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Canadian Hadassah-WIZO (CHW)

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CHW Weekly Stories

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Tag Archives: hadassah academic college

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Optimistic Art

Posted on February 18, 2021 by Jennifer

A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, a growing number of public spaces are being dramatically transformed. Boarded up, empty storefronts and abandoned buildings have become the perfect canvas for graffiti and mural artists to make their mark. The same is true in Israel. A new initiative called Gallery 240, aims to bring positive messages of hope and resilience to the public through massive mural art on abandoned buildings. 

Mor Recanati, a first-year student in the Department of Photographic Communication at Hadassah Academic College (HAC), is one of 19 artists from across Israel selected to participate in this prestigious Exhibition that fuses art with architecture through giant murals. The first exhibition is being held on a building in Ramat Gan set for demolition. Mor’s bright design depicts a family’s quarantine pastime as they enjoy playing together. Other murals celebrate healthcare workers on the frontlines of the pandemic and offer encouragement to all those who walk by.

Posted in Child, Weekly Story | Tagged children, hadassah academic college

The Nature of Things

Posted on September 10, 2020 by Jennifer

Noah Cohen-Tzemach, an industrial design student at Hadassah Academic College (HAC), saw the plastic playground sets and artificial grass that sprung up across kindergartens in Israel as both an eye sore and a missed opportunity for the children they were meant to serve.

“Preschoolers learn primarily though sensory experiences, so well-designed natural gardens provide better opportunities for social, emotional and cognitive development.”

Cohen-Tzemach dedicated her final year in The DAN Department of Creative Human Design to research and develop alternative designs and products for school, inspired by the natural yards and gardens once enjoyed by children. Her final project, ‘The Nature of Things,’ is a design manual created specifically for educators working with young children during the most influential stage of their life. Included are clear instructions on how to enhance the overall outdoor experience through introducing a variety of stimuli that cater to the senses, encourage curiosity, creativity and meaningful connections. For instance, Cohen-Temach revamped traditional sandboxes with sleek and modular designs that help children acquire and learn crucial skills- like fine-motor development through playing and planting in the soil and dirt. The manual also maps out an array of possible group activities, such as gardening, which encourages better cooperation with friends, increases levels of patience, responsibility and self-confidence.  

Cohen-Tzemach’s manual has never been timelier, as Israel cautiously reopens schools and kindergartens in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic. ‘The Nature of Things’ offers practical advice on how to create a dynamic educational environment and a much needed safe alternative to learning indoors. Best of all, during times of such uncertainty, fresh air and nature can help soothe and reduce stress among children and teachers alike!

Posted in Child, Weekly Story | Tagged children, hadassah academic college

The Local Athlete Project

Posted on August 20, 2020 by Jennifer

Yarin Arbiv always considered himself the ‘sporty’ type.  So, when it came to choosing his final design project for the The DAN Department of Creative Human Design at Hadassah Academic College (HAC), Arbiv looked to solve a problem that many fitness enthusiasts face.

“Fitness is something that is very important to me. But I often prefer exercising outdoors rather than in gyms. The problem is that if you’re looking for a particular workout facility, it’s not always available or accessible.” 

Little did he know, the problem he was tackling would become a central issue throughout the Coronavirus pandemic. As new lockdown measures and strict safety regulations took effect, most gyms and fitness classes were forced to shut down. Yet, the need for exercise and physical activity only grew as a parallel, mental health crisis began to unfold.

“I believe fitness, and sports in general, is something that strengthens us- both physically and mentally.” 

In the midst of Israel’s lockdown, Arbiv explored ways for making exercise and training more accessible, while still factoring in the new financial reality. The spike in unemployment and the massive layoffs meant that even fewer people would be able to afford gym memberships and fitness classes. 

Arbiv created innovative design solutions that combined familiar street facilities, like benches and bus stops, with fitness facilities that are easily accessible to everyone.

“I had an idea to make adjustments to facilities that already existed on every corner of the street. I gave them a modern, sporty look that would entice people to come and train.”

The result is The Local Athlete Project, a series of street furniture, including benches, poles and sidewalk barriers that have been functionally designed and modified to serve as a small fitness facility. The sleek designs allow people to easily move their workouts outdoors while still improving their cardio activity, building muscular strength and overall endurance. Best of all, the workouts can be done safely within social distancing guidelines, and all for free!   

Posted in Child, Weekly Story | Tagged children, hadassah academic college

From Curry Connoisseur to Citrus Specialist: A Corona Culinary Journey

Posted on July 22, 2020 by Jennifer

Daniel Shechter was on the last El Al emergency evacuation flight from Mumbai to Tel Aviv.  Rather than ride out the pandemic abroad, Shechter made the difficult decision to return home while international travel was still a viable option.

Unlike thousands of other young Israelis, commonly found on what’s referred to as India’s ‘Hummus Trail,’ because of the sheer number of Israeli tourists, Shechter spent the last 7 years out of his home in Mumbai. 

Since graduating from The Photographic Communications Department at Hadassah Academic College, his career took off as a sought-after photographer in the international culinary scene. Yet, it was a chance meeting, while a student at Le Codon Bleu in Paris, that Shechter met a friend from India who would change the course of his career. His friend, a famous Indian Chef, invited him to Mumbai to help launch a new chain of French bakery cafés. 

“Of all the places in the world, I never imagined I would end up in India! I’m glad my destiny brought me here, it’s a fascinating place.”

Since the move to India, Shechter’s work expanded to include photography and food styling for top lifestyle brands and leading international chefs. He also collaborated on a number of projects, including an ‘insider’s’ travel guide to Mumbai and a popular food photography workshop. 

But, like thousands of Israelis scattered around the world, Shechter had just a few days to pack up and sell all of his belongings.  The sudden move back to Israel was jarring-even for a serial entrepreneur who was used to chaos and uncertainty. With so many landmark restaurants and top notch chefs struggling to stay afloat, pivoting and adjusting his business model was no easy feat. 

Now based out of his Jaffa studio, it’s clear that Shechter used his creativity and practical skills, honed as a student, to forge ahead.

“As someone who lives and breathes art and design, I take inspiration from a variety of sources. With a background in French patisserie, I have a deep understanding of food photography and the highest attention to details, so crucial for precise visual outcomes.”

One only needs to sneak a peek at the July cover of Israel fashion and lifestyle publication, La Isha Chef Magazine, to fully appreciate his talent.

So, until the skies re-open, Shechter will continue exploring Israel’s culinary scene and bringing a taste of India to a devoted fan base in Israel.

For more of Schechter’s exquisite works, follow @shechter on Instagram.

Posted in Child, Weekly Story | Tagged children, hadassah academic college

CHW receives the largest transformative endowment gift in CHW history of $6.5 Million from Marla & Aubrey Dan

Posted on December 5, 2018 by Jennifer

December 3, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHW receives the largest transformative endowment gift in CHW history
of $6.5 Million from Marla & Aubrey Dan 

Toronto, Canada – Canadian Hadassah-WIZO (CHW) announced that it has received the largest transformative endowment gift in CHW history from Marla and Aubrey Dan of $6.5 million to be used in Israel to launch the DAN Department of Creative Human Design at Hadassah Academic College in Jerusalem as well as the Marla Dan Interventional Radiology Institute at The Shamir Medical Centre (Assaf Harofeh) in Be’er Ya’akov.

Aubrey & Marla Dan Foundation LogoMarla and Aubrey Dan are long-time supporters of CHW’s projects and programs. Marla Dan was the CHW National President between 2009-2014, and continues to provide indispensable leadership and mentorship. Aubrey Dan is a Canadian businessman as well as a Tony-Award® winning theatre producer (MEMPHIS). He is the principal of Dancap Family Investment Office. They are very generous philanthropists, who make high impact, transformational gifts in healthcare, community, and education in Canada and Israel through the Aubrey & Marla Dan Foundation (AMDF). Their daughter Alyse is a CHW member and the Executive Director of AMDF.

As donors and major supporters of CHW, Marla and Aubrey Dan invest financial resources as well as a great deal of their personal time. Marla has dedicated over 30 years to the organization, serving as National President for six years; an outstanding accomplishment of its own. Marla is a passionate supporter of CHW’s mission, vision, and values. Marla said, “Our endowment is the gift that will keep on giving: investment income generated from the endowment gift will be allocated to Hadassah Academic College, The Shamir Medical Centre (Assaf Harofeh), as well as to CHW, to ensure the strategic needs of the organization are met. The goal of our gift is to help ensure the longevity of our hundred-year-old organization; to help CHW flourish and remain relevant for the next 100 years.”

The donation to the DAN Department of Creative Human Design will provide scholarship support to deserving and qualified students; support guest lecturers, academic seminars and conferences with colleagues from Israel and abroad; support workshops to improve teaching methods and approaches for faculty; facilitate international student exchange; and enable the Department to pursue collaborative efforts with academic institutions and medical centres in Israel and overseas. 2 of 2

Alina Ianson, CHW National Executive Director, noted: “The DAN Department of Creative Human Design is the only undergraduate department in Industrial Design in the world focusing on the design of tools and products for the benefit of overlooked populations with special needs, including the physically challenged, the elderly, and the very young.”

The donation to the Marla Dan Interventional Radiology Institute will provide healthcare professionals with modern tools and equipment, so patients requiring urgent care are never turned away. The updates to the Institute will ensure patients have access to life-saving procedures and a chance for a full recovery.

According to Dr. Osnat Levtzion-Korach, Director General of The Shamir Medical Centre (Assaf Harofeh), “The donation to the Marla Dan Interventional Radiology Institute will help secure state of the art non-invasive radiological equipment, ensuring the hospital can continue to provide the best in personal care, diagnosis, and medical treatment.”

Founded in 1917, CHW is a non-political, non-partisan national network of dedicated volunteers and professionals who strongly believe that the advancement of childcare, education, healthcare, and women’s issues transcends politics, religion, and national boundaries.

CHW passionately supports programs and services for Children, Healthcare, and Women in Israel and Canada.

For further information, please contact:

Alina Ianson, CHW National Executive Director
CHW National Office
638A Sheppard Avenue West, Suite 209 Toronto, ON M3H 2S1
Tel: 1-855-477-5964
Email: alina@chw.ca 

Posted in Child, Healthcare, Weekly Story | Tagged assaf harofeh, hadassah academic college, healthcare

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CHW National Office

Canadian Hadassah-WIZO (CHW)

638A Sheppard Ave W, Suite 209
Toronto ON M3H 2S1 Canada
Tel: 416-477-5964 Toll-free: 1 (855) 477-5964
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    • Get Engaged
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    • Affiliates
    • Annual Donor Report
    • Board of Directors
    • National President
    • ORAH Magazine
    • National Sponsors
    • Careers
  • Children
    • CHW Daycares
      • Clara Balinsky (Montreal) Daycare
      • Judy Mandleman Vancouver Daycare
      • Nina Cohen Atlantic Daycare
      • Rose Dunkelman (Toronto) Daycare
      • Sandy Martin Alberta Daycare
      • Terry Schwarzfeld Ottawa Daycare
      • WIZ Kids Program
    • CHW Schools
      • Hadassah Academic College (HAC)
      • Hadassim Children and Youth Village
      • Nahalal Children and Youth Village
      • Neri Bloomfield Academy of Design
      • Netanya Technological High School
    • WIZO Youth Clubs
    • Canadian Young Judaea
  • Healthcare
    • Shamir Medical Centre (Assaf Harofeh)
    • Hadassah Medical Centre
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  • Women
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    • WIZO Parental Hotline
    • WIZO Shelters
  • Support Us
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    • Donation Cards Store
    • Monthly Giving
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