This year’s Meeting of Representatives (MOR) in Israel was a journey into the heart of Zionism, leadership, and resilience, highlighting the impact WIZO makes across Israeli society.
Our first day took us to the Neve WIZO houses, where children receive care, dignity and opportunity. WIZO funds 90% of staff degrees at Lewinsky College, Israel’s first teacher-training college, ensuring highly qualified educators across more than 163 daycares. WIZO South Africa sponsors five homes, providing host parents and professional support to help children build independent, hopeful futures.
At Nir HaEmek in the Jezreel Valley, supported by WIZO Argentina and WIZO USA, we saw the power of global partnership.
WIZO President Anat Vidor highlighted that Zionism is a mindset, and that the diaspora plays a vital role in sustaining it.
In Jerusalem, we heard from former IAF Commander Amikam Norkin on Leadership, Hope, and Air Power. A key military figure, he and his wife are both graduates of WIZO Nahalal Youth Village. Former IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari shared powerful insights on leadership during crisis, a vivid reminder that Israel’s story is still unfolding.
We met remarkable women from Israel’s north, an often-overlooked region, who shared moving stories of survival and rebuilding. WIZO’s work with the Druze community highlighted unity, respect, and shared destiny.
A year after the war, many children still struggle with sleep, anxiety, and routine. During the 1.5-month daycare closures, WIZO maintained close contact with families, providing emotional support to children. WIZO daycares in hospitals and universities provided for emergency workers’ children. Recent months saw 480 educators trained, underscoring WIZO’s commitment to quality care and long-term resilience.
The final theme, She is the Future, captured WIZO’s mission, expressed by Anat Vidor: “Send young women to us, and we will return them to you as leaders.”
Ending proceedings, the performance by Daniel Weiss from Kibbutz Be’eri, who lost both parents on October 7th, conveyed both grief and hope, an echo of Israel itself.
We left the MOR inspired and profoundly aware of WIZO’s impact. The largest Women’s Zionist movement in the world, WIZO strengthens families, empowers women, and supports Israelis at every stage of life. For over 100 years, WIZO has proven that leadership, education, and care can transform a nation.
Now more than ever, WIZO needs women ready to lead, advocate, and act.
Join WIZO. Support WIZO. Stand with WIZO.
Because she is the future, and together, we will ensure that the future shines bright.
Am Yisrael Chai.
Shelley Trope-Friedman
President, WIZO South Africa
Website: WIZO South Africa
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