It was the 10th year of bringing together all seven Jewish Welfare organisations under the umbrella of Jewish Care Cape, but this year was different.
The first part of the proceedings involved formal, practical AGM business which was overseen by Harris Burman (Chair) with humour and efficiency.
Grade 11 learners from Herzlia High and Cape Town High Torah Academy produced videos using their cellphones, showcasing the seven welfare organisations, with the assistance and expertise of Jessie Zinn and Daniella Cornibear. Film publicist, Joy Sapeika, judged the films and complimented the filmmakers on making informative and creative videos. The winner of the competition was Peter Oki for his production of the Oranjia video. He was followed in second and third place by Jeffrey Gutman for his rendition of Glendale and Simon Jubiler for his production and expression of Jewish Community Services respectively. The audience really enjoyed this creative aspect of the evening’s event.
Due to the generosity of Paul Berman, Mariuma Ben Yosef from Israel was brought out as our guest speaker to delight and inspire the over three hundred attendees with videos and stories of how she has built her successful and awe-inspiring organisation for homeless Israeli youth; Shanti House.
The Eliot Osrin Award ceremony followed and six deserving members of the JCC Community were honoured for their contributions.
Mariuma was selected from among thousands of candidates from 187 countries around the world to be featured in CNN’s prestigious flagship project — CNN Heroes. Hers is an inspiring story of commitment and care. It is these same attributes that motivated the Eliot Osrin Annual Welfare Awards, Chairman’s Choice category, to go to Helen Lieberman.
Helen is a courageous South African community leader and activist, whose compassionate work in the Townships of Cape Town, for over 50 years, is truly inspirational. Her commitment and dedication to improve the lives of others, led to the formation of the non-profit organisation, Ikamva Labantu, that focuses on orphans and vulnerable children, early childhood development and a senior’s program.
Jewish Care Cape salutes Helen and all the other 2017 Eliot Osrin Award recipients as role models for all those striving for a caring community in accordance with the principles of Tzedakah and Tikkun Olam.
Thanks to everyone for contributing to the success of this year’s AGM.
These are the names of the Awardees and Categories that were chosen for the Eliot Osrin Jewish Care Cape Awards:
Helen Lieberman –— Chairperson Award
Ivan Katzenellenbogen — Community Leadership
Debby Jowell — Community Service
Belinda Slavin — Professional Leadership
Maureen Tuck — Professional Service
Leina Sank — Community Leadership
For more information please contact Shifra Jacobson on 021 462 5520
