NCJW Salutes Jan Schneiderman at Israel Benefit Luncheon
June 7, 2010, New York, NY -- The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) will salute its honorary president, Jan Schneiderman, for her leadership on behalf of NCJW’s Israel programs at its 2010 Israel Benefit Luncheon. Shirley Katzir, founder and executive director of the Eden Association for the Development of Social and Educational Projects in the Negev (Israel), will give the keynote address. The benefit luncheon will be held at 11:30 am on Thursday, June 10, at The Harmonie Club, 4 East 60th Street in New York City. The event benefits NCJW’s Israel Program, which fosters and supports education, promotes the empowerment of women, and bridges the gaps in society for Israel's vulnerable women, children, and families.
NCJW President Nancy Ratzan called Jan Schneiderman “an extraordinary leader and mentor -- a light unto others, working passionately and tenaciously to empower and improve the lives of those with the least, both in Israel and the US.” President Ratzan added that “Jan inspires like-souled women to follow her compelling lead. NCJW is privileged to honor this exceptionally compassionate, wise, and generous woman."
Schneiderman is being honored for more than 15 years of leadership and work on issues and programs affecting Israel. Since her first trip to Israel in 1987, her commitment and passion for Israel has only grown, leading to her tenure as chairwoman of the Israel Granting Program Yad B’ Yad: NCJW’s Initiative to Nurture Knowledge. In that role, she has worked tirelessly on behalf of Israel and its women, children, and families. A life member and an active NCJW volunteer for over 40 years, Schneiderman has served NCJW in many capacities at the national and local level.
Shirley Katzir established the Eden Association in Israel in 1997 to provide unique and innovative educational and therapeutic frameworks for women, special needs populations, youth at risk, and children. She previously served as the educational director at Kibbutz Shoval, where she pioneered an innovative educational management program that has become the model for hundreds of kibbutzim across Israel. Through its Israel Granting Program, NCJW provides funding for the Eden Association’s “Second Chance,” a rehabilitative and educational hostel for teen girls at risk, which houses teen survivors of sexual violence, incest, or other situations that require they be removed from their homes.
The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.
Contact:
Sammie Moshenberg
202 386 1273; sammie@ncjwdc.org