week for her commitment to the Jewish people and Jewish state.
JORDAN MOSHE
She and four other individuals received the title of Honorary Fellow of the World Zionist Organization (WZO) at a gala event held in Be’er Sheva, Israel, last Thursday.
Forman, honorary life vice-president of the South African Zionist Federation (SAZF), received the esteemed Amit Kavod award. The award was given in recognition of Forman’s tireless efforts in combatting anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment, and her long-term service to Israel and the Jewish people.
The award was conferred by Rabbi Yechiel Wasserman, WZO head of the Centre for Religious Affairs in the Diaspora; Helena Glaser, the president of the World Women’s International Zionist Organization (WIZO); and WZO chairperson Avraham Duvdevani.
Forman says she was notified that she was to receive some type of recognition before leaving for Israel, but she didn’t know what it would be. “I didn’t think it would be in the league it was,” she says. “It was overwhelming then, and still is. I haven’t fully integrated it into my mind as it is the highest award any Jew working for Israel as a Zionist can receive.”
She says it was amazing to be part of a tradition started at the first Zionist conference in Basel in 1897. “It’s awe-inspiring to be today a part of an international Jewish leadership, discussing and influencing the future of this great nation,” she says.
“I’m humbled to be in the category of current day leadership representing Jews worldwide of all political persuasions and all religious streams. To be one of those selected by my own people to thank me for my work is such an incredible moment in my life.”
She concludes that she is thrilled to be part of a Jewish community that really cares about Israel. “We believe Jews have a right to have Israel,” she says. “I’m particularly proud to be part of a special Jewish community in South Africa.
“I would like to thank our community and the national Jewish organisations that have always supported me in all I have done for Israel and the Jewish people. I look forward to continued service of the Jewish community, the wider community, and Israel.”