WIZO Australia | Non-profit organisation

WIZO Australia

Phone: +61 3 9272 5656

Add/Update information

Reviews

Tags

• Non-profit organisation

24.01.2022 WIZO volunteers are out in force around towns, in WIZO branches, and Bigudit (second-hand) stores across Israel. dressed in black tee-shirts emblazoned with a red hand and the words "Enough of murdering women!" Raising awareness and solidarity with the victims of violence, and remembering the 20 women murdered since the start of the year.

24.01.2022 World WIZO Chairperson Anita Friedman is interview by Jeff Smith on i24's "Zoom In" program on The International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women to discuss the sharp rise in domestic violence since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic in Israel. Watch the interview by clicking the link below.

22.01.2022 Jo was born in Cairo, Egypt and lived in Elizabethville, Belgian Congo, Zaire until she was 10 and then migrated to Australia in 1954 not speaking a word of English. She went to Brighton High School and then to Melbourne University to do an Arts Course, majoring in Psychology. Jo married Ron Gostin in 1967 and they have two daughters, Dani and Cassie. Jo was Foundation President of WIZO Ziona from 1969 -1975. In 1989, after holding portfolios of Vice President, Honorary Se...cretary and Publicity Chairman, Jo was elected as President of WIZO State Council of Victoria, a position she held for 8 years. She stepped down as President of WIZO Victoria in 1997 and was then elected as President of WIZO Australia in 2004, a position she held until June 2010. During her Presidency Jo managed to enlist the support of donors whose generosity enabled WIZO Ahuzat Yeladim’s facilities such as the Mandel and Marejn Dormitories to be rebuilt, as well as the House of Dreams and the all-weather basketball court. The Road of Hope at Ahuzat Yeladim, dedicated to Jo, was one of her initiatives which honours our members. She also received a donation for the Rae and Tom Mandel Centre for Women and Children in Modi’in. On Australia Day, 2012 Jo was recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia for more than four decades of service to the Jewish community through a range of Jewish organisations and her passion for WIZO and for Israel. Outside of WIZO, Jo started her own travel agency, aptly named Jo Travel which she ran for 17 years, and in 2001, she joined with FBI Travel for another 19 years. Jo was known as the Queen of Cruising.

21.01.2022 In 1923, the WIZO Nahalal School and Youth Village taught women how to work the land with agriculture techniques. In 1946 this photo was taken, capturing the youth village and outdoor school. A true testament to the 100 years of work that WIZO has done throughout the years. If you would like to be a part of this incredible sisterhood contact your local state WIZO office: https://wizoaustralia.org.au/about/

21.01.2022 In the first clip, you see a trailer for a new TV drama called "Kluah" (in English ‘Lockdown‘) starring popular Israeli actors, that was screened on Israel’s leading cable network HOT for a few days leading up to November 25th - but wait!

20.01.2022 A flower for you with love and gratitude for all your WIZO endeavors in the past week. Relax and smell the roses this weekend. You earned the rest. Wishing you Shabbat Shalom. If you would like to be a part of this incredible sisterhood contact your local state WIZO office: https://wizoaustralia.org.au/about/

18.01.2022 2020 marks a huge milestone for World WIZO, who have been changing lives and building futures for vulnerable and disadvantaged citizens of Israel since 1920. 100 years of sisterhood 100 years of support for the State of Israel 100 years of caring for the citizens of Israel... 100 years of ensuring the future of Israel We are excited to see what the next 100 years hold for World WIZO, and of course, WIZO Australia. If you would like to be a part of this incredible sisterhood contact your local state WIZO office: https://wizoaustralia.org.au/about/

18.01.2022 During the emotional visit, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the prime minister pledged to release significant funding to help fight domestic violence and establish a national authority that will coordinate governmental efforts in this area. To read more, click the link below.

18.01.2022 We are proud to wish WIZO USA Founding President Evelyn Sommer congratulations on a well-deserved honor of an Honorary Fellowship at the 38th World Zionist Congress recognizing her many years of dedicated service to Zionist causes and her significant contribution to Zionism. We congratulate her not least for her commitment to Zionism but also for her lifelong devotion to WIZO and Israel's people.

18.01.2022 The Ace Dog Training Programme, sponsored by Ann Carew at WIZO Australia Ahuzat Yeladim (and named after her beloved dog), is adding so much joy and happiness to the lives of vulnerable children who board at the school. Fifteen students (aged 13-18) have had the opportunity to participate in the programme where they learn dog training and care while mentoring younger participants. Besides showing Ahuzat Yeladim's students, who are at the far end of the at-risk spectrum, how t...o lovingly care for the dogs, the program teaches them how to deal with challenges and frustrations during the dog training process, as well as valuable lifelong lessons. "The program has continued throughout the Coronavirus period," Achuzat Yeladim's school principal Olga Yelizarov said, "and our students are simply loving it!"

17.01.2022 Ida Benzion Wynn 1896 -1948 Ida Benzion first came to Australia in 1937 as emissary of the World WIZO Executive. Her task was to help raise funds, recruit members and strengthen WIZO in Australia. During this time she visited every state and helped establish new groups. Ida returned again in 1939 and was instrumental in the formation of the WIZO Federation of Australia together with Mrs. Ruby Rich-Shalit. In 1940 she married Samuel Wynn, a prominent Zionist in Melbourne. She ...became the second President of the WIZO Federation of Australia in 1942 until her death in 1948. At the time, the strong opposition to the Zionist cause from leading public figures such as the Governor- General, Sir Isaac Isaacs, and from one of Melbourne’s most prominent Rabbis, was having a great influence, particularly on the Anglo-Jewish section of the community. Ida’s stature, her knowledge, charm and tact gave her an entrance to many of their homes and she succeeded in enlisting their support for Zionism. On Ida’s initiative, the Australian Federation of WIZO undertook the building of Ahuzat Yeladim in Haifa. It was unanimously decided to name it The Ida Wynn Children’s & Apprentices Home in her honour. She went to Eretz Israel in February 1947 for the opening of this centre.

15.01.2022 As we welcome Shabbat, we look back on a week of WIZO success. In these challenging days of uncertainty, we all need reasons to be cheerful. Pride in our WIZO movement provides the smiles this weekend. May you enjoy a healthy and relaxing weekend. Shabbat Shalom from WIZO Australia. If you would like to be a part of this incredible sisterhood contact your local state WIZO office: https://wizoaustralia.org.au/about/

13.01.2022 Rose was born in New Zealand. Her father came from Scotland and her mother’s family immigrated to South Australia in 1849. Rose is the youngest of seven children and the youngest of triplet girls. Rose grew up on sheep farm in an idyllic countryside in the Hawkes Bay area of the New Zealand. Roses’ parents were very hard working, always with a ‘determination’ and a ‘perseverance’, qualities they instilled in her as a young child.... Rose has been married to Maurice for 64 years and has lived in Australia just on 40 years. They have 6 beautiful children 3 boys and 3 girls, 16 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. This left Rose little time for outside involvement, but she was always involved in the social needs from the local church in the community. In 1987 and again in 1990, Rose went on a conducted tour to Israel, an experience which was to shape her future from that time onwards. The beauty of Israel and its history etc. was quite overwhelming. It was while visiting Yad Vashem, hearing and seeing the horror of what happened in WW2 and going through the Avenue of the Righteous Amongst the Nation’s that Rose became determined to do everything she could to show commitment to the Jewish People. Rose’s introduction to WIZO was through WIZO Aviva in Brisbane, where she heard about the amazing work WIZO does! Two years later Rose had the privilege of starting WIZO Kesher on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland. WIZO Kesher is unique in that the group is made up of Jewish and non-Jewish women (and men). There are now also two Kesher groups in New Zealand and a group in Western Australia. Our mandate is taken from Ruth in the Bible when she said your people shall be my people, and your G-d my G-d, where you go I will go Ruth 1:16-18. We are a ‘’TEAM of dedicated women and men who have a passion to bless Israel and that is why we do what we do!

13.01.2022 Lily (Zulaikha) Zamel was born in Baghdad in 1930. She had 3 older brothers and a younger sister. Her father passed away when she was three, and she was raised by her mother and grandmother. There was a strong sense of family connection, and she had a rich family life full of celebrations, Jewish holidays, cousins, uncles and aunts. Their home was constantly full of music, singing and laughter. Jewish tradition was always embraced by her family, possibly because her great... great grandfather was Chief Rabbi of Baghdad. Lily had a wonderful life until the 1941 Farhoud (Arab equivalent of Kristallnacht) when she was 10. At the age of 11, she and her family left for Bombay where she lived through her teens. They were the only Jews in southern India. The family owned a hotel, and on Yom Tov, they closed it and invited local soldiers in. In 1948, her brother Sol, organised for the family to move to Australia. They arrived as one of the first Sephardi families to immigrate here. Lily met her husband Phil in Sydney, and 11 months later they were married. In Sydney, Lily and Phil worked in a jeweller shop, Phil repairing watches and Lily selling. Lily was a natural salesperson and has always been loved and admired by all who worked with her. They heard that the Snowy Mountain Scheme was starting with an influx of 3000 European workers, so they decided it was a good opportunity to move away from Sydney to work for themselves, Phil doing watch repairs and Lily selling jewellery. Zamel Jewellers’ first store opened in Cooma, New South Wales in 1954. They were there for 5 years, and with 2 boys then moved to Adelaide. They opened their first South Australian store in the new satellite township of Elizabeth in 1959, where they rented a 3 bedroom house for 3 pounds! The Zamels, Lily, Phil and their 3 sons expanded the business to have 14 stores in South Australia and others in Perth, Melbourne, Tasmania and Canberra totalling 130 stores. Lily became very involved in WIZO in Adelaide, and her wonderful personality ensured extensive fundraising for her group, WIZO Aviva. The Zamel family was the largest contributor to WIZO South Australia for many years. Lily and Phil moved to Melbourne in 1998 and for many years enjoyed independent living, entertaining her large family of 3 sons and their wives, 8 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. A few years ago, they moved to Arcare Caulfield, where Lily still resides. Lily has continued her WIZO involvement since her arrival in Melbourne, as a member of WIZO Nirim and more recently is very involved in WIZO Forever Arcare Caulfield. Lily was the inspiration for WIZO Victoria to open their Oppshops in Malvern and Elsternwick. Lily celebrates a special birthday in November, Happy Birthday Lily.

13.01.2022 They escaped from hell just in time. Twelve abused women find comfort and safety in a WIZO battered women’s shelter. "He was ready to kill me. It's not fair that I'm the victim and I should hide and he's out there free." Israel’s leading daily newspaper, Yedioth Ahronot's presents a special report in advance of The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Read more by clicking the link below.

12.01.2022 Hon. President World WIZO Helena Glaser was elected unanimously to a third term as Chairman of the Zionist General Council at the 38th World Zionist Congress. We congratulate her on her success - and we share the WIZO pride.

12.01.2022 GREAT ISRAELI MOMENTSJerusalems Bridge of Strings (David's Harp) lights up in celebration of peace deal with the Sudan.

09.01.2022 WIZO AVIV is a conference designed to empower and inspire young Jewish women from across the globe. The seminar develops young women’s love for Israel and challenges them to be WIZO’s next-generation Zionist leaders. This year, the seminar will be virtual so anyone can join. Make sure to save the date 7 9th December for an incredible opportunity, not to be missed. If you are interested and are up to the age of 45, please email [email protected] for more details.

09.01.2022 Vivienne Levin was born in Perth, child of migrants. She has been married 55 years to Ray also a Perth boy and they have 3 sons and 6 grandchildren. Viv has been a WIZO member since she was a young married. She has been President of WIZO Aviva on many occasions and is currently their Claytons President because no one wants to take on the role. Viv has become the go to girl for her group, helping with sales, promotion and marketing a number of live shows the group put on. ...These shows raised substantial money for WIZO and delighted the Perth community. Viv was also WIZO WA State President from 2000 to 2005 during an excitingly busy time for WIZO WA. Viv formed the WIZO Business Women’s Network which encouraged working women to meet at a breakfast discussion with guest speakers. The groups were working well and many musical performances were produced written and acted by WIZO women and friends during her term. Over the earlier years Viv was on the original committee for Parents & Friends of Carmel School and she created Parents and Friends for Habonim. She also played netball for Maccabi. Viv was the instigator of a WIZO 95th celebration for WIZO WA and she also worked with a team to bring the Brides of Yesteryear Fundraiser to WIZO Aviva. As an emerging WIZO leader, Viv was invited to attend a Conference in Israel some years ago during Rony Bognar’s Federal Presidency. Viv currently sits on WIZO WA’s State Council and she is a Life Member of WIZO Australia. Viv’s community work has always focused on the Jewish Community. She has been a Holocaust Guide (Courage to Remember) for 25 years and has now added on Day Supervisor for Courage to Care program, which looks at racism, bullying etc. in the wider community.

06.01.2022 The WIZO Emergency Shelter opened less than six months ago. To date, it has RESCUED 149 battered women and their 218 children. Just think about that.

05.01.2022 Fact: Israel has the highest rate of female entrepreneurship in the world. WIZO is an organisation run by women, for women. WIZO supports female entreprenuership on a global scale which is something we are wholeheartedly committed to and admire. Shabbat Shalom to the WIZO sisterhood.... If you would like to be a part of this incredible sisterhood contact your local state WIZO office: https://wizoaustralia.org.au/about/

05.01.2022 And now for the big reveal ... on November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, HOT aired the second clip, revealing that it was actually a public service announcement by WIZO to raise awareness. Watch!

05.01.2022 Congratulations to our World WIZO President Esther Mor who has been sworn in as a member of the board of the World Zionist Organization. We are proud to be so well represented.

02.01.2022 Romana née Manczyk was born in Warsaw in 1881. Her father died when she was in her teens, and her mother remarried shortly after, with the family relocating to Colorado, US. In the spring of 1907, Romana married Paul Goodman. The two shared a passion for Zionism, and set up their new home in London which became the meeting meeting place for prominent Zionists of the day, including the Weizmanns and the Sieffs. Romana was a keen supporter of women’s rights and she wholehearted...ly committed to the idea of a separate women’s Zionist movement. She was one of the founding group members of the Federation of Women Zionists in 1918, and World WIZO in 1920. Romana was appointed treasurer of the English branch of the Jewish Women’s League for Cultural Work in Palestine at the Zionist Congress in 1907, and once WIZO was formed, she visited branches of the organisation in several countries to persuade them to join the new Women’s Zionist movement. As Chair of the Organisation and ‘Propaganda’ Department, Romana was instrumental in arranging publication of the WIZO magazine (Pioneers and Helpers) in several languages, and numerous publicity brochures. We can safely say that WIZO would not be where it is today were it not for inspiring women, such as Romana Goodman.

02.01.2022 The plague of violence against women finds a safe space within the confines of 'stay home Israel'. It is the plague within the pandemic, and WIZO here in Israel works 24/7 to combat this ugly phenomenon all year round. This week, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women takes place on Wednesday 25 November. Help us help raise the flag for all the women and their children who live in the nightmare of domestic violence by updating your cover image, and/or sharing this image with your Facebook network.

01.01.2022 Hannah Kessler (1909 1982) was born in Emden, Germany, but lived most of her younger years in Hamburg where for 10 years she attended a Jewish Day School. She came from a Rabbinical family through her maternal grandmother. She graduated in 1929 at a State School, majoring in modern languages and history. She attended universities in Hamburg and Berlin where she studied languages and journalism, and then worked on newspapers, particularly literary weekly publications in Berl...in. The advent of Hitler prevented her from obtaining a degree. She left for Australia in 1938, after marrying Albert Kessler of Sydney in London in 1937. They had met briefly in Antwerp prior to this. After arriving in Australia she became active in almost every Zionist organization. She was an Executive member of the J.N.F. and an elected member of the Z.F.A., holding the portfolio of Zionist Education. Due to her exceptional organizational skills she was employed by WIZO in Sydney in 1958. She had a dynamic and forceful personality. Hannah was instrumental in setting up WIZO Groups all over Sydney, by location, ethnic background, age groups. This had never been done before. Due to her foresight WIZO House in Woollahra was purchased. She was elected President of the Australian Federation of WIZO in 1964, a role which she held till 1970. Through her many trip to Israel she befriended Raya Jaglom who appointed her an Ad Personam Member of the World WIZO Executive in 1972. Hannah’s daughter, Naomi Kronnenberg, a senior public servant in Canberra , was a pillar of the ACT Jewish Community for almost 50 years. Her son, Dr. Clive Kessler (PhD London University), an anthropologist, lived overseas for many years. He is the Emeritus Professor of Sociology and Anthropology at UNSWA.