WIZO Gala in Frankfurt Secures Over 560 Child Sponsorships
Translated & summarized from Jüdische Allgemeine by baba
The Frankfurt chapter of WIZO hosted its "WIZO Night for Children" gala, successfully raising over 560 sponsorships for the Fanny Cohen Open House in Sderot, Israel. The event, held at the new venue Hotel Meliá Frankfurt City, saw prominent figures like Nicole Faktor, Mike Josef, Uwe Becker, and Michel Friedman speak. Funds will support therapy programs for victims of violence. The gala highlighted solidarity with Israel amidst ongoing challenges and fears for Jewish safety.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- WIZO's "Night for Children" gala in Frankfurt raised over 560 sponsorships for Israeli therapy programs.
- Funds will support the Fanny Cohen Open House in Sderot, which aids victims of violence.
- The event highlighted solidarity with Israel and addressed concerns about Jewish safety in Germany.
- Nicole Faktor concluded her tenure as WIZO Germany President at the gala.
- The gala moved to a new venue due to sanctions against the previous owner.
- Michel Friedman emphasized Israel's right to exist and the importance of diaspora support.
The Frankfurt chapter of the international Zionist women's organization WIZO held its annual "WIZO Night for Children" sponsorship gala, raising over 560 sponsorships. This year's event marked a significant move to the Hotel Meliá Frankfurt City, necessitated by the closure of two previous venues. The former hotels were owned by businessman Ali Ansari, who faces EU, UK, and US sanctions for alleged involvement in financing Iran's Revolutionary Guard.
The new venue's location was highlighted as symbolic, situated near the Jewish Academy, set to open on November 2, and the Jewish Community Center. Meliá Frankfurt City General Manager Bastian Becker welcomed the proximity, praising the Jewish community's "joy of life and incredible strength" and emphasizing "L'Chaim!" as a life philosophy.
The gala, hosted by Andrea Kiewel and Ralph Morgenstern, featured Israeli singer Daniel Waiss performing John Lennon's "Imagine." Funds raised are designated for the Fanny Cohen Open House in Sderot, which provides therapy for women, mothers, children, and families who have experienced violence. A film shown at the event, produced during a recent German WIZO delegation visit to southern Israel, underscored the challenges faced by those affected by the October 7, 2023, attacks.
WIZO Germany President Nicole Faktor, in her final gala appearance in that role, appealed for solidarity, stating, "Especially when hope is put to the test, we must not falter in our solidarity." She urged attendees to offer not only financial support but also their "hearts, sympathy, and solidarity," emphasizing the importance of demonstrating that Israel has friends.
Frankfurt's Lord Mayor Mike Josef lauded WIZO's work in promoting democratic values, suggesting the world might be more peaceful if women had greater influence in global politics. Uwe Becker, President of the Hessian Court of Auditors and State Commissioner for Antisemitism, expressed his Zionist commitment, calling the fear Jewish people now experience in Germany a "disgrace" and lamenting the lack of "humanity and solidarity towards Israel."
Michel Friedman, a philosopher and publicist, confirmed concerns about Jewish safety in Germany, calling it a "confession of failure" by the Federal Republic. He noted the Jewish community felt "lonely and suddenly confronted with the indifference of the many" after October 7, but strongly defended Israel's right to exist, stating, "Governments come and go, the State of Israel will remain." Friedman also praised the WIZO women's engagement as a "spark of hope" and a demonstration that "people can help people."
In addition to the fundraising, the event included a reception, musical performances, and dancing. A plaque dedicated to former WIZO Treasurer Esther Sharell will be unveiled at the Beit Heuss in the Hadassim youth village. Sharell expressed gratitude for her time with WIZO, stating, "I felt: I can do something."