Lifestyle/Community
WIZO Joburg imbued with enthusiasm
WIZO Johannesburg’s 101st AGM last month marked the “changing of the guard” of the WIZO Johannesburg executive. Lee Joffe and Andrea Wainer were elected new co-chairmen. Syd Lowenthal, auditor of WIZO Johannesburg, supervised the voting procedures and announced the incoming executive committee. Besides new co-chairmen Joffe and Wainer, Cindy Polakow, Shoshi Shachar and Andie Schwartz were elected as vice-chairmen, and Janine Rabbie and Yente Super as honorary co-treasurers.
SANDY KRAMER
Pictured: Lee Joffe and Andrea Wainer, PHOTO: Joe Yudelowitz
Tribute was paid to the WIZO women who, with dedication, love and commitment, have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of women and children in Israel. Appreciation was also expressed for the generosity of the community.
Rabbi Alex Carlebach from Chabad Lyndhurst opened the proceedings with a Dvar Torah. He spoke about the role of women, especially WIZO women, and their influence in uplifting and improving the conditions of underprivileged women and children in Israel.
Daphne Kuhn, owner of the Auto & General Theatre on the Square, had the audience spellbound with her talk on the Jewish influence in South African theatre.
The chairman’s report covered the many and varied functions and educational programmes that WIZO undertakes.
The highlight of the year was the Biennial Campaign, featuring Dr Bernd Wollschlaeger, the son of a Nazi, who converted to Judaism.
Nava Gone, outgoing chairman of WIZO Johannesburg, paid a fitting tribute to Sandy Kramer who is leaving WIZO after 12 years of service.
The treasurer reported that in spite of the decline in the economy, WIZO Johannesburg had managed to achieve its target.
Kramer, the executive administrator, ended the proceedings with the following quote: “Day will move on and live his life. So will I. We will be okay. Someday, perhaps in the far and distant future, we’ll find each other again.” – Marie Lu.