Merle Guttmann was born and educated in Zimbabwe and immigrated to Israel in 1962. She is well-known in Israeli Anglophone circles and Israel’s social and volunteer fields. A social planner, writer, editor and active community leader, she has held tens of positions serving Israeli society. Guttmann has an M.A. degree in Social Planning from Bar Ilan University, and a B.A. from Cape Town University. She has taught at the Tel Aviv and Bar Ilan Universities and worked in Israel for the National Insurance Institute, Maccabi Health Fund, Ministry of Defense, and other public bodies. She has authored many publications and articles. For over forty years Ms. Guttmann has been actively involved in the world of volunteering in Israel. She has helped set up numerous nonprofit organizations and served on their board of directors. Her most recent position (2003–2009) was chairperson of ETZA – Israel Self Help Center. She has also served on the boards of the Center of Small Businesses in Raanana (Mati), the Center for Family Peace (Herzliya), the National Council of Voluntarism in Israel, Telfed – South African Zionist Federation, the United Jewish Israel Appeal, and is a former member of the Kfar Shmaryahu Local Council. Guttmann was the founder and chairperson and is the Life President of ESRA – English Speaking Residents Association, a self help organization composed of volunteers assisting in the absorption of English speakers and a multitude of social and community welfare projects for immigrants from distressed countries, disadvantaged families and people with disabilities. She is also the Editor of the ESRA MAGAZINE which she initiated in 1979. Guttmann is the recipient of many awards for her contribution to Israeli society including the Israel President’s Award for Voluntarism (1992), the Prime Minister’s Award for Outstanding Volunteer Leadership (1999) and the Telfed Yakir Zion (2008).
by Merle Guttmann
A tribute to the late Motti Weiner who was an outstanding
more ...
volunteer – the creator and operator of the ESRA nearly new shops. He was “a gentleman in the grand sense of the word”.
Close
|
by Merle Guttmann
Esta Azouz came to live in Israel from the UK at the
more ...
age of 86. Having always been a volunteer she continued working for the community here in Israel. Setting up ESRA’s first knitting circle and sewing center for Ethiopians on Beerotayim caravan site, she also created an ESRA endowment fund. She remained involved in ESRA’s activities till the end of her life.
Close
|
by Merle Guttmann
Jules and Perla Fox were involved with ESRA in its
more ...
early days – Jules as legal editor and Perla initiated the idea of small donations for the ESRA Immigrant/Community Fund. Now living in the States, they continue to be very generous donors to ESRA and its welfare fund.
Close
|
by Merle Guttmann
Rika Meyerowitz, long time ESRA volunteer, laughingly
more ...
calls herself a "shlepper" since item collection has been one of her many tasks. Never daunted, Rika, a role model in the highest sense for volunteering, was coordinator of ESRAmagazine distribution, chairperson of the Herzliya branch, one of the initiators of Netanya Food Pantry, and much more.
Close
|
by Merle Guttmann
For over thirty years Stella Padeh has been volunteering
more ...
for ESRA in different capacities. In fact, she was one of ESRA’s first volunteers back in 1979. Twelve years ago Stella and her husband David moved to Modiin. She became involved in ESRA Modiin’s first committee. Very soon she became one of Modiin’s most active and involved volunteers
Close
|
|
by Merle Guttmann
Merle remembers Dr. Teddy Edelstein's ability to organize
more ...
fun events to raise money for ESRA's projects
Close
|
by Merle Guttmann
Israel Trakeniski, for 15 years in Israel, an economist,
more ...
has volunteered at the ESRA Techushons where he works with special needs children. His other voluntary work includes working with ambulance teams, teaching for Magen David Adom and teaching scuba diving to youth at risk.
Close
|
|
|
by Judy Fisher, Merle Guttmann
"A Woman of Valor" justly describes Anita Berman
more ...
who gave her time generously from delivering the first issues of ESRA MAGAZINE to organizing, creating and developing myriad activities for Russian pensioners. Merle Guttmann & Judy Fisher pay tribute to this outstanding person.
Close
|
|
by Merle Guttmann
Merle brings us the story of the artist, Lovemore Kambudzi,
more ...
who was born in Zimbabwe, and whose exhibition of paintings on migration was held recently in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Close
|
by Merle Guttmann
Inspired and curated by artist/teacher/art therapist
more ...
and curator, Isana Meirovich-Yaacov, 'A Close Look' comprises portraits the women of family members who have special meaning for them (parents, grandparents, children or grandchildren).
Close
|
by Merle Guttmann
Anonymously donated mezuzah cases from ESRA’s Ethiopian
more ...
Embroidery Project were presented to Benji’s Home. Scheduled to open soon, a co-founder of the home for lone combat soldiers, graciously accepted the donation and has sent an appreciative thank you note.
Close
|
Merle Guttmann