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
The PzazzBand, with singer Gilda Hami, has been graciously
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performing at ESRA charity concerts in numerous branches this year. They were greatly enjoyed by audiences in Carmiel, Netanya, Raanana, Rehovot, Modiin and Herzliya.
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by Merle Guttmann
Imbued with the Spirit of ESRA, Gidon Levitas has been
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an active ESRA volunteer for over 26 years, involved in several projects: the ESRA magazine, the local Netanya committee, tutoring English to high school students, the Sewing Centers for Ethiopians, the Hand-in-Hand Food Pantry and the Welfare Committee applications.
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by Judy Fisher, Merle Guttmann
Thirty-two years ago, an ESRA Friendship Club began,
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to meet the needs of ‘young-at-heart’ residents of Herzliya and surrounding communities. Age wasn’t important but friendships created were. Sadly, with membership declining, the club has decided to formally end however friendships continue
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by Merle Guttmann
For twenty years Naomi Ariel has been an active ESRA
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volunteer and an initiator of several important projects. Her involvement with ESRA, her caring, her creativity, her constancy and her hard work show the true spirit of ESRA.
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by Merle Guttmann
A change in Israel’s demographics brings back vivid
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memories for Merle Guttmann when ESRA financed and built a tukul for an arts and crafts center and opened 21 learning centers for newly-arrived immigrants from Ethiopia and the Former Soviet Union.
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by Merle Guttmann
The Ministry of Culture and Sport has presented Dr
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Dennis Hanover the “Life Achievement Award 2012” for his contribution to developing martial arts in Israel. Merle describes Dennis' outstanding career and many achievements from the early days in South Africa to this latest award.
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by Merle Guttmann
Merle tells the story of ESRAmagazine from the time
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she first hatched the idea in 1979 when it just a few pages in black and white up to the magnificent full color and professional magazine that we have today. We learn of Merle's determination and clear vision through the ups and downs of the magazines life story - a fascinating and awe-inspiring tale
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by Merle Guttmann
One of the less well-known attributes of Nelson Mandela
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was his great love of children. A newspaper clipping recalls an unforgettable moment in February 1990.
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by Merle Guttmann
The standard of entries for the Short Story competition
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was so high, our panel of judges had a hard time picking the winning 12. Merle lists the winners and provides a brief biography of each one. They are:Patricia Carmel, Racheli Fuld, Gaby Fulda Ilan Hirschowitz, Sue Krisman, Susan Lowinger, Marion Lupu, Richelle Shem-Tov, Jackie Shulman, Dov Silverman, Yonatan Sredni and Jessica Strauss.
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by Fiona Kaufman, Merle Guttmann
Mervyn Medicks was born in Nairobi, Kenya in 1928 and
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came to Israel with his Israeli-born wife and two small sons in 1961. For many years he was well known in computer centers, and some ten years ago he became an active volunteer in ESRA, working with bagrut students at the Metrowest school. Testimony to Mervyn's successful work and the impact he had with students can be read in the article by Fiona Kaufman and the letters in their original form from some of the students whose lives he touched.
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Merle Guttmann