WIZO will build on the work of strong Jewish women

WIZO is a fantastic global organisation carrying out incredible welfare work in Israel — but one which has, for too long, been associated with Jewish women of a certain age.

I recall this stereotype from whenever the charity was mentioned during my adolescent years in Manchester. It was probably my late grandma Nita who spoke of WIZO mostly — and always fondly.

However, what always sprung to mind when picturing these matriarchal leaders was that wonderful combination of the best “Jewish mother” qualities: courage, decency, strong values and care for others.

Now as the recently appointed chair of WIZO UK’s Young Patrons and Professionals committee, I am helping to launch an exciting new chapter for this century-old charity. It is a chapter that will see an injection of young energy, broadening awareness of WIZO’s great work through a series of exciting events.

I have been enthused by the interest shown in the committee, which unlike traditional WIZO groups, is open to both women and men. Equally encouraging has been my contemporaries’ recognition of our key role in creating the future support network for our community in the UK and beyond by supporting charities like WIZO – not just financially but through involvement in a more hands-on way.

As rabbis and sages suggest, if we demonstrate pride in our Jewish heritage and don’t shy away, we gain more respect and can make a difference.

My own involvement with WIZO dates back a few years. It started when in my day job as a theatre producer, I was asked by the charity’s CEO, Maureen Fisher, to produce some West End entertainment for one of its gala dinners. I subsequently produced an interactive exhibition, WIZO The Journey, showcasing its work, and have attended other events.

For those unaware of WIZO’s work, it is multi-faceted and incredibly necessary, particularly in the aftermath of October 7. Its projects and initiatives in Israel have expanded over time to address every conceivable social welfare need for all ages, regardless of race, gender and – some may not know – religion.

WIZO Young Patrons and Professionals will be promoting all of this as we embark on an exciting programme, beginning with an event at St John’s Wood shul in association with St John’s Wood Young Professionals.

Hosted by Claude Littner, star of The Apprentice, it will launch our Entrepreneur Awards (an offshoot of WIZO’s Commitment Awards). Claude and a panel of fellow experienced business leaders will also answer questions from attendees looking to progress their careers. Claude will be joined by a different panel for a follow-up gathering at Kent House in Knightsbridge and the award winner will be announced at an event later this year.

Other activities in the planning include an outdoor summer social, live entertainment and a health and wellness experience. Going forward, the YPAP committee will help WIZO realise its potential as an organisation for all generations with a variety of ways to be involved and make a marked difference.

It is evident that since the October 7 attacks, Jews across the world have bonded as never before. I have personally always felt a deep sense of connection with my roots, but feel that it is now heightened. With the support of the amazing YPAP committee, I aim to encourage both a broadening of the WIZO supporter base and cross-pollination with other charities, whose individual work is, of course, also incredibly worthy. As the phrase goes, “we are stronger, together”.

Thinking about it, we can actually learn a lot from “stereotypes”. As a theatre producer, I have rather controversially considered stereotypes as a positive in roles that can put an actor on the map, garnering attention before they pivot and show audiences the true breadth of their skills.

The same applies to a long-running charity like WIZO. Yes, it has mainly been run by strong Jewish mothers for many years. And all credit to them: they have put the organisation firmly on the map and created something wholly indispensable. It is now time to show the true extent of their work and involve a much broader demographic — the WIZO leaders of the future.

Adam Paulden is chair of WIZO UK’s Young Patrons and Professionals committee