Love for Israel from generation to generation
Benjamin Waldman, who directed Jewish National Fund-USA New Jersey in its Teaneck office, and his wife, Annette, formerly of New Milford, were recently memorialized by their daughter, lawyer Michele Waldman-Wegodsky, and her family in Halutza, Israel.
The Waldman-Wegodskys, from Highland Park, dedicated a new daycare center in Halutza, which is in a remote area of Israel between the Egyptian and Gaza borders. Halutza, an affiliate of Jewish National Fund-USA, works to support growth and development on Israel’s frontiers, the remote southern and northern regions.
For the Waldman-Wegodsky family, supporting one of the organization’s initiatives was a natural fit. Michele remembered growing up in a home infused with a deep love for Israel. “It wasn’t just a job for my father, it was the source of a lot of happiness and pride,” she said.
A plaque in honor of her generosity and in memory of her parents is outside of the daycare. “People sacrifice a lot to live here,” she said. “I feel very proud to be supporting Halutza.”
The next generation of the Waldman-Wegodsky family is also supporting Halutza. Ms. Waldman-Wegodsky’s daughter, Melanie, has embarked on her own career at Jewish National Fund-USA.
“Michele’s generosity is coming from a beautiful place of honoring her father’s love for education and for empowering the next generation of the Jewish people,” Anna Millstein, director of the Central New Jersey office of the Jewish National Fund-USA, said. “This partnership with the people of Halutza reminds our brothers and sisters there that we are always there for them, in good times and bad, that the Jewish people worldwide share our love and help each other with our burdens. Michele’s commitment to Halutza extends beyond this daycare into a real love for the community and this plaque finally provides a physical and visible testament to that.”
comments