Brenda Katten was born and educated in London, UK. She was a member of Bnei Akiva and the Federation of Zionist Youth (FZY). Professionally she worked as a Relationship and Educational Counselor in the remedial and education fields having obtained qualification from the British Association of Counselors. She and her architect husband, John, came to live in Israel in 1998.
Brenda is a past chairperson in England of: British WIZO (and is currently Honorary President); the Zionist Federation of Great Britain and Ireland; Bnai Brith Hillel Foundation. She was chairperson of the Governors one of the largest Jewish Day Schools in London.
In Israel she is currently Chairperson of ESRA – English Speaking Residents Association; Co- Chairperson of Europeans for Israel.
Her past voluntary positions in Israel include: Chairperson of Israel, Britain and the Commonwealth Association; Chairperson of World WIZO Public Affairs and NGO Department. Chairperson of World WIZO Public Relations Department and Editor of the newsletter, The Fuller Picture and Executive Member of the International Council of Women (ICW). Brenda has been a delegate for Israel at the international conferences of the United Nations’ Annual Commission on the Status of Women in New York; United Nations Conference against Racism in Durban (2001); Women Defending Peace in Geneva (2004).
Brenda has three children and eight grandchildren.
by Brenda Katten
In 1979, our Honorary President and Editor, Merle Guttmann,
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founded ESRA,which now boasts branches from Nahariya to Eilat, In 2019, ESRA’s flagship project “Students build a Community” will be celebrating its bar mitzvah year and marking ESRA’s 40th birthday. To celebrate, ESRA is putting together an event with top lecturers and musical entertainment.
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by Brenda Katten
Family, friends and ESRA colleagues gathered together
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to pay tribute to 14 outstanding volunteers at ESRA’s Biennial Volunteer Award ceremony.
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by Brenda Katten
ESRA supports the “Masa Journey to Identity” program
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that enables Ethiopian Israeli teenagers, aged between 15 and 16, to have the opportunity of visiting Ethiopia, to explore their roots and to learn more about their heritage. The first journey took place in December 2016.
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by Brenda Katten
A starry night of awards and accolades was enjoyed
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by a large crowd honoring 16 stalwart ESRA volunteer workers. All were treated to Col Miri Eisin’s excellent keynote address.
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by Brenda Katten
Brenda Katten, co-chairperson of ESRA, has written
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an open letter to the Israel Broadcasting Authority asking why, at a time when Israel so needs to be heard, have they silenced the TV News in English.
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by Brenda Katten
Brenda Katten's final Chairperson's message covers
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her four years of heading ESRA and highlights the essence of this volunteer organization paying tribute to its members participation in all that is to offer and her gratification at its expansion.
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by Brenda Katten
Herzl’s dream of a Jewish homeland has been realized.
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Brenda Katten identifies Ezra’s successful mission of expansion and assistance to Israelis in need at this time, the anniversary of the first Zionist congress and extends warm Rosh Hashanah wishes to readers..
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by Brenda Katten
At a thrilling end of year ceremony the Netanya Municipality
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and its Mayor Miriam Feirberg paid tribute to ESRA for all it has done and continues to do for Netanya. Brought together for the first time: all three Students Build a Community projects entertained the audience with song and dance
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by Brenda Katten
"Tel Aviv can be likened to New York City in that they
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are both named 'the city that never sleeps'." Brenda Katten, ESRA's Chairperson, suggest a new phrase “The ESRA that never sleeps”. She tells of the variety of activities in which the organization is involved, and how these benefit so many of the needy, and in so many ways.
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by Brenda Katten
Brenda reports on the strategic planning that the ESRA
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organisation is doing. She says that we're taking a look at every aspect of ESRA ... our strengths and weaknesses. She also re-confirms that as "the lucky ones" we have the freedom to live and to give in the State of Israel.
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by Brenda Katten
Brenda Katten reports on the ESRA regional meetings
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and discusses why ESRA is different from other organizations.
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by Brenda Katten
Eminent conductor, composer, and pianist Gil Shohat
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provided a stunning performance in aid of ESRA's Hand-in- Hand Food Pantry program to provide food to families in need. Gil's motto has always been: "As long as there is one hungry child in Israel – I will perform."
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by Brenda Katten
Brenda Katten, ESRA's Chairperson, reports on the ESRA
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AGM, and lists ESRA's achievements and goals for the coming year.
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by Brenda Katten
ESRA’s Students Build a community annual Scholarship
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Award Event is one of the most outstanding happenings in our calendar. 13 students working within ESRA’s ‘Students Build a community project received scholarships this year – and thanks went especially to the donors who have generously made this possible.
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Brenda Katten