Jewish group honoured

Their efforts were recognised last week at a WA Women’s Hall of Fame ceremony as a part of International Women’s Day.

Honorary Secretary Ester Steingiesser said being added to the hall of fame, with 83 other organisations, highlighted the work done by the group.

‘It is important for the members, past and present, but also for the rest of the community who may not understand who we are and what we do,’ she said.

The group, with 200 members, supports the Perth Jewish Aged Home Society, Orana House domestic violence refuge and Lions Club and Rotary appeals.

Internationally, the group also supports the Haifa Rape Crisis Centre and the Ilan Foundation for Handicapped Children, as well as funding a scholarship for Ethiopian women to attend Haifa University.

‘Our purpose is to promote social justice, welfare and the advancement of women in Jewish and general communities,’ Mrs Steingiesser said.

Beyond this, the group highlights the Jewish community in Yokine which has developed around the local synagogue.

Dianella resident Sue Levy, a group member for 25 years, was in 1973 the first woman to book her wedding in the Yokine community centre.

She can also detail a personal history of Jewish people in Perth, starting with her grandparents’ arrival in Perth in 1912 to growing up within a strong Jewish community in North Perth and later Yokine.

‘Next-door to the synagogue you will find the best bagels, but they are not open on Saturdays and, because we are coming up to Passover, won’t be open at the end of the month,’ Mrs Steingiesser said.