FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, April 6, 2000
Contact: | Sunny Mindel/Curt Ritter 212-788-2958 |
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani this morning hosted a breakfast at Gracie Mansion to recognize the achievements of the Women's International Zionist Organization (WIZO), whose work has built on the longstanding tradition of friendship and mutual support between New York City and Israel. Evelyn Sommer, President of WIZO USA, Susan Sanders, Chairman of WIZO New York, and Ilona Oltuski, WIZO Membership Campaign Chairman, presented the Mayor with a Certificate of Recognition for his support of the organization.
"New York City is home to more people of the Jewish faith than any City outside Israel," said Mayor Giuliani. "Today, the vibrant Jewish communities throughout our City contribute to the culture, character and economy of New York in hundreds of ways. And for over eighty years the Women's International Zionist Organization has helped thousands of people in need. Their dedication to providing support to many of society's most vulnerable -- such as children, new immigrants, and the elderly -- is inspiring. I commend you for your support of outreach to victims of domestic violence and I want to thank you for all that you do to help cultivate a community of support and friendship among Jewish women throughout the world."
Evelyn Sommer, President of WIZO, USA, said, "It is a privilege to be here for the WIZO membership ceremony that honors our dedicated volunteers. We are grateful to Mayor Giuliani for being the Mayor of all the citizens of New York regardless of race or religion and for his heartfelt support for the State of Israel and WIZO."
Founded in 1920, WIZO is a voluntary organization that cares for women, children and their families, and provides aid to a variety of social service providers throughout the world. It has a worldwide membership of 250,000 women in 52 countries.
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