Australian Projects Supported in Israel
WIZO WA funds and supports major social welfare, educational and community programs that protect vulnerable women, children, teenagers and families in Israel. Through these vital projects, we provide safety, stability, and opportunity for those at risk.
Protect
Educate
Rebuild
- Domestic violence shelters and support centers for women and children.
- Safe havens for teenagers at risk.
- Daycare centres and kindergartens offering high-quality early childhood learning.
- Vocational schools and youth villages for academic and creative excellence.
- Crisis intervention and trauma relief for families affected by conflict.
- Community programs that strengthen resilience and social integration.
Key Australia Projects Supported in Israel
We actively connect our local WA WIZO community with their heritage and peers in Israel through unique engagement initiatives.
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WIZO Australian and WA specifically proudly sponsor these projects:
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WIZO Ahuzat Yeladim Youth Village – Rehabilitation and therapeutic support- Haifa
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WIZO Raya Jaglom Multipurpose Day Care Centre – Tel Aviv
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WIZO Chorley Day Care Centre– Ra’anana
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WIZO Shikun Mizrach Day Care Centre – Rishon Le Tzion
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The Rae and Tom Mandel WIZO Centre – Modi’in
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Safety Net Program
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Joy Balkin Day Care Centre - Katamon, JerusalemÂ
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Makom Ba Lev Emergency Housing and Treatment Centre for Young Women - Be’er Sheva
WIZO 'Open House' in Sderot
The Sderot "Open House" stands as a vital cornerstone of WIZO’s mission in Israel, evolving from a local hub into a specialised Post-Trauma Therapy & Community Resilience Center. This transformation directly addresses the profound emotional and psychological wounds within the Gaza Envelope communities after the tragedy of October 7, 2023.
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Moving beyond mere physical safety—such as fortified shelters—our focus is now on deep, restorative healing. We are committed to mending the social fabric of Sderot by providing essential mental health resources for every generation, from the very young to the elderly.
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Currently, the center provides a lifeline for over 360 weekly attendees, including:
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150 parents and children seeking stability.
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140 women and 40 men in supportive care.
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Targeted therapy for bereaved widows and adolescents.
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The upcoming facility will introduce seven specialized healing environments, made possible by our global WIZO family:
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The Open Heart: A welcoming central gathering space (WIZO Brazil)
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Art Therapy Center: Healing through creative expression (WIZO Brazil)
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Play Therapy Center: A sanctuary for childhood recovery (WIZO Germany)
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Outdoor Community Garden: Therapeutic connection with nature
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Shared Workspace: Fostering local entrepreneurship (WIZO Australia)
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Women’s Empowerment Center: Building skills and confidence (WIZO Australia)
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Musical Garden: Find peace through therapeutic sound (WIZO Australia)
To help fund these projects, visit our Gift Menu.
Our History
Founded on a vision of empowerment and resilience, WIZO WA has been a pillar of support for the Israeli Jewish community for decades. Our journey began with a small group of dedicated women who believed in the power of collective action to change lives in Israel and beyond.
Throughout the years, we have expanded our reach, funding critical social welfare programs and educational initiatives that protect the most vulnerable. Our history is a testament to the enduring bond between the Australian Jewish community and the people of Israel.
WIZO WA has been in existence since 1948 when Rebecca Sieff undertook the trip to visit Perth to meet with Vera Rosenwax and Hannah Breckler, two wonderful ladies who wanted to establish WIZO in Western Australia. This first group of ladies formed the Galil group, which was active for many years. Sadly we have none of those much loved ladies with us today.
With the first fundraising event raising the princely sum of 265 Pounds, WIZO WA was on its way. No kosher catering was available in Perth in those early years, and it was the women of WIZO Galil who undertook to provide kosher catering for every function in our community. Fish was fried in laundries, homes were pervaded with the smells of delicious cooking and meals transported across town in the women’s cars. After some years Rabbi Coleman decreed that home catering should be no more, and WIZO was given a kitchen in the Jewish Centre. Catering by WIZO existed for many years, but has long ceased to be the mainstay of WIZO in Perth. Over the years there has been a diverse range of activities to raise funds for Israel.Â
Art exhibitions, starting with the Salec Minc Exhibition and spearheaded by Debra Majteles and WIZO Golan, became a regular fixture in our calendar with some of the best local artists exhibiting their work, and raising large amounts for Israel. Craft Fairs, the brainchild of WIZO Ilana, also became a regular successful fundraising event, as did musical shows produced by Diane Cohen, Lyn Kooperman, Judy Freedman, Ilana Klevansky and Heather Kur, with huge success.  WIZO WA’s Golan group is proud to have produced 6 Cookbooks, and our groups have presented many cultural events, jazz music events, dances, even events which one can pay NOT to attend!  The creativity of the Perth WIZO groups has known no bounds.
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federations around the world
250,000
active members worldwide
4,000000
Vulnerable Israeli lives changed
FEDERATIONS AROUND THE WORLD