Na’amat Canada and Na’amat USA unite members from across the globe to celebrate 100 years

(AJNews) – Over the Victoria Day weekend, more than 150 Na’amat members from Canada, the United States, Argentina and representatives from Na’amat Israel gathered in Toronto to celebrate the Na’amat Canada and USA centennial – reflecting on 100 years of accomplishments and looking ahead to the future. The Canadian chair of this historic event was the Na’amat Canada National President, Susan Inhaber, who remarked, “Our members gained so much from this weekend and returned home invigorated and inspired to do even more for our organization and its mission.” As a lifelong Calgarian, she added, “I was very proud that 6 enthusiastic members from Calgary attended to celebrate with me.”

“It was wonderful to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and welcome Na’amat Israel and International President Hagit Pe’er and Shirli Shavit, Director of Na’amat’s International Department and Scholarship Fund,” said Stephanie Sacks, President of Na’amat Canada Calgary. “Hagit and Shirli provided updates on the current situation in Israel, shared our recent achievements, and outlined what still needs to be done to continue empowering women, children, and families in Israel.”

Following the centennial weekend, Na’amat Canada’s executive committed to raising $180,000 to furnish the newly constructed Kanot Middle School — part of the Kanot Youth Village and boarding school. This initiative will ensure that 350 middle school students can begin classes on September 1, 2025.

Most students at Kanot Youth Village have faced challenges in the mainstream school system and come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Many would have fallen through the cracks without the individualized care and mentorship the school provides. With this expansion, a total of 700 middle and high school students will benefit from a nurturing environment that fosters academic success and builds self-confidence. Notably, over half of these students live on campus due to unstable or unsafe home environments. The comprehensive care and education they receive offer them a real chance to lead fulfilling lives and become valuable contributors to Israeli society.

Established in 1925, Na’amat Canada is a Jewish women’s non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women and children of all faiths in both Canada and Israel. In Calgary, local initiatives include:

• The School Supplies for Kids program,
• An annual bursary for a female student at Bow Valley College,
• And the Providing the Essentials program, which supplies personal hygiene and cleaning products to clients at Jewish Family Services Calgary.

In Israel, Na’amat is the country’s largest provider of social services for women, children, and families. It operates 135 daycare centres, vocational and agricultural high schools for at-risk youth, legal aid services, women’s health centres, mental health counseling, a domestic violence shelter, and more.

For more information, visit: www.naamat.com