60. Esther Wakerman

100 Women of Influence

Esther was born a Sabra in 1951 to Sara and Joseph Moldovan, both Holocaust Survivors who had married after the war and immigrated to Israel.  After a challenging few years they joined other family members here in Australia.. Esther was 5 years old.  The family worked hard and Esther and her brother Alex were schooled here in Sydney.   After school she went to teachers college and taught primary school which she loved.

Her first introduction to Communal events was at 16 years of age, with her then boyfriend, Simon Wakerman, who escorted her to a JNF Queen Competition Ball sponsored by WIZO at the Trocadero in Sydney.  That was the beginning.  She was hooked!!  Not only by the message, but felt it was her duty to give back all she could to help and assist the women and children in need in Israel.

Her 40 year career within WIZO has been filled with so many highlights.  From being President of her group WIZO Yaffa for many years, to producing innovative and creative events and continually exploring new methods of fundraising.  Esther is forward looking, a visionary and always sees the bigger picture. She helped produce Fiddler on the Roof at NSW University for Wizo and was also Producer on a joint Production of West Side Story with Moriah College. Esther’s love of music and theatre as well as an audience encouraged her to be involved and participate in many WIZO comedy Reviews, fashion parades, fabulous guest speakers, panel discussions, New Years’ Eve parties, bagel brunches, dances, seminars…….How busy she was!  In these early years she was recruited by Leila Share  to join the Executive of WIZO NSW where she has remained ever since.  She has been President WIZO NSW twice and has led with passion and positivity   Esther exudes enthusiasm and excitement and her wisdom, experience and knowledge of WIZO is to be admired.  She has always used this knowledge to inspire and mentor new and emerging groups. Esther instigated and facilitated educational retreats to inspire Wizo groups.  Esther worked in the WIZO office as Office Manager and therefore understands what is needed to keep the wheels running smoothly.

She has been a most worthy recipient of WIZO’s highest accolade, the Rebecca Seiff award (Lorna check spelling of Seiff)

Her Communal activities have not only been limited to WIZO.  Esther was President of the P&C at Moriah College and was invited to be on the Board of Moriah also.

The young man who escorted her to her first communal event has been her supportive husband for 49 years, they have 3 married sons, 5 grandchildren and Esther is still as busy as ever.

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