A Memorable Weekend in Las Vegas

(l to r) Marcia Weiss, Debby Kohn, Susan Isaacs, Esther Friedberg, Gail Simpson, Chellie Goldwater Wilensky, Ivy Liebross, Susan Brownstein, Jan Gurvitch, Doris Katz, Hilary Botchin, Raena Zucker

NA’AMAT USA installs a National Board for 2016-2019

NA’AMAT USA’s Gala Celebration in Las Vegas was a huge success. It was a weekend of fun and inspiring speakers, a chance to reconnect with old friends, and a great opportunity to celebrate 90 years of supporting women, children and families in Israel. We are very grateful to those whose hard work made it possible, and for all those wonderful members and friends who took time from their busy lives to attend.

The most significant business of the weekend was, of course, the installation of our new National Board. Chellie Goldwater Wilensky was installed as National President, who, together with her National Vice Presidents and Board members, will serve a 3-year term.  Four Area Coordinators were also installed. (See the full list below).

Elizabeth Raider and Chellie Goldwater Wilensky

In her acceptance remarks, Chellie described her lifetime involvement in NA’AMAT USA and her hopes for our future. She said that as President she will focus on member recruitment, especially among younger women, and expanding the organization’s support for NA’AMAT Israel.

“With our help, NA’AMAT Israel can continue to do things like build a new Women’s Center in Sderot where women can go for preventative health care, as well as classes on nutrition, issues affecting women’s health, and a place to socialize,” she said. Chellie added that NA’AMAT USA will also help in the construction of new day care centers, in providing computer technology for NA’AMAT high schools and in supporting scholarship programs for young women pursuing Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degrees.

Outgoing National President Elizabeth Raider spoke of some of the milestones of her tenure, which included the relocation of the national office from New York to California, the organization of a NA’AMAT International Solidarity Conference in Israel, the presentation of NA’AMAT USA’s Humanitarian Award to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the 90^th Anniversary Gala. Liz called it “a journey that has led to opportunities and experiences that I could not have imagined when I was first installed in Florida in 2010.”

In a prepared statement, NA’AMAT Israel President Galia Wolloch praised NA’AMAT USA for its continuing support. “We want to express our deep appreciation to each and every one of you for your hard work, your contributions, and above all, your ongoing concern and solidarity with NA’AMAT and the State of Israel. All of us together in NA’AMAT are making a difference in the lives of women, children and families in Israel,” Galia said.

Anat Katz

Other highlights of the Gala Celebration included a keynote address from Anat Katz, Commercial Attaché from the Israeli Embassy. Katz spoke about the importance of international trade in Israel, citing the benefits of the country’s trade agreements with Egypt and the United States. She noted that buying Israeli and Egyptian products helps all three countries economically and promotes peace.

NA’AMAT Israel representative Judy Telman described its current activities in Israel including the presentation of scholarship awards to 210 female students studying for Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degrees and advocacy work in the Knesset to promote legislation of benefit to women.  Prof. Shula Reinharz, Founder and Director of Brandeis University’s Women’s Studies Research Center, talked about the challenges faced by Jewish women’s organizations today. Linda Meisel, Executive Director of the Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Mercer County, talked about fundraising strategies.

At the opening night ceremony, North Las Vegas Councilman Richard Cherchio presented a proclamation on behalf of the Mayor and City Council proclaiming July 29, NA’AMAT USA Day.

NA’AMAT USA

National Executive Board

2016-2019

National President: Chellie Goldwater Wilensky (Chicago)

Fundraising Co-VP’s:  Jan Gurvitch (E. Windsor, NJ) Susan Brownstein (Tarzana, CA)

Membership VP:  Gail Simpson (Agoura, CA)

Programming VP:  Hilary Botchin (Sherman Oaks, CA)

Advocacy VP: Marcia Weiss (Pittsburgh)

Leadership Development VP: Ivy Liebross (Sherman Oaks, CA)

Recording Secretary:  Linda Schoenberg(Cleveland Heights, OH)

Treasurer: Debby Kohn, (Delray Beach, FL)

PR/Publicity: Susan Isaacs (Encino, CA)

Major Funds/Circles: Harriet Green (Coral Gables, Fl)

Area Coordinators

Eastern Area: Doris Katz (Bayshore, NY),

Midwest Area: Sandy Silverglade (Highland Park, IL),

Western Area: Esther Friedberg (Studio City, CA),

Southeast Area: Raena Zucker (Delray Beach, Fl),

Board Members

PR Committee:   Rebeca Yohai (Sunny Isles, FL)

Advocacy Committee:  Lisa Steindel (Pittsburgh)

Program Committee: Barbara Novick (Morton Grove, IL)

Leadership Development Committee: Rhoda Birnbaum (Delray Beach, FL)

Membership Committee:  Ellen Barshop, (Los Angeles, CA)

Naomi Ledersnaider, Deerfield, IL