Women taking the lead

Special Edition for the 26th World World WIZO WIZO EGM Organization and Tourism Division Issue #116 Table of Contents January 2016

And G-d Created Woman 4 Dear Chavera, On behalf of the World WIZO Organization and Tourism Division I would like to welcome the delegates of the 26th World WIZO EGM (Enlarged General Meeting). Women Should Be Seen and Heard 5 This hallmark event is entitled “Women Taking the Lead” – reflecting the predominant role WIZO women have played since 1920 and continue to play in advancing Israeli society. It promises to be an stimulating and meaningful week, a time to share ideas, network with friends old and new and experience the Letter to Golda 6 power of our extraordinary women’s movement which keeps the State of Israel, the “Start-Up Nation” in social innovation.

It is Never Too Late to Live Your Dream 8 Nothing stirs our imagination and tugs at our heart strings more than those real-life, inspirational and life altering stories about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. In this edition of our Lapid magazine we share with you Paying it Forward 10 compelling and touching stories of women from all walks of life, who have made an exceptional contribution to Israeli society, and who are providing strong role models for future generations. Farewell to the Wrong Side of the Mechitzah 12 By shining the spotlight on these remarkable and trailblazing women; the challenges they have faced and the choices they have made we can share their wisdom, motivate and inspire others to act. The Collective Power of WIZO 14

With warm WIZO regards, Women Taking the Lead and (Re) Visioning the Future 16

Janine Gelley Chairperson, Organization and Tourism Division World WIZO

Issue #116

Edited by: Rolene Marks, Lisa Moss-Phillips Editor-in-Chief: Janine Gelley, Chairperson, World WIZO Organization and Tourism Division Graphic design: www.say-brand.com “And G-d Created Woman….” Women Should be Seen and Heard

By Bat-Zion Susskind-Sacks Interview with Hana Rado By Lisa Moss-Phillips

The story of creation recounted in the Torah perfect hostess until he fell asleep. She Hana Rado, one of the most respected Hana Rado who has is miraculous. Eve, the woman, “Mother of then drove a tent peg through his temple people in the advertising business is all living things” is the final handiwork of and he died. working towards making Israel a better never described herself that miracle and probably the greatest of place. Beside her official job as chief them all. To be the giver of the gift of Life It is Esther’s, another celebrated heroine operating officer of the Tel Aviv branch of as a feminist but rather is the greatest blessing, the ultimate bliss. of the Jewish people, astute and brave global advertising agency McCann, she The Tanach speaks highly of the strength diplomacy coupled with her wisdom has become a social entrepreneur and a person who is aware and the virtues of women. Throughout it of the heart that we acclaim each year crusader for women’s rights and gender are strewn many stories and tales of their during Purim. With the help of her equality. of gender differences is wisdom, their deep intuition, sensitivity uncle Mordechai, Esther won King and divine inspiration. Achashverosh’s heart. It is reasonable to Four years ago embodying the pioneering changing the reality assume that it was probably more the spirit of David Ben-Gurion and his vision of we live One of the most unsung heroines of result of a calculated strategic move making the ‘desert bloom’ she launched the Torah is Miriam. How many of us aimed at ensuring the safety of her McCann Valley, a digital advertising and remember her as the one who saved Jewish people than it was her love for a media hub in the Negev Desert town and sitting on speaker panels when she a goal that goes beyond speaker panels her brother, Moses, the greatest leader King that was not known for his wisdom. of Mitzpe Ramon, together with the was invited to a conference to speak and aims to achieve 50% representation the Jewish people have ever had? Her intuition guided Esther in what was assistance of McCann Worldwide and about women in advertising earlier in the for women on corporate boards, in The Biblical female role Was it not for Miriam’s unwavering a very perilous and unfamiliar political Michal Romi, a local entrepreneur and year. She discovered to her dismay that government posts and on conference and never faltering perseverance, terrain. Even though she knew that that editor of the culture magazine Route40. of 220 speakers on the agenda only 22 lineups. models have been an endurance and hope which ensured approaching the king without being Home to the world’s largest natural were female. Conference organizers she that he who would bring redemption summoned carried the penalty of death, crater (“Israel’s Grand Canyon”) and one approached across Israel confirmed that Raising awareness inspiration to many to her people lived to fulfill his destiny? she did eventually approach him. Through of the most beautiful places in Israel this few women are included in professional In addition to launching Persona, Rado Was it not the courageous and brave an ingenious plan, after piqueing the isolated town is also one of the poorest in panels, so she decided to take action and has spearheaded a large-scale effort to modern day Jewish Miriam who, after Moses and the children king’s curiosity and soothing Haman’s the country, known for its high levels of as a result, Persona was born. raise awareness about the lack of women’s leaders, both men of Israel sang their song, acted as a ego and gaining the trust of both, she unemployment. Today this agency which representation in speaker lineups. Her cheerleader to infuse valor, liveliness and was able to call out Haman’s conspiracy offers offer new media services for small Together with five cofounders she group has actively campaigned against and women and to deeper faith in G-d among the children and get the king to side with her. and medium businesses all over Israel., launched Persona, the non-profit database conferences where women are under- of Israel? The Torah tells us that “Miriam The Biblical female role models have including the management of Facebook on March 8, 2015 International Women’s represented, often contacting high-level the tradition that has the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took been an inspiration to many modern day and Twitter campaigns (in Hebrew, Arabic, Day. Persona lists nearly 800 Israeli women attendees to inform them of the event’s the tambourine in her hand; and all the Jewish leaders, both men and women and and Russian); branding and design services; qualified to speak on panels on a wide gender gap. They also fly banners with produced many front women followed her with tambourines to the tradition that has produced many building of websites; and social-media variety of professional topics. The Persona slogans such as “She has all the qualities to and dances. And Miriam called to them: front runners in many fields. The miracle advertising campaigns, has 40 employees, profile is a woman with a management be a speaker except one thing—she’s not runners in many fields. ‘Sing to G-d, for He is most exalted; horse of Jewish survival owes much to these half of which have relocated to the desert and or entrepreneurship track record man enough.” and rider He cast in the sea...’” A true muse! women and their legacy. town. The company is constantly growing along with public-speaking experience. The miracle of Jewish Deborah, the first judge who “held court and hiring more people with the aim Each woman approved by the committee Hana Rado who has never described survival owes much under the palm,” was another Biblical Bat-Zion Susskind-Sacks - Bat-Zion, of building the payroll to 120 by 2018, in receives her own page with her herself as a feminist but rather a person heroine who has inspired many Jewish Hebrew for “Daughter of Zion”grew up the hope of changing Mitzpe Ramon’s educational and professional background, who is aware of gender differences is to these women and women over the ages. Deborah was also in Israel in the nineteen fifties and sixties, secluded reality. Traditionally the Negev’s an ‘I believe’ statement, a short description changing the reality we live. Determined a prophetess and a warrior. During her the daughter of Holocaust survivors. best and brightest have left the region for of issues she would like to address, links to to close society’s gender gap her their legacy time, the Israelites were oppressed by She served in the IDF and then moved Tel Aviv and Jerusalem after graduating her social media and contact information. entrepreneurial initiatives are sending the people of Canaan. She declared a to the USA to further her studies. Bat- high school. This venture is a small but Israeli society a clear message - women revolt against them and as she correctly Zion has lived more than half of her life significant step in reversing this brain The database continues to grow as each must be seen and heard. predicted, the Israelites won. outside Israel, in the USA, New Zealand drain, drawing professionals away from “Persona” is encouraged to recommend and Great Britain. She returned to her Israel’s center and into the Negev, boosting another “Persona” within her professional The victory over the Canaanites would not homeland with a rejuvenated love and business and infrastructure. It combines circles. A closed group, PersoNATION, have been won if not for the courage of pride, and ever since has endeavored to “pioneering and entrepreneurship”, two provides a forum where members of another brave woman by the name of Yael, express those deep feelings within the important ways to develop the periphery the Persona community can exchange a shrewd warrior who used not only her pages of her first novel, On a Wing from and is proof that innovation is not information and ideas. female charms, but also her wisdom and the Holy Land. exclusive to the metropolitan. strategic skills to bring a final smashing Women have a good starting point being victory to the army of the Israelites. As the Addressing the gender gap a majority in the population as well as over Canaanite soldiers fell by the sword, Sisera, Rado noticed the magnitude of Israel’s 50% at universities, but when it comes to their commander fled into Yael’s tent. She gender gap exemplified by the lack of key positions, on corporate boards etc. welcomed him, and resumed to play the women headlining conference agendas the ratio changes drastically. Persona has

4 5 A Letter to Golda

By Rolene Marks

Dear Golda, One of your most memorable quotes I have often wondered what I would say to was “Peace will come when the Arabs will (left to right) Raya Jaglom, you if I ever was to meet you. What would love their children more than they hate us. President World WIZO, Golda Meir and a relatively new Olah (immigrant) say to Golda, it breaks my heart to tell you that Aya Dinstein, Chairperson World WIZO one of the greatest leaders of all time? this has not changed. You wrote in your Executive awarding scholarships, WIZO- You were Israel’s fourth Prime Minister memoir “My Life” that you worried about France High School, 1972 and remain an inspiration to this day. You preparing the next generation of 9 and 10 gave the impression that even though you year olds for the army. As I write this, we were a formidable leader, you were still are enduring a horrendous wave of terror. Savta Golda, with your trademark bun and Sadly, the same incitement and terror that cigarette, an approachable ‘bobba’ whom you worried and opined about has not we could always count on for advice. stopped and we have had to fight several more wars and endure two “Intifadas” as a It is 2016 and the tiny little country that you result of such hostility. But you know we are helped birth is a thriving, cosmopolitan a stubborn people and we sanctify life and and beautifully flawed democracy. will never give up on our hope for peace. Women’s rights have grown in leaps and bounds since you paved the way for us We have mourned together and suffered to realize we can become so much more loss as a nation. Our heads have been than we ever thought we could. We are bowed but our spirits have never been pioneers and trailblazers, entrepreneurs broken. Our defiant love for life sustains and and home makers, politicians and doctors, motivates us to carry on. At a time when ballerinas, soldiers and teachers. We are stones are weapons of war, we use ours nation builders. In a neighborhood where to build homes. When barbaric terrorists women are silenced, persecuted, raped behead their victims, we use ours to look You sometimes made and denied basic human rights, Israel’s for groundbreaking solutions and at a time women are the backbone of our great where women are maligned and mistreated decisions that were not state. A lot of this we owe to you. in our neighborhood, we endeavor to follow in your trailblazing footprints. always popular but You mentioned in your memoir how as a true leader, you emotional it was for you to sign the Dear Golda, you raised the ire of some declaration of Independence next to but I reckon if people applaud every always had Israel’s best another great woman, Rachel Kagan. She single thing you do, you probably aren’t was a WIZO woman and today, we have doing your job effectively enough. You interests at heart over 800 projects across the country where sometimes made decisions that were not we work very hard for an improved Israeli always popular but as a true leader, you society. Day care centers and battered always had Israel’s best interests at heart. women shelters, women’s leadership by us, generations later, to effectively Dear Golda, we may not share the same member of the World WIZO Executive programs, youth villages and schools, Africa held a special place in your heart and communicate how much we love our taste in shoes but I would so love to and previously represented the Golda, what naches you would feel! you believed that many of the countries country and how we share the same join you in a celebratory glass of your organisation on the World Zionist shared a similar history and yearning for frustrations you did. You had a way with favorite Israeli wine and toast to Israel, Congress. Rolene can be heard every Dear Golda, Israel has always been the statehood that we did. You would be words and in today’s technologically to her pioneering women and to you, a Monday on the Chai Drive on Chai FM, birthplace of ideas. You were so proud of delighted to see the contribution Israel is driven world I cannot help but wonder venerable leader who burst through the a Johannesburg based radio station this fact and always encouraged education making on the continent in helping with what you would have thought about ceilings, raised the standards and blazed a giving political commentary on Israel and now we are world leaders in science, sustainability and growth. We pride ourselves social media and its importance in glowing trail. L’Chaim! and the Middle East. medicine, agriculture and technology. We in living up to the tenet of Tikkun Olam telling Israel’s story? You even created In 2007 Rolene participated in the Israeli have been renamed “The Start Up nation”. (repairing the world) and wherever there is some controversy lately when a media Rolene Marks is a passionate advocate Ministry of Foreign Affairs Young Jewish You would be amazed at the incredible a crisis or natural disaster, you will find Israel watchdog site posted a picture of you for Israel and appears on radio, television Diplomats Leadership course and is creativity bursting from our young, leading the way. Our enemy Syria has been with one of your legendary quotes. Today and has been published in numerous the owner of Rolene Marks Consulting, innovative citizens. We never lose hope engaged in a civil war for four years and we will not be silent in the face of adversity global publications. Rolene is a member specialising in Media, Public Relations, that our neighbors will choose to educate despite this, Israel has saved over 2000 lives. and anti-Semitism and even though you of the Media Team Israel, an advocacy Social Media Marketing as well as Israel their children to become members of the are no longer with us, your words continue body that fights media bias as well as Advocacy Training. Rolene Marks is start-up generation instead of educating You would be amused that some of to inspire us and give us fortitude. Truth be Told. available for interviews and lectures them with hate filled rhetoric. your most awe-inspiring quotes are used Rolene volunteers for WIZO and is a upon request.

6 7 It is Never Too Late to Live Your Dream Interview with Tzipi Obziler

By Lisa Moss-Phillips

Tzipora “Tzipi” Obziler was not born with and in the presence of the Israeli team Since her retirement, Tzipi has associated a tennis racket in her hand. In fact, by coach and the team’s main sponsor asked herself with the sport collaborating with today’s competitive standards she was her how could it be that a player at her coaches to nurture the young generation regarded a late bloomer only picking up level isn’t in pro tennis and that she should of tennis players as the professional a tennis racket for the first time at the age return to the game. director of Athena – the national program of nine. She trained for hours but was for the advancement of women’s sport not very talented as a junior. Fifth or six Taking Billie’s words to heart and finding within the framework of the Israel Tennis in line at the time when they opened the herself at a turning point in her career Association. Tzipi coaches the players 16 first Tennis Academy in Israel, she was as a professional, Tzipi decided she and older who sometimes complete the considered an underdog and excluded did not want to wake up one day and cadre of Federation players alongside from the squad. This spurred her on to regret missing out on the opportunity the senior Shahar Pe’er and Yulia Glusko. show everybody what she was capable to become a full-time tennis player. So at She hopes to create players who will of and prove that she had the makings the age of 29 she took the brave decision reach the top 10 but also emphasizes the of a champion. After completing her to make a comeback. It was not too long importance of values and sportsmanship. compulsory military service, Obziler until she climbed back to her then career decided to quit professional tennis high of approx. 150th. Nevertheless, it In October, Obziler was appointed as (for the first time) and took a sport’s would be another five long years before Israel’s new Fed Cup captain replacing scholarship in the United States at Old she really made her breakthrough. In 2007, Amos Mansdorf. This appointment brings Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. she entered the top 100 for the first time her immense pride and she carries out She had an exceptional year there, in her career at the age of 34 reached a the task with energy and determination, winning several collegiate titles rising career best ranking of No.75. That season motivated to help the team reach the level Over the last decades to No.1 in the college rankings, and she also played a key role in elevating of success they have enjoyed in the past. becoming the first Israeli to play in the Israel’s Fed Cup team to the elite eight- Israeli society has NCAA (The National Collegiate Athletic country World Group competition. Over the last decades Israeli society has Association). begun to show ‘awareness’ regarding begun to show Obziler currently holds the world record women’s place in many domains She decided to return to Israel after a year for most Federation Cup ties played, at including sports but it is far too early for ‘awareness’ regarding for personal reasons, and when she came 61, a record she shares with compatriot a ‘victory lap’. The ‘Campaign to Promote women’s place in many back to Israel, aged 23, she could not find Anna Smashnova. She has also won 14 Women in Sports’ vision is to create a sponsor and turned to coaching. Two singles and 14 doubles titles on the ITF fair representation of women in the domains including years later, when a sponsor did show up, circuit and has been a proud ambassador management of sports associations, so she returned to the pro circuit and got for her country representing Israel at the that women will be active in the decision sports but it is far too as high as 150th in the world. A shoulder 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China, centers and deciding the division of injury in 2000 hampered her progress and in both singles and (with Shahar Pe’er) resources. The desire is to reach fair early for a ‘victory lap’ when her sponsor halted the funding, she doubles. participation of women in Israeli sports, quit for the second time, disenchanted and significantly increase the number and returned to coaching. From 2000 In 2009 at the age of 36 and after of women working as coaches and to to 2002, Obziler had retired from the enjoying a remarkable 21-year playing expand exposure of women’s sports in game and dropped completely out of career Obzilier retired from the game. the media. the world rankings. However, during Never one to sit idle, she accepted an this period she kept playing for Israel’s appointment as Advisor on Sports Affairs Tzipi continues to work hard and dream Fed Cup team and in the summer of to then Minister of Sport Limor Livnat, a big. She believes that perseverance and 2002 something life-altering happened. position she held for two years. She also determination is the key to success and if Filling a spot on Israel’s national team as served for a number of years as a member your heart is in the right place, anything it faced the United States in a Fed Cup of the Givatayim City Council and dealt is possible. match. Obziler traveled with the squad extensively with the improvement and to Springfield, Missouri where she nearly promotion of sports in the city. Today upset three-time Grand Slam champion Obziler is the director of the tennis Lindsay Davenport pushing her to a academy and a professional coach at third-set tiebreaker. This in itself was not the Association for Sport Givatyaim. She the life-changing event. What followed believes in a hands-on approach, giving afterwards was the real trigger. Tennis personal attention to each individual legend Billie Jean King and US captain at student (adults and youth). the time approached her after that match

8 9 Paying it Forward How my personal journey has led me to want to help others

By Oshra Friedman

I would like to share with you my story. the youth village recognized my needs My name is Oshra Friedman and I made and personal abilities; nurtured my “Aliyah” from Ethiopia 31 years ago with academic and social skills and encouraged the rest of my family during Operation me to fulfill my potential towards self- Moses. Today I live in Kiryat Motzkin, a city actualization and self-fulfillment. Taking in the Haifa district with my husband and inspiration from own family situation, three children. they encouraged me to investigate the triangular relationship between parents I hold a bachelor’s degree in Criminology – children – residential school, along with and Human Resources from the Zefat the Institute for Research on Nurturing in Academic College, originally an extension Education, Hebrew University of Jerusalem. of Bar-Ilan University and a master’s degree This research not only saved me and the in Immigration and Social Integration from other youngsters at the boarding school, the Ruppin Academic College. but also made the Ministry of Education and other residential schools recognize For the past 15 years, I have been working the need for an education mediator. The at the Rashi Foundation as the Northern mediator’s role would be to prevent a Regional Coordinator of the Katzir severance off ties between the youth, Scholarship Fund. their nuclear family and traditions, while at the same time reinforcing connections I would like to take a step back in time between family members and the youth to my early years in the country. As village staff. I represented “WIZO Hadasim I mentioned I arrived in Israel with Youth Village” in different delegations giving them opportunities for academic Here single mothers acquire essential work my identity or my cultural heritage. We must not step aside “Operation Moses” the clandestine airlift and was happy to return to the boarding achievement designed to lead to social skills and competencies that empower of Ethiopian Jews from Sudan in the school for a short period as an adult, to mobility and economic independence. them to succeed and become positive role A few months ago, controversy erupted and wait for others mid 1980’s. I believe that the “Aliyah” counsel and mentor other youngsters. We established two unique tracks within models to their kids, their nuclear families over protests by the Ethiopian community process facilitated a sense of ‘freedom’ the Katzir Fund—one designed to bring and their community. The program’s goal in Tel Aviv. As one of the initiators, I to do the work. Our and ‘growth’ for women in the Ethiopian After graduating from high school, I joined college dropouts back into the fold, and is to prove to potential employers that maintain that this demonstration was community. For me personally, it opened the IDF. My preferred area of service was in the second designed for single mothers despite the obstacles these women might not about the Ethiopian community, but responsibility is to take the door to lifelong learning and access to the Education Corps working with immigrant to acquire higher education and for which face, they are highly motivated and capable about Israeli society in general, as it raised higher education. In the first few years, I soldiers, especially those of Ethiopian origin. we received the 2014 Yaffa London Yaari of dealing with complicated and new awareness to many painful issues such as action, to be a role learned how to become ‘an equal among I chose this unit because of my desire to Prize of the New Israel Fund. challenges and by employing them they equality for all, in areas of employment, model and lead equals’ in Israeli society, thanks to my help reduce suicide and desertion rates will bring added value to their workplace. residence and education. I truly believe ability to ‘pick up’ the Hebrew language among Ethiopian soldiers, and increase My relationship with WIZO came full that Israel has come a long way in the by example. quite quickly but mostly due to my clear recruitment to the IDF amongst this sector circle when I participated in “A New Social “B’Ahava” (With love) – a retirement short time it has been in existence, but understanding of the dynamics of the of the population. I served as an education Order”, the women’s leadership program consultancy which offers assistance in it still has a long way to go and we, as Israeli social system. officer and had the honor to establish a created by WIZO in cooperation with the identifying appropriate living solutions citizens, activists and initiators, should department that dealt entirely with these U.S. Embassy in 2012, which forges a new for the elderly, thus preventing loneliness work together in order to realize change. When I graduated from Junior High, I issues. I was also privileged to share in its cadre of women executives and leaders and feelings of rejection. Thanks to several We must not step aside and wait for others applied to one of the best girl’s residential success, which in those days in the IDF was who will advance Israeli civil society. Today collaborations, the company is the process to do the work. Our responsibility is to schools in the country and after being a “distant dream”. After a successful career in I am looking to pursue new avenues of of being set up. Participating in ‘ A New take action, to be a role model and lead accepted, I found myself struggling to the permanent force, during which I served personal growth. Social Order’ provided the impetus for by example. prove to society that we too – Israelis of in various positions and after witnessing my entrepreneurship aspirations and Ethiopian origin – are capable of achieving significant change I retired with the rank of I have to admit I was surprised that one resources-raising skills, along with the My story is only one of many, from the high performance goals. Unfortunately, first lieutenant. of the outcomes of the WIZO leadership ability to develop and mentor social Ethiopian community in Israel and I hope half a year later I dropped out of school program was to acquire such a significant programs that are compatible with my that by telling it, the challenges I have and faced two untenable choices that Immediately thereafter, I joined the “toolbox” which assisted me greatly in own world view. faced, choices I have made, and what I would influence my life’s path; to join other Rashi Fund and in 2000 established the developing unique programs: learned from the outcomes I will able to neighborhood kids who are predisposed Katzir Scholarship Fund in memory of My opportunity for personal growth inspire others to follow my example. towards delinquency, or to consciously Professor Efraim Katzir z”l whom I had “Asuka” (Employment) – This program is would have been very limited, if I had not work towards achieving a better future. I the great privilege to work with. The based on the premise that education is encountered some good people along Skepticism and speculating on why things eventually ended up at – “WIZO Hadassim fund targets economically weak niche a cornerstone for leading a normative, the way, individuals who noticed my go wrong is always easy. One should Youth Village” and this had a big impact populations of Israel’s periphery, provides stable and satisfying life and to facilitate abilities and guided me towards “the light rather focus on the positive and reasons on my decision. The educational staff at personal guidance as well as financial aid, successful integration into the workforce. at the end of the tunnel”, without erasing for success – just look at me!

10 11 summer in 1971, I celebrated my twentieth Farwell to the Wrong Side of the Mechitzah birthday in Israel and now I was poised to celebrate my sixtieth. The years had been full and complex, to say the least. And here By Yiscah Smith I was, back at home, feeling lighter than ever before.

It was time. I spent forty years journeying through my emotional and spiritual I could not daven – pray. I did not feel me feel shut out and pushed away from wilderness in order to arrive to this day. It any joy in being there. It was Friday my own spiritual center as well as from was time to return to where the journey night and the peaceful Sabbath energy God. No more. Never again! began, only this time I was noticeably embodied everyone there—except me. different, inside and out. The one Undoubtedly, I had encountered a new Rage ran through my veins. In an agitated harmonious and authentic me, entered the inner demon. All other inner demons but clear state, I said once and for all Old City through the Jaffa Gate. I walked paled in comparison. This one dared to goodbye to much more than being a fraud through the Jewish Quarter, where I had rob me of the one moment that had masquerading as a male on the left side of lived with my family for so many years, always provided me a tiny ray of spiritual the mechitzah. I said goodbye to people to the overlook where I again beheld the awakening and respite. I felt more of an whom, out of ignorance, arrogance, and Mount of Olives. I then descended those imposter than ever before. After all, I had fear, would dare to hurt their fellow Jews. very same steps to the Kotel plaza - just as already begun my transition journey, and I had done forty years ago and countless yet here I was again, on the wrong side of I would no longer seek another human times since then. the mechitzah. being’s permission to live an honest life ever again. Only God blesses me with the Only now, everything was different. I May 2004: As my body was beginning But it was more than that. I was angry! So breath of life, which in essence, is His way looked at everything around me for the to change, I knew I had to visit Jerusalem angry! Like a bolt of lightning suddenly of granting me permission to live. I would first time through a new lens. I beheld and say goodbye forever to the left side, lighting up a thick black forest, I became learn from others, yes. I would study the what had evaded me for most of my life. the men’s side, of the mechitzah at the acutely aware how angry I was with the Jewish law from educated and God loving I beheld God’s presence in a way that Western Wall. During the past 12 years, rabbis who I empowered for all those and respecting rabbis, of course. I would allowed me to approach His Wall in truth, I returned to Israel many times. Each years that I was a practicing Orthodox remain open to their guidance, and be in purity. The past forty years crystallized in the oceanic space of the Divine. I then departure brought me pain. I never Jew. I admitted to myself that, except for grateful to them, absolutely. However, I in that one second, in that moment, when thanked God for returning me home, It took me forty years wanted to leave Israel, and each time I did the rare rabbinic figure, I seldom felt safe would not seek their permission ever again I could miraculously approach this sacred only this time healed. What I felt at that to move just a few it was gut wrenching and heart breaking. around them. Expressing my true feelings to live my life as a Torah observant Jewish space cleansed and healed. moment was what I had hoped for, Likewise, each time I did visit Israel, the was unacceptable and prohibited. I individual, especially as a Jewish woman. yearned for, and prayed for every single centimeters from one Western Wall illuminated my indecisive always felt that if they knew the real me That evening at the Wall, I pledged to God It took me forty years to move just a time I approached the Kotel since 1971. As behavior. Regardless of how expert I had they would have done everything in their that it was to Him I was returning, and only few centimeters from one side of the shivers ran through my body, as the tears side of the mechitzah to become in rationalizing my irresponsible power to push me away. All my residual to Him. My return would be to God and mechitzah to the other. fell, and as I uttered words of gratitude behavior away, standing before the Wall rage surfaced that night. I had allowed not the Orthodox Rabbis who brazenly and praise, I knew in the deepest recesses the other. made it impossible to lie. I felt completely other people, those who claimed to be claimed to speak on behalf of God. At the moment when my feet touched the of my very being, in the marrow of my naked, vulnerable, and a total fraud every leaders and role models, to push me women’s space for the first time in my life, existence, that my transition was God’s At the moment when time I stood before that mirror made of away from Torah observance, from Jewish As I respectfully backed away from the nothing I ever did until that moment felt loving and compassionate expression stone. community, from my homeland, from Wall and took my final step leading away as natural and right. It was as if everything of bringing me back home—to Him, to my feet touched the Judaism and from God. from the men’s section, my very last step, that preceded this moment became my me, and to my spiritual center. This all women’s space for the Now the time had finally arrived to bid it was the part of me that was so hurt, so own personal prologue, leading me to this culminated in that very day, at that very farewell. I didn’t know when I would Through my gender transition journey I angry, and so desperate that I left behind. redemptive, almost surreal experience. In space at the Kotel. first time in my life, be returning again to Israel, but I knew began to reclaim my Judaism. I realized The inner rage at myself though was what the most eerie of ways possible, I heard I would only return after my gender that I was not created any less (or more) I truly said goodbye to that spring evening. a faint voice from within gently whisper, From where I always belonged, and nothing I ever did until transition journey was complete. I in the image of God than anyone else, I realized that in the end I pushed myself “Welcome home, Yiscah. Welcome to the from where I now stood, I replied to the would only return as a woman, my body even if at one time the rabbis convinced away from traditional Jewish life. At the right side of the Mechitzah.” Shechinah’s welcome, “Shalom.” that moment felt as externally testifying to the truth that me to feel otherwise. At the Wall that time I simply lacked the inner resources to always existed internally. night I vowed to HaShem that I would keep myself engaged, so I left. With intention and mindfulness, I walked Excerpts from “Forty Years in the natural and right never again worship the foreign god of slowly towards the Wall. I felt the same Wilderness: My Journey to Authentic So that Friday night in May I went to rabbinical pressure to conform, to behave Since that spring evening, I’ve never familiar, undeniable pull to touch the Living”, Yiscah Smith, Wooded Isle Press the Kotel, the Western Wall. I felt the as a robot without spirit and integrity. returned, either physically or emotionally, stones I had experienced a lifetime ago 2014 familiar cloud of agitation hover over I said farewell to those rabbis who to that hurtful, horrid, and demeaning on my first visit, and every time since. As me as I approached closer and closer erroneously and arrogantly assumed the space ever again. I approached closer and closer I felt the Yiscah Smith is a spiritual activist, and to the Wall on the men’s side. Since right to judge me and behave towards me Shechinah – the female aspect of the recently published her memoir, ‘Forty my first momentous walk in 1971, I had as God’s personally appointed emissaries. Hello To The Right Side Of The Mechitzah Divine Presence – welcome me with open Years in the Wilderness: My Journey experienced this countless times. Each For 20 years I allowed these people to June 2011: I arrived in Israel for the first arms. She hugged me with her Infinite to Authentic Living’. In Jerusalem time I felt disgusted with myself. Each define for me the most personal, intimate time as Yiscah Sara forty years to the love and compassion. she teaches Jewish spirituality at the time I hated myself for not being honest relationship a human being can ever hope day since my feet first touched the Holy Conservative Yeshiva, as well as online. in such a sacred space. But this time was to experience --- my relationship with Land in 1971. Forty complete years led As I touched the stones and buried my She also provides private spiritual different. God. For another 10 years I let them make up to this miraculous moment. That first face in their crevices, I immersed myself guidance for authentic living.

12 13 The Collective Power of WIZO by Tricia Schwitzer

“Individually we are just one drop, but WIZO is a collective, a global community together we are an ocean,” these words comprised of women from all walks of by Japanese writer Ryunosuke Satoro, are life, of all ages and cultural backgrounds. the very essence of the WIZO movement. Some 95 years after her inception, she WIZO transcends oceans in an ingathering continues to realize the ideology of her of Jewish women from all over the world founding mothers but at the same time, who proudly wear her badge and for WIZO has evolved to address the issues, whom WIZO is their vehicle of choice, and provide effective, manageable in which they steer with steadfast solutions for a growing and diverse determination towards Israel, towards her population. The weight of such a huge WIZO’s strength lies people. WIZO women all over the world burden on her shoulders is distributed know that by strengthening the people, evenly throughout the entire WIZO world; in her emotional the State of Israel itself is fortified. some 50 federations, comprising of around 250,000 volunteers each with their appeal to every Jewish And so it is with WIZO. Her strength is fair share of the load. in the sheer numbers of her volunteer woman, everywhere. force scattered over continents, poles The largest federation, WIZO Israel, works She is the win-win, apart and yet simultaneously together. directly with and on behalf of the local This passionately Zionist sisterhood population, including those of minority go-to movement for sings from the same song sheet at full communities. Her aims are to advance throttle in a unified voice, as she stands the status of women, defend their rights any woman who cares shoulder to shoulder with not only her and achieve gender equality in all fields; Israeli counterparts but also every man, to combat domestic violence; to assist in about her family, who woman and child, who comes under the the absorption of new immigrants and protection of WIZO’s vast welfare umbrella to contribute to family and community cares about Israel in Israel through its 800 projects. welfare, with special emphasis on single parent families, women, children, and the The WIZO chavera, whether she lives just elderly. Elevating the status of women around the corner in Tel Aviv or down under has always been a priority of the Israel in Sydney or any place in between, knows federation. The Equal Rights for Women that she is an integral part of something Law of 1952 was passed on the initiative of much larger than herself and that her then WIZO Israel chairman Rachel Kagan, inclusion and unity is as crucial to WIZO’s who represented the organization in organization but as a movement proud WIZO is a people’s movement, she to become the leaders of tomorrow success as any other woman who serves Israel’s first Knesset. Today, WIZO remains of its underlying principles. Constant cares deeply for the baby, the child, and on whose shoulders the weight the movement. It is only in the collective active in this field. regeneration of commitment, of passion the adolescent, the young parents, the of responsibility for the world’s largest strength of unity under the WIZO banner and ultimately of membership is key to unmarried mother, the abused woman, women’s Zionist organization can, and that gives WIZO its edge in answering the Together with WIZO Israel, worldwide preserving WIZO as the powerhouse that the great grandmother - her family. She will, rest easily. The State of Israel and her calls from an increasingly needy Israeli federations strive to donate much needed she is today. World federations actively cares for all the people, without prejudice people deserve no less than that. society whose challenges are great. revenue for the movement, both for network with local Jewish and non-Jewish towards creed or colour, providing in equal the provision of crucial benefits to Israeli members of their communities in social parts, wherever the need arises. WIZO’s Tricia Schwitzer serves on the World The WIZO chavera is, bar none, an society and in the support of their own and fundraising events, thereby increasing strength lies in her emotional appeal to WIZO Executive and the Executive of ambassador for the State of Israel. She sponsored projects. The engagement of exposure to WIZO’s endeavours both on every Jewish woman, everywhere. She Friends of WIZO. She is a member of is an agent for social change in Israel. the Jewish heart into giving is reinforced the ground and on social media platforms. is the win-win, go-to movement for any Truth be Told, an organization that By her membership to WIZO, she has by identity with the people of Israel. WIZO woman who cares about her family, who strives for balance in the media working pledged loyalty to the people of Israel, is the embodiment of the Jewish mother On the world’s stage WIZO is recognized by cares about Israel. It is easy to identify with grassroots organisations. Her by wearing a WIZO badge she is holding looking after her brood. These days, the United Nations as a non-governmental with WIZO’s ethos. It is the ethos of every areas of expertise are Israel advocacy, the megaphone and articulating loudly as anti-Israel sentiment rages and anti- organization with consultative status with Jewish mother who treats her children social media marketing material and and proudly that she is one of many who Semitism rears its ugly head in frightening the UN Economic and Social Council and equally while striving to strengthen the promotional writing care enough to belong, who care enough proportions around the world, the defence the International Children’s Emergency weakest and nurture the neediest. to volunteer and who care enough to be of Israel’s integrity is a crucial precursor Fund. She is a member of the World visual, audible and, above all, credible and it is important that WIZO chaverot Zionist Organization and has the power As relevant as ever, as spirited and as in her passion for this most worthiest of are active in their Zionism in order to to influence decisions crucial to the forceful, WIZO constantly looks to the causes. For who are we, if we are not for educate and enlighten and bring value to wellbeing of all sectors of the population future with the engagement of young our own people? the WIZO table - not just as a fundraising of the Jewish State. Jewish women to take up the gauntlet

14 15 Women Taking the Lead and (Re) Visioning the Future

By Prof. Sylvie Fogiel Bijaoui

Zionist vision but also their own dreams lead and envisioning the future. In the last citizens "Strengthening Israeli society by of living in a new, progressive society, on part of this short essay, I will address only strengthening Israel’s people.” equal footing with men paved the way some of these feminist issues. post-Independence for Israeli women Sylvie Fogiel-Bijaoui is an Associate to make their voices heard in the public An important issue to be raised is the child Professor of Sociology at the College of sphere promoting their rights and needs poverty rate, which escalated from 25% in Management, Rishon Le-Zion, Israel. as human beings and citizens. 2001 to 36% in 2011 and amounts to nearly Her most recent publications are her three times the poverty rate in the 34 book, Democracy and Feminism: In this context, the consensus is that OECD member countries, [which stands at Gender, Citizenship, and Human Rights, Israeli society is now actively progressing 13% (2010)]. Feminist contributions could published in 2011, in Hebrew; a (double) towards an era of full gender equality. No be a move from micro-level interventions special issue of Israel Studies Review, doubt, this is based on the achievements to a concern with gendered macro-level dedicated to : Rethinking the Family in of outstanding women such as Ada economic, political, legal and cultural Israel, co-edited with Reina Rutlinger- Yonat, winner of the 2009 Nobel Prize forces, which produce and reproduce Reiner and published in 2013 and a book in Chemistry; Tzipi Livni, a leading voice poverty among children and their families. co-edited with Rachel Sharaby: Private Women taking the lead, i.e. having a in Israeli politics; Karnit Flug, Governor and Public: Women in the Kibbutz and vision, sharing that vision and inspiring of the Bank of Israel; Adina Bar-Shalom, A special focus should also be given to the Mochav, in Hebrew , also published others to support that vision, has always the founder of the Haredi College in hundreds of children of migrant workers in 2013. This book is to appear in English been part and parcel of the Zionist Jerusalem, geared specifically for the who remain without legal status in Israel, , published by De Gruyter - Oldenburg, Enterprise. If Zionism is understood as ultra-Orthodox community, or Aida most of them raised by single mothers, as in 2017 the modernization of the Jewish people Touma-Sliman, the second Arab woman the fathers have already been deported in Eretz-Israel/Palestine, it is clear that elected to the Knesset on an Arab party’s from Israel. women took an active part in this national list and chair's the Knesset's Committee for enterprise by transforming their traditional Advancement of Women. This assumption No less urgent is to address the issue of the number of women were elected to the Fourth Amendment to the Women’s role in the public sphere. is also undoubtedly based on the fact that family laws in Israel, that deny hundreds of Israeli Knesset in the last elections, the Equal Rights Law on Women, Peace, and women today represent about 27% of the thousands of people the right to marry percentage of women cabinet ministers, Security (2005), implementing Security Struggling to be part of the new chapters Knesset members (a record number); that or to divorce, in violation of the Universal is very low: and amounts to only 15%. The Council Resolution 1325 and calling— that were being written in Jewish history, Israeli women seem to be among the most Declaration of Human Rights. This statistics for municipal elections are even thus far unsuccessfully—for increased the New Hebrew Women were, from the educated in the world – As an example, in legislation also constructs married women more disturbing. In the 2013 municipal participation of women at all levels of My argument, however, end of the 19th century onwards, teachers, 2011, amongst the OECD countries, an as the property of their husbands, under elections, only six women (2%) were decision-making for the prevention of writers and journalists and contributed average of 31% of people aged 25–64 the principle of women as “different but elected as heads of local councils: four conflict and in peace negotiations. is that although there largely to the renewal of the Hebrew years held an academic degree: 29% of equal" to men. People, and among them as mayors and two as heads of regional language. They were also artists, painters, the men and 33% of the women aged feminists, who hope for the emergence of councils. In the municipal councils, As explained on the UN-Women site: has been significant sculptors, actresses, participating actively 25-64, while in Israel, in the same year, the a different kind of society here, one that women comprise only 14% of the elected “Women’s participation (in conflict in the renewal of the Hebrew culture. percentages were, respectively, 45%, 42%, does not institutionalize the infraction members. Furthermore, among the 330 prevention and resolution) can provide a progress towards Of course, they were also innovative and 49%.To that, we can add the fact that of human rights, must continue to raise women elected in the municipal councils, more comprehensive understanding of achieving gender agricultural workers in the Kibbutzim and women's participation in the job market is public awareness to these issues and to only eleven are Arab while no Arab the causes of and alternative solutions to the Moshavim and leading professionals constantly increasing and in comparison create an alternative discourse centering woman is head of a local authority. This conflict, and bolster actions addressing equality in Israel, in the urban centers of the Yishuv and to the OECD countries, it is even higher. around the human rights of every one situation should lead women's/feminist/ varying needs and sustaining peace over the Moshavot, working as nurses, doctors, In 2012, for people aged 15–64 years, living in Israel. democratic organizations to demand time.( … ). This helps ensure that peace women still face social workers or lawyers. the OECD average employment rate upon 50/50 gender quotas, mandated agreements are not narrow, elite pacts, was 70.9%: 79.7% for men and 62.3% for Moreover, regarding families, especially by electoral law, at the national and local and are supported and sustained by substantial gender In addition, they fought for women's equal women, while in Israel the average rate violence in the families, a campaign should levels, instead of the existing voluntary nations as a whole”. rights as citizens of the Jewish National was 71.5%, 75.9% for men and 67.1% for be led so as to amend the penal code in party quotas. This might impose, according discrimination Home, and volunteered, not without women. order to include mandatory reporting to the basic democratic ethic, women’s The WIZO website proudly states that: difficulty to be integrated into the different of abuse of women, as it exist in many representation on the ultra-Orthodox "WIZO was founded in 1920 in direct military organizations of the Yishuv. They My argument, however, is that although countries. Obviously, this approach could and Islamist parties - a development response to the needs of women and were also politically active, in the different there has been significant progress be of some help to the current 200,000 that would be more than welcome if we children in Israel. Today, WIZO continues political parties, or established several towards achieving gender equality in battered women and 600,000 children remember that women who belong to to identify the needs of Israeli society and women's /feminist parties and women's / Israel, women still face substantial gender exposed to domestic violence. these sectors are struggling for the right creates solutions to meet them". My short feminist organizations. discrimination. Actually, this discrimination to be elected - until now without success. article and the issues I have addressed and inequality are in my opinion, the In the political arena, the issue to are a modest contribution to WIZO's The epic struggle of the female pioneers in issues which should be tackled on the be addressed is that of political I would suggest that another very exemplary social enterprise as it strives to the pre-state period to fulfill not only the feminist agenda by women taking the representation: Although a record important issue to be addressed is the provide a better future for many of Israel's

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