The Women’s International Zionist Organization (WIZO) has named Gina Raphael the Chairperson of WIZO California. The state of California itself has the fifth largest economy in the world and it is home to more than eight percent of the global Jewish population. For this reason, Susan Henkin, Executive Director of WIZO USA, has emphasized the importance of connecting with this community and building a WIZO network and movement across the vibrant state. “Gina brings an enthusiasm for the Zionist ideal that is passionate and inspiring,” Susan said. “Her strong leadership has been a motivating force that engages women and girls of all ages – as young and hopeful as twelve years old, and as aged and wise as ninety-six. WIZO USA is so excited for the future of our California Chapter.”
For the last five years, Gina has served as Chair of WIZO Los Angeles. Under her direction, WIZO Los Angeles’ donations increased by more than six hundred percent during the last five years, despite the 2020 pandemic. The Los Angeles Chapter continues to fund career training and legal aid services for residents in Battered Women’s Shelters, brand-new computer labs for Ethiopian-Israeli youth in WIZO’s Beit Tzipora Centers, an entire IT infrastructure for Nachlat Yehuda and Nir Ha’Emek Youth Villages, an on-campus fire cadet training program, and more.
In her new position, she will continue to oversee the WIZO Los Angeles Chapter and expand her role across the state of California. According to Gina, “as we work together to change the lives of women and children abroad, we empower local women by providing leadership opportunities and engaging them in an amazing sisterhood for Israel. We welcome women across the state of California to join us in our efforts.”
Founded in 1920, WIZO is the largest non-government social services provider in Israel. For over a century, the organization has been DOING WHAT MATTERS by providing Israelis with more than eight hundred social welfare programs, including day care centers, youth villages, female empowerment programs, senior centers, and so much more.
To get involved with WIZO California or for more information, please contact Gina Raphael at gina@wizousa.org.
