by Donna R. Gary, honorary vice president of NCJW and executive committee member of ICJW

The 21st International Council of Jewish Women (ICJW) Convention was hosted by the Union of Jewish Women of South Africa  in Cape Town, South Africa May 8-11, 2010. More than 225 women from 23 countries gathered for intensive forums on contemporary issues, as well as conducting the business of the organization. 

Current pressing concerns of the global Jewish community provided the core themes for the convention. Experts presented on Israel-Diaspora relations in a changing international reality and contemporary anti-Semitism. A highlight was Rabbi Moshe Silberhaft, “The Travelling Rabbi,” who gave fascinating briefings on Jewish communities throughout Africa. In addition, a panel of exceptional young leaders addressed how they see their role in the Jewish community, how they would set their community agenda, their perspective of global Jewish issues, and their view of the future of volunteering. Additional sessions addressed human trafficking, HIV/AIDS, domestic violence, the effects of media on the psycho-social experience of teen girls, the environment, human rights, and cultural/religious/ethnic diversity. 

 ICJW leaders from NCJW-USA were well represented at the Convention. The opening program session, Chaired by Donna R. Gary, NCJW-USA, focused on “Women as Leaders of Social Change” and featured an impressive panel of female advocates, academics, and visionaries in the global sphere of nonprofits. Panelists included Helen Lieberman, founder of the award winning social service NGO Ikamva Labantu; Professor Marion Jacobs, Dean, UCT’s Faculty of Health Sciences; and Nomfundo Walaza, CEO of The Desmond Tutu Peace Centre. In other events that weekend, Madeleine Brecher (NCJW-USA), as a member of ICJW’s United Nations team in NYC, participated in a panel that illuminated ICJW’s international work and global interfaith initiatives. Felicia Anchor (NCJW-USA) delivered the D’var Torah at the opening plenary.

Election results for the ICJW officers included names that will be quite familiar to the NCJW community:

• Sharon Gustafson (NCJW-USA) – President
• Kathy Altman (NCJW-USA) — Vice President
• Anne Oppenheimer (NCJW-USA) – Treasurer
• Carole Levine (NCJW-USA) — Assistant Treasurer

Also of note was how the Union of Jewish Women of South Africa showered attendees with outstanding hospitality, including gifts and treats at every turn, wonderful entertainment each evening, and continually-changing decor and tablescapes that, at times, were breathtaking. The backdrop for the convention was equally as impressive: the hotel perched above the Atlantic Ocean with giant waves and brilliant sunsets. All who attended the Convention also had an opportunity to travel together to the Great Gardens Synagogue, the South African Jewish Museum, and the Holocaust Centre.
 

 











ICJW is the umbrella organization of 52 Jewish women’s national organizations in 47 countries, including NCJW-USA. It provides the global voice for Jewish women and the platform to work together toward mutual goals. All members of NCJW are also members of ICJW and welcomed at all ICJW conventions and conferences.