Canadian Hadassah-WIZO (CHW), 6900 boul. Decarie, Suite 3405 Montreal, QC H3X 2T8514-933-8461 info@montreal.chw.ca www.chw.ca/montreal www.facebook.com/CHWMontreal

Canadian Hadassah-WIZO (CHW)Montreal Centre

SPRING 2017 / IYAR 2017

Canadian Hadassah-WIZO (CHW): Supporting Programs and Services for Children, Healthcare, and Women in Israel and Canada for 100 years!

INSIDE:Your donations at work Tahel’s Story

Profile of a Volunteer Bernadine Harrar

Profile The Bercovic Kincler Family

Upcoming Events

UPCOMING EVENTS

33rd ANNUAL CHW TEL HAI BRIDGE, MAHJONG & CANASTA LUNCHEON On Wednesday, September 6, the Tel Hai Chapter will once again proudly host the Annual Bridge, Mahjong & Canasta Luncheon. Chaired by the dynamic duo of Carol Seltzer and Jackie Sheiner, this event attracts over 250 participants. Join us for a scrumptious lunch, followed by the game of your choice. For more information or to register, call the CHW Montreal office at 514-933-8461.

ROSH HASHANAH CHOCOLATE TINSWish your family and friends a “Sweet New Year” with delicious chocolate treats. We are selling 1kg of kosher white, milk, and dark chocolate bark and other assorted chocolate goodies for $45 (includes tax and delivery). Always delicious, always appreciated. To order yours, contact the CHW office at 514-933-8461. Call early, as we sell out quickly.

CHW ART AUCTIONCHW is proud to announce that Francine and Robert Wiseman will be the Honorary Co-Chairs of this year’s Art Auction. They are both avid art collectors as well as devoted patrons of the CHW Art Auction. With their commitment and support of our fundraising efforts, this year’s Art Auction promises to be a huge success.

Date: Wednesday, November 1Time: 7:30 p.m.Location: Kandy Gallery, 5629 Ferrier For more information, callCHW Montreal at 514-933-8461.

CHW Sustainers pledge a minimum donation of $1,000 annually ($83.50 monthly) to the CHW Annual Campaign. Every Sustainer receives an attractive pin and recognition in CHW publications. With the help of Sustainers, CHW can continue its mission of passionately supporting programs and services for Children, Healthcare, and Women in Israel and Canada.

Anonymous (2)Stephanie AzrieliSusan BalinskyRenna BassalEleonora Berku (honouring her great-grandchildren, Adam, Raina and Eva Leah)Bernice BrownsteinClarice Brownstein KolomeirGloria BurnettDiane CohenLeba CooperstoneMollie CorberShirley CrollBea DitkofskyFreda DymNaomi GarberSue GreenLynda Grossman

Sarah HutmanRoslyn JosephJudy KatsofShirley KonigsbergBeatrice KruppSonja LangburtElizabeth LaxerCharlotte LubinPearl MendelLuba MillerAnita MorrisVita NovickSarah PomerantzMarsha PtackDorothy ReitmanDundi & Lyon Sachs (honouring Debbie Eisenberg)Bea SchachterEvelyn SchachterFay SchafferMarcy SegallJackie SheinerHarriet StarBlema Steinbergz’l

Beverly SuliteanuMaidy TeitelbaumSusan WainbergZees WengerRobert Wiener

Join the growing list of Sustainers

Bernadine Harrar is a life member of CHW and the Nurses’ Council Chapter. She was born in B.C. but had the unique opportunity to grow up in Rouyn-Noranda, the capital of the Abitibi-Temiscamingue region of Quebec. That far north, there were only 35 Jewish families, and the women were all members of Canadian Hadassah-WIZO. Charity played an important role in her upbringing.

Bernadine graduated from the Jewish General Hospital’s School of Nursing in 1968. She worked in public health in Israel from 1969-1973 and then spent 25 years working for the CLSC in home care. As a member of the Nurses’ Council, she knitted hats to contribute to the chapter’s annual garage sale. She learned to knit as a young girl as it was incredibly cold in Rouyn-Noranda. Since her mother did not knit or sew, she sought lessons from a woman in the community. At the age of 10, Bernadine knit a mohair sweater that she still has to this day and shares with her daughter on days when they feel under the weather.

Over the years, Bernadine has sold hats and mittens and has donated the proceeds to CHW. She makes both cable and helmet style hats (see photos). Bernadine would like to start a knitting club where all creations would be sold online, with the profits going directly to CHW. She is looking for knitters who would be interested in joining her and making a difference.

CALLING ALL KNITTERSAre you interested in meeting once a month to knit for CHW? Beginners welcome. Please call Alanna Elias at 514-933-8461.

Sign up for the new Circle of Chai monthly giving program. Commit to a minimum $18 gift per month and you can effortlessly donate to the Annual Campaign in a big way.

Montreal Circle of Chai MembersSusan AbramowitzCarrie BoganteMiriam PeletzRhonda SchwartzSandra Sterling

CHW MONTREAL VOLUNTEERS AT MADA AND LE CAFÉWe are looking for CHW members and friends who would like to take part in local volunteer opportunities: • MADA on Wednesday, May 24, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.• Le Café on Thursday, June 29, 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.Sign up today by calling Alanna Elias at 514-933-8461.

CHW MOVIE NIGHT: FEATURING ONCE IN A LIFETIME (LES HERITIERS)Based on a true story, Anne Gueguen (Ariane Ascaride), a dedicated history teacher at a French high school, is determined to give the best education she can to her underprivileged inner-city pupils. Once In A Lifetime demonstrates the enduring impact of the Holocaust in transforming future generations.

Time: 7 p.m.Location: Dollar Cinema – Decarie Square, 6900 Decarie Blvd. 2nd FloorTickets: $25, includes partial tax receipt and refreshmentsCall 514-933-8461 or visit www.chw.ca/may_movie

43rd ANNUAL PRO-AM FOR KIDS AT HILLSDALE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUBCHW Montreal will proudly host the 43rd Annual Pro-Am For Kids Golf Tournament on Thursday, July 13 at Hillsdale Golf Club. Amateur players have the unique opportunity to play on a team with a professional golfer from the Circuit Canada Pro Tour. Enjoy a full day of pure fun: golf, food, beverage carts, an auction, and fabulous raffle prizes.

Funds raised from this tournament will support CHW schools in Israel: Hadassim Children and Youth Village, Netanya Technological High School, and Nahalal High School. Locally, CHW Montreal will be supporting Leave Out Violence (LOVE) which is the leading not-for-profit youth violence prevention organization in Canada. LOVE Quebec helps young people, who have lived with violence, end this cycle in their lives and become community leaders in violence education and prevention.

Players and sponsors can register online at www.chw.ca/proam2017 or by phoning the CHW Montreal office at 514-933-8461. Various sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are available.

ChildrenHealthcareWomen

NewsbulletinMark Your Calendars

Honorary Co-Chairs Francine and Robert Wiseman

MEET 3-YEAR-OLD

TAHEL

CHW ANNUAL CAMPAIGN

Dear Friends,

This year, CHW is celebrating 100 years of making a difference in the lives of Israelis and Canadians. We are excited to begin the next 100 years with a renewed dedication to our projects, and we ask you to join us in this effort.

A donation to our Annual Campaign will help those who rely on our commitment. In a given year, CHW plays a pivotal role in funding the important programs and projects in Israel as described below.

Plus, our support of Canadian Young Judaea allows Canadian children to have a Jewish summer camp experience and the opportunity to volunteer at one of our Israeli daycare centres.

With generous and loyal donors like you, CHW is able to continue improving lives. Thank you, if you have already sent in your donation.

If you have not made your gift as of yet, please make your donation today. You can give online (www.chw.ca), by phone (514-933-8461), or by mail in the enclosed addressed envelope.

With my very best wishes,

Susan Wainberg Chair, Annual Campaign

At the CHW Hadassim Children & Youth Villagefeel at home, having the opportunity to learn and excel in their studies.

1,733students

At the CHW Nahalal Children & Youth Villageare well-equipped to excel both socially and academically through the resources offered to them.

1,463students

At the WIZO Parental Hotlinecalled to receive immediate assistance when they were in need.

3,000women

have had their lives enriched through social and cultural activities.

At CHW’s Community and Women’s Centres1,600

women

At Hadassah Hospitalwere given life-saving emergency medical treatments.

136,369patients

At the CHW Marla Dan Stroke and Invasive Neuroradiology Institute are given life-saving treatments.

60stroke

patients

At Six CHW Daycare Centresreceive care and enrichment classes, hot meals, and exceptional educational opportunities.

418children

At the CHW Netanya Technological High Schoolreceive vocational training that prepares them for a sustainable and fulfilling career.

168students

144,811LIVES IMPROVED!

Life is Priceless....Can one calculate the cost of impacting 144,811 lives?

PROFILEBERNADINE HARRAR: A KNITTER’S STORY

CHW WALK IN THE PARKOn Sunday, June 4, the Anna Zaitchick Chapter will be hosting their 6th Annual CHW Walk in the Park. Last year’s walk was an outstanding success, raising over $15,000 through the generosity of friends, family, and colleagues. Everyone is encouraged to make a donation and help this chapter surpass their fundraising goals. Donations can be made online by visiting www.chw.ca/montreal.

FOR SALE!PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE CENTENNIAL NECKLACES

These unique mementos include a CHW Centennial logo charm, customized just for CHW’s 100th Birthday by Aura Designs. The necklaces are limited edition. Don’t miss out! To purchase a necklace, call CHW Montreal at 514-933-8461.

BEAUTIFUL “IMA” PINS IN GOLD OR SILVER TONEThese pins are the perfect gift for a new mother, birthdays and Mother’s Day. $36 each. You can purchase a pin by calling CHW Montreal at 514-933-8461.

ARTIST CARDS CHW Montreal is selling beautiful card packages with original artwork by Montreal artists Peter Krausz, Michael Litvack, Dina Podolsky, Lynda Schneider Granatstein, and Montreal President Sheila Nemtin Levine. The packages of 10 cards are presented in an organza bag for only $15. A great gift idea! To order your cards, contact CHW at 514-933-8461.

CARDS AND CERTIFICATES FOR ALL OCCASIONSShare your milestones and holidays with CHW cards and certificates. They are available for all occasions, including birthdays, anniversaries, births, condolences, and more. To place an order, call 514-933-8461.

14th PRINTING OF A TREASURE FOR MY DAUGHTERThis updated “handbook for the Jewish home” features a comprehensive blessings chapter, traditional recipes, and explanations of the Jewish holidays. $36 per copy. To order your book, contact CHW Montreal at 514-933-8461 or order online at www.chw.ca/montreal.

We have all heard the expression the “Power of One.” Since it is CHW’s Centennial year, I would like to focus on the “Power of 100.” It began in 1917 with Lillian Freiman. As a passionate Zionist, Lillian used her influence to rally Canadian women to aid the war-racked Jews of Palestine and from there, CHW was born. That “Power of One” grew exponentially, and over the past 100 years, CHW has impacted the lives of so many, both here in Canada and in Israel.

I was recently at the CHW National Leaders Assembly (NLA) in Toronto, which brought together the presidents of the CHW centres across Canada, the Board of Directors, and the dedicated staff. I was surrounded by people whose commitment to the future of CHW is unwavering, and for me this was both inspiring and motivating.

One of the highlights of the weekend was a presentation by Dr. Benny Davidson, who is the Director General of the Assaf Harofeh Medical Center in Israel. Along with a funny but heartfelt poem thanking CHW for our support of his hospital, he shared videos about two young patients. Their life-saving experiences at the CHW Marla Dan Stroke and Invasive Neuroradiology Institute were awe-inspiring.

Another fascinating presentation was by Steve McDonald, the Deputy Director of Communications and Public Affairs for CIJA (The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs). He shared an inside look at Canadian public opinion on the Middle East and how it relates to Israel advocacy. A key point of his presentation that resonated with me was that the most effective way to further support for Israel is through its citizens—personal stories matter. I think you will agree after you have read Tahel’s story in this bulletin.

This is what CHW is all about. CHW helps people. ALL people. Our projects in Israel are open to everyone, regardless of race or religion. Because of this, we at CHW are helping to build bridges both in Israel and in Canada.

Our Centennial is a time to rejoice, reflect, and most importantly, to plan and ensure that CHW will be around for the next 100 years. By building bridges, CHW enables its supporters to make the world a better place. That is the magic of CHW.

Sheila Nemtin LevineCHW Montreal President

From left: Alanna Elias, Marla Goodwin Zipper, Sheila Nemtin Levine, and Susan Abramowitz at the NLA meetings

Tahel lighting Menorah at Hadassah Hospital

Let us introduce you to Naomi Berkovic Kincler. She wanted to do something meaningful to celebrate the birth of her baby, Eva Leah. With her family’s deep connection to both WIZO Australia and CHW, it only made sense to start a tribute fund in support of CHW projects and programs in Israel.

HOW DID YOU BECOME INVOLVED IN CHW?When I moved to Montreal from Melbourne, Australia five years ago, I decided I wanted to do something to feel more involved in Jewish life. WIZO was a charity that was familiar to me and I decided to join a CHW Montreal chapter called New Connections that some of my friends had told me about. Before having kids, I attended a few fundraising events such as a cooking class and I also taught a Pilates class for a fundraising program. It was a lot of fun and I hope to do it again. WHAT IS YOUR FAMILY’S CONNECTION TO CHW?My grandmother, Eva Berkovic, was a lifelong member of WIZO in Australia. Sadly, she passed away a year ago. She was a beautiful, kind, giving, and charitable woman. I recently named my beautiful daughter Eva in her honour. My grandmother-in-law, Nora Berku, who resides in Montreal, also holds CHW close to her heart. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO SET-UP A FUND HONOURING THE BIRTH OF YOUR DAUGHTER?I chose CHW because my late grandmother was extremely passionate about it and I could appreciate the importance of CHW’s projects in Israel that have a far-reaching impact on children and women. IS THERE ONE PROJECT IN PARTICULAR THAT RESONATES WITH YOU?I believe all the work that CHW does is wonderful in terms of helping women and children in need. I suppose, as a mother, the projects that help children in need resonate with me the most.

Join us as we celebrate 100 years of CHW on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Israel! All CHW members and friends are welcome to be a part of this Celecation! Space is limited.

PROFILEThe Bercovic Kincler Family: From Generation to Generation

CHW ART AUCTIONCHW Montreal’s Annual Art Auction, A Taste For Art, was a huge success! It was a beautiful night and raised over $80,000 in support of the Lower Level IV Operating Rooms at Hadassah Hospital in Israel. Many thanks to our dedicated committee members, the Stern family, and our many sponsors and guests.

A SPECIAL VIP EVENING AT THE RESIDENCE OF ANNA AND JOE MENDELWe were very fortunate to have Anna and Joe Mendel open up their home to CHW members that opted for the VIP art auction ticket. This exclusive invitation featured a visit to their residence, which showcased an outstanding museum quality glass art collection. The visit was a wonderful experience and we felt quite privileged when Anna hinted that this visit will probably be their last public showing of their collection.

CHW CHANUKAH PARTY – A FUN AND EDUCATIONAL EVENINGOn December 11, 2016, CHW celebrated Chanukah with members from the Anna Zaitchick, Golda Meir, Nurses’ Council, Theodor Herzl and Sam Klinger Chapters attending the event. Of note, the Fajga Tajfel Chapter members came out in full force and had a wonderful evening reminiscing about their years with CHW. Our keynote speaker was Joshua Wolfe, the Assistant Director of Government Relations for the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) in Quebec. His presentation, The Importance of Jewish Advocacy in Quebec, was informative and insightful.

CANADIAN MOVIE ENCORE PRESENTATION: THERE IS MANY LIKE US – TEAMED UP WITH MOL On January 11, 2017, CHW Montreal co-hosted an encore presentation of the film There Is Many Like Us with Montreal’s March of the Living (MOL). The film is set in World War II Poland as seen through the eyes of Montrealers Rena and the late Max Fronenberg.

The collaboration with MOL gave us the opportunity to raise awareness for the important projects CHW supports. Sharing this gripping story with MOL participants proved invaluable to their learning experience.

The Junior CIT’s of Y Country Camp were also in attendance; they too wanted to learn from Rena and Max’s story of survival and courage.

Past Events

The hard-working Art Auction Committee. From left: Alanna Elias, Alana Shiveck, Lianne Routtenberg, Randee Bultz, Marla Goodwin Zipper, Norma Bassal, Sheila Nemtin Levine, Sarah Hutman, Cara Itzkovitz, Alicia Epstein, Sigal Weizmann, Wendy Gold

From left: Sheila Nemtin Levine, President, with Kandy Gallery owners, Derek and Kirsty Stern, Neil Dankoff, Richard Stern, and Sarah Hutman, Event Coordinator.

Some members of the Fajga Tajfel Chapter

Many thanks to the event chair Susan Bercovitch for all her hard work and dedication. Her commitment and devotion to this project made the program both meaningful and successful.

Sadly, on December 25, 2016, Max Fronenberg passed away. He was a true hero and a bright light in the lives of all who knew him.

NURSES’ HEALTH FORUMThe Nurses’ Council held a Health Forum on End of Life Decisions on April 25 with Dr. Manny Borod, Director of the Division of Supportive and Palliative Care Program at the McGill University Health Centre and Dr. Bessy Bitzas, PhD Nursing, Head Nurse of the Palliative Care Unit and Herzl Family Practice Centre at the Jewish General Hospital. Both speakers gave noteworthy presentations on this sensitive topic.

CHW MONTREAL LENDS A HAND TO AUBERGE SHALOM CHW donated an assortment of everyday items to Auberge Shalom. Auberge Shalom pour Femmes is a Jewish community-

YCC Junior CIT’s

Max Fronenberg z’l

based centre addressing the needs of all women and children whose lives have been affected by conjugal violence.

PASSOVER BASKETS The Shoshanim Chapter’s Passover Baskets were a huge success! Once again, these wonderful gifts for the holidays were sold out well in advance. Many thanks to our volunteers who helped to assemble and deliver all 504 baskets throughout the city. Over $35,000 was raised in support of CHW programs and projects.

BLOOMS AND LATTESA wonderful evening of floral tips and techniques was presented by Paul Ahkion of Fleurs des Jardins on March 27 at Elna Bistro in Decarie Square. Everyone left with their beautiful creations in vases donated by Stokes. We would like to thank Susan Bercovitch for organizing this beautiful event.

From left: Alanna Chernofsky, Fran Jacubovic, Mireille Chernofsky, Sonia Gladstein, Susan and Jessica Bercovicth.

VIP Evening: Our hosts Anna and Joe Mendel and VIP Guests Alison Miller, Susan Balinsky

Auberge Shalom Volunteer

Our volunteers working hard on the assembly line.

Naomi with her husband’s grandmother, Nora Berku, and the very new Eva Leah Kincler

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?CHW Montreal always welcomes members and volunteers interested in getting involved in one (or more) of our fundraising activities. Do you want to help plan an event or suggest some new ideas? We’d love to hear from you! Call or email the CHW Montreal office anytime at 514-933-8461/alanna@montreal.chw.ca.

Tahel was sitting in her car seat, beside her brothers, Matan and Tair, as her family was driving through Jerusalem. Sunset was approaching, so Tahel’s mother had ensured the family was ready for Shabbat. Tahel was dressed in her favourite pink dress and her hair was styled “like a princess” as she had requested, in a bun on top of her head.

The family was on their way to spend Shabbat with their cousins. Suddenly, something broke through the back window. The family was being attacked by terrorists who had intentionally thrown Molotov cocktails at their car. The Molotov cocktail that came through the window landed on Tahel’s seat, setting it ablaze.

Tahel’s parents, Uriel and Sigal, could not stop the car because the terrorists were still attacking and the family was in grave danger. Sigal recalls trying to put out the flames spreading on her baby girl: “What a horror to see your child on fire – her dress, her hair, her skin… we were afraid that the car would blow up!” Sigal herself was a victim of a terrorist attack 21 years earlier.

When the family was finally able to stop driving, Sigal grabbed Tahel from the car, which ironically was an easy task as the car seat straps had melted. Sigal put out the flames with her bare hands.

Tahel and her family were immediately rushed to Hadassah Hospital. While everyone in the family was wounded, Tahel’s injuries were the most serious.

Tahel underwent multiple surgeries in the new lower-level operating rooms— two rooms that have been furnished and equipped with the support of CHW. Plastic surgeons worked on Tahel, giving her skin grafts, while pediatric surgeons ensured her burns did not get infected. The new surgical rooms offer a high level of care and an increased capacity to save lives like Tahel’s.

Tahel was hospitalized for three weeks in the ICU. Sigal, Tahel’s mother, also continues to heal after her hands were severely burned.

It is through your generous support of the Annual Campaign, and our events throughout the year, that CHW is able to make a difference in the lives of individuals like Tahel and her family.

HADASSAH HOSPITALYOUR DONATIONS AT WORK: TAHEL’S STORY

From left: Marlene Levine, Marsha Ptack, Margo Elman, Dr. Manny Borod, Dr. Bessy Bitzas, Estelle Kalfon