18/07/2010

Guests included WIZO USA President Jana Falic, WIZO USA Vice President Anita Friedman and her sister Sharona, World WIZO President Helena Glaser and  Chairman of the Executive Tova Ben-Dov, members of the World WIZO Executive, WIZO Israel Chairperson Yochi Feller, supporters and volunteers. Also present was Mrs Yael Huldai, wife of Ron Huldai, the Mayor of Tel Aviv.
The Porge Day Care Centre in the working class Hatikvah District of Tel Aviv has provided babies and children with love and care for over three generations.  Etty, a mother of four and grandma to thirteen grandchildren, all of whom have benefitted from the services of the centre, spoke highly of the centre manager, Edna Rofeh, who never fails to support the families of the children and always with a broad smile. "Edna is the best; the children are in the finest hands." Etty is proud of her long association with the centre – so proud, in fact, that she volunteers there herself.
World WIZO President Helena Glaser spoke of her delight at opening WIZO’s birthday celebrations at the Hatikva Day Care Centre, which has such a special place in the hearts of the local community. In her address, Tova Ben-Dov, Chairperson World WIZO Executive explained, "WIZO has come a long way but there are still many challenges to overcome. We are not an organization, we are a movement, we move and we will not stagnate. We change with the needs of the time. If we do not provide the care and education of our children then we will not produce the Israeli Nobel laureates. It is up to us to make sure our children are educated. These children will grow up, they will go into the army to keep us safe – and they may even bring us Nobel Prizes."
Chairperson of the Early Age Division Hassida Danai complimented Edna, "You are actually fulfilling Rebecca Sieff's vision of WIZO in the work you do here." Edit and Lisa, the team who oversee the centre also had much praise for its manager Edna Rofeh. "Edna is so proud of her connection to WIZO, and is passionate in the education of the children."
The children who sang and performed a delightful little play for their visitors were a credit to the day care centre, and it was fitting to begin World WIZO's 90th anniversary festivities there. The word 'tikvah' means hope and that is what WIZO has given and continues to give to each and every child, for the past 90 years of its existence and for many, many more years to come.
Guests enjoyed the Israeli breakfast laid on by the centre and delighted in cutting the special 90th anniversary cake.
There was even more cake that day – this time a huge gateau donated by the Tel Aviv Hilton at a special event held at World WIZO Head Office to celebrate WIZO's special birthday. World WIZO's Tel Aviv headquarters was swathed in blue and white WIZO flags Inside, photographs and posters marking the many milestones in the movement's 90 remarkable years from the very beginning up until today decorated the walls. In the hall, members of the World WIZO Executive headed by Chairman Tova Ben-Dov and World WIZO President Helena Glazer welcomed staff members and thanked them for their hard work and high level of commitment to WIZO and everyone drank a 'L'Chayim' to WIZO.  Staff and volunteers enjoyed a rendition of 'Happy Birthday WIZO' from a group of adorable toddlers from a local WIZO day care centre and a hilarious yet melodious song from staff members of the finance department.
As a little token of thanks, staff members were given a baby houseplant and chocolate coins and of course, a piece of birthday cake.
Happy, happy birthday World WIZO. Ninety years young and going from strength to strength.