Ginette Searle receives Masa award
CEO of the Zionist Federation of Australia, Ginette Searle, was among 12 women internationally who were recognised by Masa for their services in promoting Zionism.
GINETTE Searle, CEO of the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA), had plenty to be happy about on International Women’s Day on March 8.
To mark the annual day celebrating women, Searle received a prestigious award from Masa, the organisation that provides immersive Israel experiences for young Diaspora Jews.
She was among 12 women internationally who were recognised for their services in promoting Zionism, said Ofer Gutman, CEO of Masa, who noted the awardees “set high standards for future Jewish leaders who aspire to become agents of change. These 12 incredible women have made strides in their fields which will bring communities together amid turbulent times.”
The Masa CEO said Searle “as a Jewish leader, has created meaningful impact” within the communities she serves, and in turn, she “has inspired and strengthened global Jewry”.
“We recognise your role and influence as CEO of the Zionist Federation of Australia. Your longstanding commitment to the Jewish people and Israel, especially to young Jewish adults and Zionist youth movements, is commendable. Your commitment to building bridges to close the gap between Israel and Australia will impact generations for years to come.”
Searle has been ZFA’S CEO for more than a decade, having served as executive director of Zionism Victoria for several years before that. In her time at ZFA, she has worked tirelessly to deepen the connections between young Jewish adults and their personal connections to Israel.
As CEO, Searle has expanded ZFA in several operational areas within the movement. She said her service derives from her belief that young Jewish adults “should experience Israel to help inform and frame their identities, and that Masa is the vehicle for creating this profound change in greater connection and community involvement”.
To this end, ZFA launched Israel Go, under Searle’s leadership. Israel Go has already seen close to 200 young adults head to Israel in 2022 on gap-year programs with the assistance of grants.
“I’m honoured to have been included in this global list – and thank Masa for celebrating the contribution of women in Jewish community leadership,” Searle stated.
ZFA president Jeremy Leibler said, “I am incredibly proud of Ginette for this wonderful honour and cannot think of anyone more deserving of it.
“She is well respected throughout the Jewish world and has forged deep connections with our partners in Israel. I wish Ginette a very hearty mazal tov and look forward to seeing her continue to carry the Zionist movement from strength to strength.”
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