3 minute read
Lion of Judah Society members enjoy brunch
By Gail Smith, Lion of Judah Co-chair
Royal Poinciana Golf Club provided a beautiful setting for the Lion of Judah member brunch on March 17. Held in the lovely Garden Room and decorated with a variety of spring flowers within a white bird cage, the spring theme continued with napkin rings featuring birds and butterflies. The 52 attending members considered the brunch and speaker a roaring success!
Speaker Jeannie Opdyke Smith described an emotional story of horrific events endured by her mother, Irena Opdyke, the heroine of the day. Celebrated as a Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem for saving lives during the Holocaust, Irena was a Catholic woman. Her daughter describes the stunning brutality, sexual assaults, eventual survival and the amazing coincidences that followed her life’s story. This smart, strongwilled, savvy woman saved others through her cunning intelligence, both during and after the war. She made it her life’s work to make sure the world could not deny the atrocities and inhumane brutality that occurred during the Holocaust.
Irena’s daughter became the torch bearer of her mother’s personal story in an emotional and moving way, bringing many teary eyes to the audience. In the end, this story of courage and resilience during the darkest hours of human history became a positive, uplifting dialogue.
Describing her mother’s inspiring life has become Smith’s life’s work. For her efforts, she received a Lion of Judah pin, which she proudly wears to all her speaking events. Our Lions felt she was truly one of us and were incredibly honored and grateful to hear her mother’s story.
Our thanks to the Jewish Film Festival for sharing Smith with us. The engaging film, “Irena’s Vow,” was shown later that evening at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center.
Lion of Judah Co-chair Estelle Price and I appreciate the strong support from our Greater Naples Lion of Judah Pride throughout this year. Please keep an eye on your mailbox for next season’s save the date card. We are already hard at work planning a fantastic season of events.
We hope everyone enjoys a wonderful spring and summer and look forward to seeing every Lion during the 2024-25 season. Happy Passover!
