Union of Jewish Women makes member’s dream come true
HOUGHTON – There was barely a dry eye among those present when she went up to receive her prize.
As part of their annual commitment to help members travel abroad to meet their ‘long lost’ families living overseas, the Union of Jewish Women announced this year’s winner.
Edna Tolkin was announced on 25 July as the prize winner of the 2018 competition and even received gifts and cash to pamper herself. This was announced at the Union of Jewish Women Johannesburg’s Friendship Club lunch by co-convenor of the UJW Bobba/Zaida project, Bev Cohen.
The event was held at their centre based in Houghton on Oak Street and it was well attended by members of the union and the community.
A thrilled and gracious Tolkin received a return air ticket to visit family anywhere in the world. This was sponsored by an anonymous donor and Cohen said Tolkin was also given spending money, luggage, shoes, clothing, a manicure and pedicure, jewellery and a pamper pack for the trip.
“There was barely a dry eye among those present when she went up to receive her prizes,” said Cohen.
“Tolkin has no children in South Africa, and has not seen her daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren for eight years.”
Cohen said this is the reality for many elderly members of the community for whom visiting family overseas is simply beyond their means. She added that it was a privilege for the UJW to make Tolkin’s dream come true.
The Bobba/Zaida project is a longstanding one and each year applicants from the community are invited to enter.
Details: Bev Cohen 082 547 4770.
