Fashion Blooms Program Book by CHW

VIRTUAL EVENT

DEDICATED TO FASHION, COMEDY, AND MUSIC.

Tribute Honouring Marilyn Libin CHW Immediate Past National President

National President Elayna Latsky

Immediate Past National President Marilyn Libin

CHW DIrectors Lynn Gillman Marcia Glick Sarah Granatowicz Roslyn Joseph Stephanie Rusen Linda Senzilet Brondell Shapiro Tova Train

National executive director Lisa Colt-Kotler

In Support Of Fashion Blooms

is supporting The CHW Neri Bloomfield Academy of Design The CHW Neri Bloomeld Academy of Design in Haifa, Israel awards academic degrees in a wide variety of creative fields, including graphic design, architecture, and fashion. This institution is building academic excellence and becoming a major influencer and innovator in the world of design. A highly respected design school of higher learning, it nurtures individual creativity among its student body while instilling a sense of community. The Marilyn Libin and Jed Gaines Fab Lab and Learning Centre is a new, cutting-edge facility at The CHW Neri Bloomeld Academy of Design. The Fab Lab provides students, from every department, new opportunities to create, collaborate, and innovate together. With the most advanced technologies and modern, interactive spaces, students are acquiring the specialized skills and design-oriented critical thinking needed to become outstanding leaders and professionals in their respective fields. CHW passionately supports programs and services for children, healthcare, and women in Israel and Canada. For over 100 years, Canadian Hadassah-WIZO (CHW) has made a positive and lasting impact on the lives of women and children in the areas of education, social services, and healthcare.

Honouring Marilyn Libin Immediate Past National President Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Marilyn has lived in and around Calgary for most of her life. Her family lived in Kansas City and Philadelphia for a few years, where she learned Yiddish, before moving back to Canada, where she then learned Hebrew at the Edmonton Talmud Torah. She holds a bachelor of arts, a bachelor of education, and a master of education from the University of Calgary. Over the course of her professional career, Marilyn worked as the principal of Calgary Jewish Academy. Working with children, and having four of her own, Marilyn has dedicated many years to education and child welfare. When she assumed the position of National President, Marilyn brought volunteer experience from a number of not-for-profit organizations, awards for her philanthropy and volunteerism, as well as a passion for Israel that began during her first visit when she was 16 years old. A member and leader within CHW for many years, Marilyn’s goal, during the course of her two year-term, was to increase appreciation for the work CHW does among the general community. “Hopefully, as we educate the community about our mission, this will not only significantly increase enthusiasm for CHW, it will also increase support, participation, and fundraising,” said Marilyn.

Thank you Event Sponsors Fashion Plus Sponsors Len & Faigel Shapiro Carole & Bernie Zucker and Family

Fashion Sponsors

Anonymous (2) P. Austin Family Foundation Debbie Eisenberg & Gary Levene Roslyn Joseph

Music Sponsors

Claudia & Paul Goldman Rhonda & Stanley Gordon Holt Renfrew Mawer Investment Management Ltd.

Chai Sponsors

Mark Libin & Meira Cook and Family Kevin Libin & Agata Kesik and Family Lisa Libin & Jeremy Yanofsky and Family Adina Libin & Micah Potechin and Family Richter Management Ltd. Barb & Jerry Rosenstein

Thank you Event Sponsors Tribute Sponsors

Mitch & Carrie Brody Aviva Cheuk Gina Grant Penny Hardin Philip & Harriet Libin and Family Terry Libin Sandy & Larry Martin, Somar Foundation Julie Spira Young & Haggis Insurance Services Ltd Helen & Tamar Zenith Newzones Gallery of Contemporary Art

FRiend Sponsors Debbie & Mark Bank John Barron Darren & Marnie Bondar Stewart Bondar Lynn Gillman Debra Goldberg Eva Hoffman Leila Lax Len Libin Carol Ryder Betty Sherwood Francine & Marty Sigal and Linda & Robert Ullman

welcome For over 100 years, CHW has made a positive and lasting impact on the very fabric of Israeli society by transforming lives of women and children. It is our mission to ensure that they can access state of the art healthcare, education, and social services in a safe and secure environment. We are deeply saddened that Israel was once again under a massive assault by air and by land. As rockets rained down, riots and violence escalated in cities across Israel. We pray that the current cease-fire will continue with calm and peace. The two hospitals that we fund have treated a massive influx of patients, injured during this outbreak of violence. As well, CHW Hadassim Children and Youth Village received extensive damage by a rocket attack. Fortunately, the staff and children are safe. Today’s inaugural FASHION BLOOMS will raise funds to transform the lives of our students and provide support for their future. None of this happens without you, our dedicated and generous donors. Thank you for your steadfast support. A special thank you to Immediate Past National President Marilyn Libin for her devotion to CHW. Our deep gratitude to Linda Barron, Chair of Fashion Blooms, Dorothy Hanson, Calgary Centre President, Betty Sherwood, Past President Calgary Centre, and their dedicated committee of volunteers for your dedication and tireless efforts. Finally, thank you to all of you, our donors, sponsors, supporters, designers, students, faculty, and staff from CHW Hadassim and Neri Bloomfield for helping to ensure today’s event is a huge success. CHW has entered a period of transition and change as we move the organization forward in the 21st century, attracting a new generation of supporters to join our family, a family with an illustrious history. As an organization, we have always stepped up when Israel reached out for help, and this time it is no different. Your continued support is more critical now and the needs are great. Thank you for your support today and always. Sincerely,

welcome Welcome to CHW FASHION BLOOMS, a national virtual fundraising event featuring fashion, music, and comedy. This exciting inaugural event, hosted by Jeanne Beker, includes a video documentary of Israeli fashion designers, alumni, and graduate students of the CHW Neri Bloomfield Academy of Design. Today’s event also honours Immediate Past National President Marilyn Libin for her tireless devotion to CHW. We recognize her many years of dedication and philanthropy. Our heartfelt appreciation to our very generous lead sponsors for their philanthropy: Len & Faigel Shapiro, Carole and Bernie Zucker & Family, Debbie Eisenberg & Gary Levene, Roslyn Joseph, Holt Renfrew, P. Austin Family Foundation, Claudia & Paul Goldman, Rhonda & Stanley Gordon, Mawer Investment Management, and two anonymous donors. A special thank you to all our donors and sponsors for supporting this new CHW event. Thank you so much for watching today, and we hope that you enjoy the presentation. Personally, I want to thank the FASHION BLOOMS committee of volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, along with Lisa Colt-Kotler and our very talented professional staff, to make this event a success. As we look to the future, we know that CHW will continue its vital mission to transform the lives of children and women both in Israel and here at home. None of this would be possible if not for your generous philanthropy. Thank you. Sincerely,

Linda Barron

Linda Barron Fashion Blooms, Tribute Event Chair

Program Sponsor reel

Thank you to all our generous sponsors

Opening remarks

Jeanne Beker, Event Emcee Elayna Latsky, National President

comedy presentation

Jessica Kirson, Comedienne Extraordinaire

tribute messages

Greetings and wishes from friends and family of Marilyn Libin

Fashion documentary

Introduction to CHW Neri Bloomfield Academy of Design by Prof. Shimon Amar Spotlight designer: Aharon Genish Featured designers: Neta Ben Abu, Yarden Faragian, and Stav Faragian

tribute honoree

Remarks from Fashion Blooms event honoree Immediate Past National President, Marilyn Libin

Musical performance

Michelle Shimonov, graduate from CHW Hadassim Children and Youth Village

Closing credits

Thank you for your support

biographies Jeanne Beker Event Emcee Having started her professional show biz career at the age of 16, Jeanne Beker studied acting in New York and mime in Paris before moving to St. John’s Newfoundland in 1975 to cover arts for CBC radio. Three years later, she landed a job at Toronto’s CHUM radio, and in 1979, helped launch the ground-breaking series, The New Music, on CITY TV, which she co-hosted for 6 years. A founding member of MuchMusic, Jeanne continued to trail blaze and in 1985, launched the legendary Fashion Television, which she presented in over 130 countries for 27 years. A seasoned newspaper columnist and features writer, Jeanne was editor-inchief of FQ and SIR magazines from 2003 to 2008, has authored five books and is a frequent keynote speaker and guest on myriad lifestyle shows, as well as a regular featured columnist for several publications. She’s been at the creative helm of numerous fashion lines under her own eponymous label, and since 2015, has been Style Editor for The Shopping Channel, where she currently hosts the series “Style Matters” and the podcast “Beyond Style Matters”. Active with several charitable organizations, she has received honorary doctorates from St. Mary’s University and OCAD University, and is the recipient of numerous awards, including a Special Achievement Award from the Canadian Academy of Cinema and Television and a Crystal Award from Toronto Women in Film and Television.

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Jeanne was inducted into the American Marketing Association’s Hall of Legends in 2015 and received a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2016. 2014, she was named to the Order of Canada.

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biographies SPOTLIGHt designer Aharon Genish Fashion Designer

CHW Neri Bloomfield Academy of Design Graduate Featured designer Aharon Genish, was raised in the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community of Bnei Brak, Israel, where he suffered major hardships and exploitation, including sexual assault as a child. He broke free from the community and began a journey towards healing though his creative pursuits. Despite having very little formal education, he was admitted into to the Fashion Design Program at CHW Neri Bloomfield Academy of Design because of his passion for the arts and creative skills. He channeled his childhood struggles into his fashion and ended up graduating top of his class in 2018. His final collection, ‘You Will Not Be Silenced,’ which exposed his tragic past for the first time, received top awards and recognition. His use of fashion and art to address his childhood trauma earned him huge accolades and international attention, including a feature in Vogue, Italy. He won the prestigious ‘Mifal HaPais’ Design Award after graduation, which gave him the financial backing to continue designing. Aharon is among the few designers selected by International Talent Support (ITS) for ‘Here We Belong’ a creative networking project that connects young designers with leading brands. His stunning first collection as an independent designer was set to launch on the runway of Israel’s Fashion Week in March 2020. Due to the pandemic, the event was cancelled. but His collection, a juxtaposition of traditional orthodox garb and modern design, was visually captured and will be showcased at this event.

Fashion Blooms marks a pivotal point in Aharon’s career as his first exclusive interview and breakout introduction to a North American audience.

biographies Neta Ben Abu Fashion Designer

CHW Neri Bloomfield Academy of Design Graduate

Neta Ben Abu grew up in the northern Israeli city of Tsfat (Safed). She left high school early to explore several creative opportunities. She soon enrolled in basic sewing classes as well as a night-school course in Fashion Design at CHW Neri Bloomfield Academy of Design. Then, looking for her next challenge, Neta decided to deepen her studies and pursue the full Fashion Degree program at the Academy. During her third year of the program, Neta designed her own wedding dress, in collaboration with her esteemed instructor and mentor from the Fashion Department. It turned out so well that her wedding dress design became the inspiration for many of the pieces in her graduating collection. Her graduating collection ‘Dis-Order’ designed during the midst of COVID-19 lockdowns, looks deep into one’s psychological state and provides a fresh interpretation of how individuals ‘mask’ or hide their innermost feelings. Neta graduated top of her class from the Fashion Department in August 2020. Her timely graduating collection was among the few student designs featured on the runways of Israel’s Koranit Fashion Week, held during March 2021 in Tel Aviv.

page just for Neta fashion design images

biographies Stav Faragian Fashion Designer

CHW Neri Bloomfield Academy of Design Graduate

Stav Faragian grew up in a rural community in northern Israel. She comes from a close-knit family that celebrates its Persian roots. Stav first studied Engineering, but switched to Fashion Design, where she enjoyed studying side by side with her twin sister, Yarden. Her graduating collection was inspired by her Persian grandmother’s complex life story. When her grandmother was only eight years old, she made the journey from Iran to Israel as a child bride. Stav designed much of her graduating collection from her childhood home during the pandemic, surrounded by memories and photos of her late grandmother. Following graduation, her academic degree and sharp technical skills landed her a job as a fashion designer with Renoir Group, a top Israeli retail company. After posting one of her iconic designs on Instagram, she was contacted by an American-based stylist who purchased the piece and had it flown to Los Angeles in the midst of a global lockdown to be featured in a music video by hit rapper/singer Kehlani. Stav is a bright up and coming designer to watch.

biographies Yarden Faragian Fashion Designer

CHW Neri Bloomfield Academy of Design Graduate

Yarden Faragian grew up in a rural community in northern Israel. She comes from a close-knit family that celebrates its Persian roots. Yarden and her twin sister Stav, completed their four year Fashion Degree together and graduated from the Fashion Department at CHW Neri Bloomfield Academy of Design in August 2020. An outstanding student throughout her studies, Yarden won several awards, including the Nike prize for Active Wear after presenting to an Executive Team based in the United States. Her final collection, which explored themes and deep emotions associated with growing up as a twin, earned her praise in Israeli and international publications. Connecting with her Persian roots, one of her striking designs was worn by Liraz Charhi, an Israeli singer and actor of Tehran, ahead of her first Persian-language album launched in Israel, Iran, and across the world. Following her lifelong dream, Yarden launched her first ready-towear collection, with the help of Stav, shortly after graduating: Faragian The Label. It is available through a boutique online store and Instagram account.

biographies Jessica Kirson Comedienne A powerhouse on stage, Jessica’s a hilariously relatable performer of sheer silliness, vulnerability, and ridiculous characters. Her countless comedic character videos have racked up over 30 million views on social media. Her audience is multigenerational, creating an excuse for large groups of friends and families to spend a night out together. Jessica is also an actress and producer, known for The King of Staten Island (2020), School Dance (2014) and The Comedian (2016). Jessica was awarded Best Female Comic by the MAC association in New York City and recently accepted the Nightlife Award for Best Stand-up Comedian in New York City.

YASHER KOACH

Marilyn Your leadership and devotion has made a significant impact. May you go from strength to strength.

The strength of a people. The power of community.

biographies Michelle Shimonov Musician CHW Hadassim Children and Youth Village Graduate Michelle Shimonov is 23 years old and originally from Rishon LeZion. She grew up at CHW Hadassim Children and Youth Village; living there for ten years, from grade four until she graduated. At CHW Hadassim, Michelle focused on music and proudly graduated with excellence. Following graduation, Michelle completed her “Shnat Sherut” (Year Service) volunteering with children. She then served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as a commander for soldiers who had recently enlisted. Michelle has completed her full army service and is now a student in a special program for acting and music that is based in Tel Aviv. Michelle loves to be on stage and write music, those are her passions. It is her personal hope that someday people will come to hear and see her perform on stage.

IS PROUD TO SUPPORT FASHION BLOOMS IS PROUD TO SUPPORT FASHION BLOOMS We believe that video can be a powerful device for telling stories and connecting Wepeople believewith thatyour video can in bean a powerful for telling stories and connecting brand authenticdevice and engaging way. Since 2007 we’ve people with your brand in an authentic and engaging way. Since 2007 harnessed this medium to produce great work for amazing clients.we’ve harnessed this medium to produce great work for amazing clients.

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SPONSORS

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thank you

to all our event supporters ss Neta Ben Abu, Fashion Designer Prof. Shimon Amar, President of CHW Neri Bloomfield Academy of Design Linda Barron, Tribute Event Chair Jeanne Beker, Event Emcee Ross Belfer, Eager Tourist Lauren Bell, Calgary Committee Member Tidi Benbenisti, Fashion Editor Morris Bleviss, Friend of Marilyn Libin Rebecca Bowslaugh, CHW Marketing Communications Manager Aviva Cheuk, Calgary Committee Member Shmuel Cohen, Shmuel Cohen Photo Agency Ann Dancyger, Calgary Committee Member Michal Chelbin, Photography for Aharon Genish Fashion Video Lisa Colt-Kotler, CHW National Executive Director Joe Costa, 2 Thumbs Up Tamar El Al, Head of President’s Office at CHW Neri Bloomfield Academy of Design Alanna Elias, CHW Director Development, Eastern Canada Stav Faragian, Fashion Designer Yarden Faragian, Fashion Designer Lily Fixler, Calgary Committee Member Dana Friedman, Marketing Director at CHW Neri Bloomfield Academy of Design Jed Gaines, Husband of Marilyn Libin Aharon Genish, Fashion Designer Reesa Girvitz, Calgary Committee Member Jackie Hamborger, Calgary Committee Member Dorothy Hanson, Calgary Committee Member Tammy Hittner, CHW Director Finance and Operations Jennifer Ierullo, CHW Outreach and Events Coordinator Nicole Jelaev, CHW Hadassim Musical Performance Thais Klippenstein, CHW Hadassim Musical Performance Penny Krowitz, Friend of Marilyn Libin Eliel Lapiduz, CHW Hadassim Musical Performance

thank you

to all our event supporters

Elayna Latsky, CHW National President Merav Lavie, Head of Fashion Department at CHW Neri Bloomfield Adina Libin and Family, Daughter and Grandchildren of Marilyn Libin Kevin Libin and Family, Son and Grandchildren of Marilyn Libin Lisa Libin and Family, Daughter and Grandchildren of Marilyn Libin Marilyn Libin, CHW Immediate Past National President Mark Libin and Family, Son and Grandchildren of Marilyn Libin Jessica Kirson, Comedienne Page Magen, Magen Boys Entertainment Oshrat Morad, Head of Na’aleh Program at CHW Hadassim Children and Youth Village Genebelle Nacionales, CHW Vancouver Centre Coordinator Yehiel Nuchi, CHW Hadassim Musical Performance Shane Parker, Sound Engineer Daniel Pike, CHW Creative Specialist Oded Plotnizki, Videography for Aharon Genish Fashion Video Karen Roth, Friend of Marilyn Libin Carol Ryder, Friend of Marilyn Libin Sharon Sattin, Calgary Committee Member Roza Schwartsman, Makeup for Aharon Genish Fashion Video Chof Sella, Head of Music Program at CHW Hadassim Children and Youth Village Evelyn Sheftel Shapiro, Calgary Committee Member Betty Sherwood, Calgary Committee Member Michelle Shimonov, Musical Performance Tal Shimony, Videographer Hanit Tsur-Jacobs, Calgary Committee Member Zeev Twito, Director at CHW Hadassim Children and Youth Village Ruth Ullman, Calgary Committee Member Haya Vider, Styling for Aharon Genish Fashion Video Cathy Williams, CHW Calgary Centre Coordinator Rachel Lasry Zahavi, CHW Director, Israel Office Adda Zmora, Model for Aharon Genish Fashion Video