Merle Guttmann

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).

PzazzBand’s Year of Giving

PzazzBand’s Year of Giving

by Merle Guttmann

The PzazzBand, with singer Gilda Hami, has been graciously more ...
GIDON LEVITAS THE SPIRIT OF ESRA

GIDON LEVITAS THE SPIRIT OF ESRA

by Merle Guttmann

Imbued with the Spirit of ESRA, Gidon Levitas has been more ...
After 32 years our longest-running group finally ends

After 32 years our longest-running group finally ends

by Judy Fisher, Merle Guttmann

Thirty-two years ago, an ESRA Friendship Club began, more ...
NAOMI ARIEL - THE SPIRIT OF ESRA-156

NAOMI ARIEL - THE SPIRIT OF ESRA-156

by Merle Guttmann

For twenty years Naomi Ariel has been an active ESRA more ...
Shifting sands

Shifting sands

by Merle Guttmann

A change in Israel’s demographics brings back vivid more ...
A big honor for Mr Martial Arts

A big honor for Mr Martial Arts

by Merle Guttmann

The Ministry of Culture and Sport has presented Dr more ...
 Ita Weiner - passed away in 2006

Ita Weiner - passed away in 2006

by Merle Guttmann

Ita Weiner - passed away in 2006 more ...
40 Years an Editor

40 Years an Editor

by Merle Guttmann

Merle tells the story of ESRAmagazine from the time more ...
While Crowd Waits, Mandela Plays With Babies

While Crowd Waits, Mandela Plays With Babies

by Merle Guttmann

One of the less well-known attributes of Nelson Mandela more ...
Short Story Contest Winners

Short Story Contest Winners

by Merle Guttmann

The standard of entries for the Short Story competition more ...
SPIRIT OF ESRA: MERVYN MEDICKS 1928-2010

SPIRIT OF ESRA: MERVYN MEDICKS 1928-2010

by Fiona Kaufman, Merle Guttmann

Mervyn Medicks was born in Nairobi, Kenya in 1928 and more ...
A Word From the Editor

A Word From the Editor

by Merle Guttmann

ESRA Magazine Issue 198 editorial more ...
From the Editor

From the Editor

by Merle Guttmann

ESRA Magazine Issue 192 Editorial more ...
From the Editor

From the Editor

by Merle Guttmann

ESRA Magazine Issue 193 Editorial more ...
 
Script Execution Time: 1711690645.848 seconds-->