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Featured Article: Oshra Broke the Glass Ceiling: “Every Woman Should Get a Chance”
CHW is so excited to share this incredible story about Oshra Yosef-Friedman, graduate of CHW Hadassim Children and Youth Village!
June 27, 2018 version of Israel Hayom
The below article was translated from the June 27, 2018 version of Israel Hayom
Oshra Broke the Glass Ceiling: “Every Woman Should Get a Chance”
Oshra Yosef-Friedman was appointed to the highest position an Ethiopian woman has ever held within the Office of Government Ministries and National Authorities: Deputy Director General of the Authority for the Advancement of the Status of Women • Friedman: “It is a great honor for me”
Article by: Noam (Dvol) Dvir
Photo Credit: Gideon Agza
Oshra Yosef-Friedman, married and the mother of three children, a member of the Ethiopian community, was born in the village of Ozba in Ethiopia, the youngest child in a family with nine children who immigrated to Israel as part of Operation Moses. Now that she has been chosen as the deputy director general of the Authority for the Advancement of the Status of Women, she will serve in the most senior position to have ever been filled by a member of the Ethiopian community within the Office of Government Ministries and National Authorities.
Yosef-Friedman lived with her family in the absorption center in Ashkelon and later in Netanya. She completed her high school education at the CHW Hadassim Youth Village. She then served as an officer in the Education Corps and was a member of the roundtable forum established by the Police Commissioner following an Ethiopian immigrant protest.
“I went through the entire process, but when I got the phone call I was surprised because I did not take anything for granted … I think that whoever looks at the appointment sees that the government and policy makers open doors to equal appointments and give everyone a chance. In my view, any woman who can and wants to reach roles or fulfill dreams must have the opportunity, and that is the challenge that stands before me. It is a great honor to join a high quality team. ”
Minister of Social Equality Gila Gamliel insisted that her office would guarantee at least two senior positions for Ethiopian women: “The appointment of Oshra Yosef-Friedman, an inspiring leader, is another expression of the social equality revolution we have been leading in Israel for three years.” Among the main functions of the Authority for the Advancement of the Status of Women (a unit within the Ministry for Social Equality) is to raise awareness and to make social and awareness-raising changes in gender equality. Recently, the Authority has even launched a campaign, which calls on women to compete in elections for the public authorities and to influence Israeli society. This year, more than 70 women will run for municipal elections.
According to Ava Medzhibuz, Director-General of the Authority for the Advancement of the Status of Women: “Oshra Yosef-Friedman has turned social activity into her calling card at a very young age. The topics dealt with are those on the agenda of the Authority for the Advancement of the Status of Women. The ability to strengthen the personal and economic situation of women through education, employment and promotion of positions of influence, rather than through allowances that perpetuate poverty and dependence on the system. This is our worldview and its approval is an important partner for its implementation. I look forward to the beginning of our joint work.
Check out a video about Oshra that World WIZO posted on their Facebook page below:
WIZO Graduate Oshra Yosef Friedman's Story
Wonderful news: Oshra Yosef Friedman, a graduate of WIZO's CHW Hadassim Youth Village and of WIZO's Leadership Program for Women was just appointed to be the Deputy Director-General of the Authority for the Advancement of the Status of Women. The appointment is the highest ranking position within the Offices of the Goverment and National Authorities ever attained for a woman of Ethiopian descent. Born in Ethiopia and the youngest of nine children, Friedman came to Israel with her family as a child during Operation Moses. Now married and the mother of three, the 40 year old Friedman told Yisrael Hayom, "Every woman that wants to achieve should get the opportunitiy to do so – and that's the challenge for us. It is a great honor for me to take on such a meaningful position." Enjoy this video of Oshra in WIZO's Leadership Program. Canadian Hadassah-WIZO (CHW) כפר הנוער ויצו הדסים ויצו – קידום מעמד האישה
Posted by World WIZO on Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Hadassah Hospital hosts the Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem
Hadassah Hospital recently hosted Mr. Dov Kalmanovitz, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, on a special visit of its facilities.
Mr. Kalmanovitz received a private tour of Hadassah’s world renowned Shock Trauma Unit. The tour was conducted by Professor Avi Rivkind, Senior Surgeon and Head of Shock Trauma Unit.
Mr. Kalmanovitz is a himself a survivor of a terror attack and expressed his impressions of the unit, “As someone who is no stranger to terror attacks and victims of terror, I am proud to see that Hadassah Hospital is prepared to treat anyone at anytime with the highest level of professional care.”
The Shock Trauma Unit is a state-of-the-art facility that operates 24-hours a day. It interacts with all other departments within Hadassah Hospital to treat an extremely high volume of patients; many with very serious injuries.
Boasting the lowest mortality rate in Israel, the Shock Trauma Unit is used as a model for other hospitals throughout the country and world.
L-R: Prof. Rivkind and Mr. Kalmanovitz in the Shock Trauma Unit
CHW is proud to support Hadassah Hospital and help promote the lifesaving work it is dedicated to.
“Iftar” Meal at Hadassah Academic College (HAC)
Hadassah Academic College (HAC) is proud to have a diverse population of staff and students that includes ultra-Orthodox students, Muslim Arabs, Christian Arab, Ethiopian Jews, and many new immigrants from around the world.
In light of Ramadan, the Arab-Muslim students from HAC’s Department of Communication Disorders hosted a traditional “Iftar-Ramadan” meal for Jewish students and lecturers to learn more about the holiday and its customs.
“Iftar” is the evening meal at which Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset.
Department Chair Prof. Joel Walters, an observant Orthodox Jew, thanking the Muslim students for their initiative.
During the course of the evening, the Arab-Muslim students explained to the participating students the background and significance of the Ramadan holiday including its obligation to serve the less fortunate and its commitment to family.
The meal was held in the courtyard of the College’s campus and created a beautiful atmosphere of togetherness and unity – something that HAC prides itself on!
Saving Lives at the Assaf Harofeh Medical Center PICU
Last week, 7 year old Aviner, began feeling very sick. He turned to his mom and dad complaining of severe pain throughout his body. His mom quickly discovered that Aviner had a high fever and swollen legs. Their family doctor examined Aviner and right away sent him to Assaf Harofeh Medical Center.
Upon arrival to Assaf Harofeh, Aviner’s condition quickly deteriorated. The medical team admitted Aviner into the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).
Dr. Ibrahim Abu Kashak, Head of the PICU, shared that it was evident that Aviner had some form of a severe infection. It was discovered that Aviner was suffering from a flesh eating bacteria that was attacking the tissues in the blood and causing him to have septic shock.
Aviner was rushed into surgery where the doctors fought to save his life. Aviner remained in the PICU, in a medically induced coma, breathing with the support of a respirator. After one week, Aviner opened his eyes and began to show signs of improvement.
The medical team shared that while Aviner has a long road of recovery ahead of him, he is a very lucky boy to have survived this.
Aviner’s father, Yanai, expressed his appreciation, “A great miracle happened to us… The medical staff at Assaf Harofeh made tremendous efforts to save our child and we are so very grateful to them. I would like to thank everyone who prayed and continues to pray for the speedy recovery of Aviner.”
CHW is proud to support the PICU at Assaf Harofeh!
Ben’s Story
*Below is a story from the WIZO Impact
“It is my way of showing gratitude, and in doing so, I am rewarded even more,” said Ilana, whose son, Ben, was diagnosed as being ‘on the autism spectrum’ at a routine early age assessment at a WIZO Daycare Centre he attends.
Ilana explained, “I thought he was just naughty, he had tantrums. He refused to eat and I could barely cope with him. It was as if everything we were doing for him was wrong but everyone said it was just a phase he was going through, and I always thought it would get better after he grew past the ‘terrible twos’ age.”
But staff and caregivers at Ben’s Daycare Centre knew better. As a result of the diagnosis, WIZO’s special education therapists devised a program of specialized treatment for Ben, both in daycare and at home. Slowly, but surely there was a marked improvement in his behaviour.
“I would go into the Daycare Centre to take part in the sessions and it was wonderful to see Ben responding. It was like magic. That was when I knew that WIZO had saved my child and my own sanity! I just knew that I had to share that joy, and so I retrained to become a caregiver.
Today, I work at the very same WIZO Daycare Centre. Now, I am part of that magic. I love every one of those little children just as if they are my own. The tools I received have also helped me personally as a mother to Ben and his sisters. Just like Ben, every child is special. Thank you, WIZO!”
Link to original article: https://www.facebook.com/WIZOimpact/posts/2043464405934205