CHW MONTREAL CENTRE
Newsbulletin
Presidents’ Message Dear Friends, I am writing this message at an unprecedented time in recent history. The Covid-19 quarantine has changed everything about our everyday lives, with far reaching consequences for all of us. At CHW, we are trying to adjust to the new realities. All of our upcoming events and fundraisers have been postponed or cancelled for the foreseeable future, but our commitments have not changed. The students at our schools and daycares, the patients at The Shamir Medical Centre (Assaf Harofeh) and Hadassah Hospital, and the women who rely on our shelters, are depending on CHW now more than ever. We are appealing to you, our friends and supporters, to please give generously to the Annual Campaign. With your support, CHW will be able to continue to meet the needs of our stakeholders and persevere in these murky times. You can make your gift online at www.chw.ca, return your pledge card by mail, or call CHW Montreal at 514-933-8461. If you have already made your gift for 2020, we appreciate your commitment to CHW. Thank you to all our valuable CHW Montreal Centre Supporters who make our important work possible. Stay safe and healthy!
Alicia Epstein CHW Montreal Centre President
CHW Montreal Centre: Telephone: 514-933-8461 Email: info@montreal.chw.ca Web: www.chw.ca/montreal Address: 6900 Decarie Boulevard Suite 3405 Montreal, QC H3X 2T8
SPRING 2020
What’s Inside...
• Project Updates: CHW on the Front Lines • In conversation with Natalie Batalion • Centre Activities Canadian Hadassah-WIZO (CHW) passionately supports programs and services for Children, Healthcare, and Women in Israel and Canada.
Your Donations at Work
Next Phase of COVID-19: Update from Hadassah Ein Kerem Faced with the new reality of treating an escalating number of individuals with COVID-19, Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem is preparing to accommodate 200 to 300 patients on ventilators. “We hope we won’t get there,” Ein Kerem director Prof. Yoram Weiss told Hadassah International supporters during a Zoom meeting, “but at this point, Hadassah is far away from being at its maximum capabilities.” He added, “People with ailments other than COVID-19 need not be afraid to come to our hospital. We are very well-equipped to treat patients who don’t have the coronavirus.” In addition, Prof. Weiss noted that Hadassah Ein Kerem is training more physicians and ventilator technicians. “Support staff are very important in the monitoring of these patients,” he said. While Prof. Weiss emphasized that, at this point, “there is no proven treatment for COVID-19,” he reported that Hadassah is at the forefront of conducting both preclinical and clinical studies to evaluate potential treatments for COVID-19 patients. These studies, he said, are being conducted with sufficient safeguards, so no patients will be harmed.” To ensure that appropriate scientific and ethical standards are followed, an Institutional Review Board meets weekly to evaluate, approve, and prioritize those studies. In offering advice to those hospitals that have not yet dealt with a major outbreak of COVID-19, Prof. Weiss’ caveat is clear: Understand that a relatively large percentage of the patients who are asymptomatic are indeed infected with the coronavirus. The danger of ignoring this fact, he explained, is that “healthcare workers will be infected by those asymptomatic patients. It’s important to tell the hospital workforce, ‘don’t come to work if you are sick’.” When asked when we might see a light at the end of the tunnel, Prof. Weiss said, “I have no clue when it will end.” However, he suspects that the strategy will be to ask the elderly and other more vulnerable individuals to remain in isolation while letting young people gradually come out of the current quarantine. With your support of the CHW Annual Campaign, CHW is able to meet its commitments to important institutions, like Hadassah Hospital, so that they can pursue their research. Your donations impact patients in Israel and beyond.
Project Update
Hadassah Academic College When Dr. Ayelet Arbel-Eden, Head of the Medical Laboratory Sciences Department, is not teaching her students online, she is volunteering at Hadassah Hospital’s virology lab. The lab has dramatically scaled up its efforts to triple the number of COVID-19 tests daily. Dr. Arbel-Eden received special training by her former student Eilat Peretz, a graduate of the department, who is responsible for the cutting-edge testing conducted by a new robot operator (Qiasymphony) which can test 96 samples simultaneously. Dr. Arbel-Eden shares, “I feel proud and blessed to work side by side with such dedicated colleagues and graduates.”
From left: Ayelet Peretz, Dr. Ayelet Arbel-Eden, Dr. Tamar Leicht
Please help us support our projects on the front lines
www.chw.ca
Canadian Young Judaea (CYJ) Scholarships: In conversation with Natalie Batalion
CHW Montreal acknowledges the generosity of Natalie Batalion and the Batshaw family in memory of her father Lewis Batshaw in support of CHW Scholarships for Canadian Young Judaea (CYJ). In recognition of their gift, a star was placed on the Neri J. Bloomfield Wall of Honour in the CHW Montreal Centre. Their impactful gift funds two very important CYJ programs, JOLT and Biluim Israel. JOLT, or Jewish Outreach Leadership Training, is CYJ’s flagship program for teenagers. Throughout the year, the teens perform community service and have the opportunity to engage in active, social causes while receiving hands-on experience volunteering. Biluim Israel is a five-week trip to Israel, which is the culmination of CYJ’s camping experience. The influence of this trip is tremendous as it provides the building blocks for developing a deep connection with Israel, fostering a strong Jewish identity. We asked Natalie to share with us her connection to CHW and CYJ. Can you tell us a bit about your family’s history/background with CHW? The love for the Jewish community and Israel has been handed down from generation to generation on my father’s side of the family. My grandfather, Justice Harry Batshaw, had been very involved in the Jewish community and in helping to build
the state of Israel. My grandmother, Dr Anne Tarshis, had been involved with CHW. My great uncle, Manny Batshaw, had served the Jewish community in Montreal his entire life. My father had a strong belief in Israel, identified strongly with being Jewish and with giving back to the community. Why did your family choose to have your major gift earmarked toward Scholarships at Canadian Young Judaea? My father cared very much about kids and camp. He felt it was very important to instill Jewish values in youth. Jewish camp had a very special place in his heart and he had fond memories of his experiences at camp, the friends that he made and the relationships he maintained throughout his life. We couldn’t think of a better way to honour his memory and legacy. Are you involved with the Jewish community in New York City? Yes, my husband and I are very involved in the Jewish community in New York City. We are on various fundraising committees and have chaired a variety of fundraising events. We both grew up with the strong values of giving tzedakah and helping the Jewish community. Before moving to New York, I worked at CJA and I have been working at the JCC in Manhattan for the past 9 years. In March, Alicia Epstein, CHW Montreal Centre President and Alanna Elias, CHW Montreal Centre Coordinator had an opportunity to make a presentation about CHW to CYJ’s JOLT group. CHW was a perfect fit for their session on “Women Leaders in Jewish History.”
CHW Women of Distinction
From left: Natalie Batalion with her daughter Alexandra and mother Huguette Batshaw
Alicia Epstein and Alanna Elias with JOLT members and leaders.
It is with great appreciation that we thank David Cohen for his important contribution to CHW on behalf of his mother, Diane Cohen, and sisters, Robyn and Caroline. The gift in their names will be allocated Robyn and Diane Cohen at last year’s CHW to CHW’s commitment to Bridge Luncheon in honour of the late upgrade the CHW Debbie Anabel M. Louis. Eisenberg and Gary Levene Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at The Shamir Medical Centre (Assaf Harofeh). In recognition of his generosity, they are each acknowledged as CHW Women of Distinction. Their impactful gift will help save the lives of children in need of critical medical care. The Cohen family has a strong and longstanding bond with CHW, as their matriarch Anabel Louis was a founding and active member of the Tel Hai Chapter. At CHW, we are inspired by the generosity and dedication the Cohen family has shown to our organization over the years.
Centre Activities Beauty School 101
In September 2019, CHW Montreal partnered with Annie Young Boutique Spa in Westmount to offer young women an opportunity to network while learning beauty skills. Chaired by Naomi Kincler and Julie Marcus, it was a fun and engaging evening of makeup tutorials and skin consultations enjoyed by all. The evening offered a wonderful opportunity to connect, engage and share.
From left: Sharleen Young, Naomi Kincler, and Julie Marcus
Chanukah Luncheon
CHW Montreal hosted a festive Chanukah Luncheon featuring award-winning Canadian author, Gabriella Goliger. Gabriella captivated us all with her presentation as she read passages from her most recent novel, Eva Salomon’s War. Roslyn Joseph, CHW National Board Member, shared valuable information about CHW projects in Israel. She emphasized the important and impactful work that CHW supports and highlighted features of various technological advances. The bottom line is that we make a difference and we should all be very proud. The festive afternoon was thoroughly enjoyed by our members and friends, and everyone generously contributed food items that were donated to MADA for their holiday food baskets.
From left: Erin Gabbay and Jill Chandler
CHW Montreal Art Auction
In November 2019, CHW Montreal held its annual Art Auction at the chic Kandy Gallery. Over $70,000 was raised in support of the Na’aleh Program at the Hadassim Children and Youth Village. Our honoree was the talented artist John Barkley and there was much excitement with the flurry of active bidding on the artwork that he showcased that evening. In addition to enjoying delicious cocktails, our guests were bidding on the eclectic artwork that was up for auction, varying from trendy street art to eye-catching, colourful still-life. A special thank you to the dedicated committee who prepared months in advance selecting the pieces and worked diligently on the gallery set-up. Always appreciated is the talent of our Auctioneer Neil Horowitz, who entertained and encouraged bidding with his wit and humour.
From left: Alicia Epstein, John The dedicated members of the Barkley, featured artist, and Sarah Art Auction Committee Hutman
From left: Guest speaker Gabriella Goliger and Alicia Epstein, Montreal Centre President
From left: Rhoda Dubin, Marsha Ptack, Susie Balinsky and Maxine Sanders (seated)
Passover Baskets
In March, CHW Montreal had to cancel our Passover Basket assembly and deliveries due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Everyone was asked to consider replacing the baskets they were sending with donations to provide Passover meals for students at the CHW Hadassim Youth Village in Israel. We are very thankful for the overwhelmingly positive response and greatly appreciate the ongoing commitment to our fundraising efforts by our friends and sponsors.
CHW Mahjong Game Night (Postponed) We look forward to hosting our sold-out Mahjong Game Night in honour of Hildie Gossack, originally scheduled for April 30, when it is safe to do so. Hildie has been leading our Mahjong classes for over a year and From left: Susan and Hildie we are appreciative of her dedication Bercovitch Gossack and commitment to CHW.
Canasta and Mahjong Lessons
Our fabulous volunteers
From left: Joan Zafran, Lisa Kasner, Karen Flam and Ann Nagley
CHW Montreal is grateful to Hildie Gossack, Rhona Samsonovitch, and their teaching assistants who have been volunteering their time to bring the joys of Mahjong and Canasta to interested students. Although our spring sessions have been delayed, we look forward to offering classes in the near future. To add your name to a waiting list, please call the CHW Montreal Centre at 514-933-8461 or email info@montreal.chw.ca.
Join the growing list of Sustainers Sustainers are the heartbeat of CHW, enabling change and improving lives. CHW Sustainers pledge an annual gift of $1,000 or more in perpetuity (only $83.50 monthly). Every Sustainer receives an attractive sterling silver pin (made in Israel) and recognition in CHW publications. Help us answer the growing needs for all who depend on our collective help, showing them just how much we care. Your generosity makes all the difference! Anonymous (2) Azrieli Family Foundation Susan Balinsky Renna Bassal Carol Berall Eleonora Berku (Honoring her great-grandchildren, Adam, Eva, Raina and Kiren)
Bernice Brownstein Clarice Brownstein Kolomeir Gloria Burnett Marion Caplan Diane Cohen Leba & Jack Cooperstone Mollie Corber Shirley Croll Roslyn Druckman Rhoda Dubin Frieda Dym Bina Ellen Naomi & Arnold z’l Garber Leo & Shirley Goldfarb Fdtn. Sue Green Saryl Gross Lynda Grossman Sarah Hutman
Roslyn Joseph Judy Katsof Shirley Konigsberg Sonja Langburt Elizabeth Laxer Sheila Nemtin Levine Florence & Sheldon Miller Luba Miller Anita Morris Joan Morris Lucy Nisker Vita E. Novick Sarah Pomerantz Marsha Ptack Dorothy Reitman Dundi & Lyon Sachs Bea Schachter Evelyn Bloomfield Schachter Marcy Segall Harriet Star Dr. Mireille Steinberg Beverly Suliteanu Fowler Maidy Teitelbaum Susan Wainberg Zees Wenger
Monthly Giving The Circle of Chai is an effective way of supporting the Annual Campaign by contributing a minimum monthly gift of $18. Monthly giving makes a big difference a little at a time – and offers a continuous and reliable source of funding for CHW projects and programs. Call CHW Montreal Centre at 514-933-8461 to start contributing monthly and stand proudly in the Circle. CHW Montreal Circle of Chai Members: Anonymous Susan Abramowitz Carrie Bogante Rhona Samsonovitch Rhonda Schwartz Sandra Sterling
CHW Shuk A Treasure For My Daughter The 14th edition features a comprehensive blessings chapter, traditional recipes, and explanations of the Jewish holidays. $36 per copy. To order your book, contact CHW Montreal Centre at 514-933-8461 or order online at www.chw.ca/montreal.