KKL-JNF and WIZO Israel held a special recognition event today (September 3) honoring 2,400 WIZO Israel volunteers for their dedication and contribution to Israeli society and the community.
As part of the event, certificates of appreciation were presented to volunteers in the “Growing Together” program, which supports women who have left abusive relationships and their children through 11 WIZO branches across Israel: Nahariya, Karmiel, Kiryat Yam, Haifa, Hadera, Herzliya, Ramat Gan, Modi’in, Ashdod, Be’er Sheva and Jerusalem.
The certificates recognized the volunteers for their dedication and commitment to the program, which provides women who have left abusive relationships and their children with sensitive, ongoing support, a strong support network, opportunities to strengthen family relationships, and a path toward rebuilding their lives—all available around the clock, seven days a week.
The program currently supports more than 200 women and approximately 300 children and is operated through a combination of WIZO professionals and more than 100 WIZO Israel volunteers.
The event was held at Cinema City Glilot in the presence of KKL-JNF Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky, WIZO Israel Chairperson Ora Korazim, WIZO World Chair Anita Friedman, WIZO World President Anat Weidor, WIZO World CEO Marcel Asoulin, and KKL-JNF Director of Public Relations Leah Fedida. The event also featured a performance by Israeli singer Einat Sarouf.
KKL-JNF Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky said:
“Volunteering is a driving force in Israeli society, especially when it gives people facing difficult challenges the knowledge that they are not alone. The partnership between KKL-JNF and WIZO enables us to provide women and children who have left abusive relationships not only with professional support, but also with a sense of belonging, shared experiences, and a safe space in which to find strength and grow. I would like to thank the 2,400 WIZO volunteers for their dedication and for the important work they do every day for Israeli society. KKL-JNF is proud to be a partner in this important work and to continue connecting forests, community, and the values of mutual responsibility and social resilience.”
WIZO Israel Chairperson Ora Korazim said:
“Volunteering is one of the most important forces holding Israeli society together. It connects people, creates a sense of belonging and purpose, and, above all, enables each and every one of us to make an impact and change the reality around us. The 2,400 WIZO volunteers throughout Israel demonstrate every day the tremendous power of work driven by heart and commitment to the community. Within this broader network, the volunteers of ‘Growing Together’ demonstrate in a particularly meaningful way what it means to be there for someone else over the long term. They support women and children through challenging periods, providing connection, support and a sense of belonging, and turning the community into a safety net that enables them to rebuild their lives. I am proud of and grateful to all WIZO volunteers, who work every day to make our society better, more equal and stronger. Thank you!”