WIZO heartbroken by death of NSW president Berger

WIZO NSW has paid tribute to its president Nilly Berger, who passed away this morning , following a recent period of ill health.

In 2020, Berger had received WIZO’s highest honour – The Rebecca Sieff Award – for her outstanding service to the cause of WIZO, and she also was a past recipient of WIZO’s Denny Govendir Award.

In a beautiful message posted this afternoon on its social media sites, WIZO NSW said, “We are heartbroken and deeply saddened” by Berger’s sudden passing, and described her as “an extraordinary leader” who was “passionate, smart, strong, and deeply devoted” to WIZO and its community.

“Her warmth, dedication and unwavering commitment touched so many lives.

“We feel incredibly privileged to have known Nilly, and to have witnessed the remarkable impact she made.

“Her legacy will live on through the countless people she inspired and the community she loved so deeply.

“Our heartfelt condolences go to Nilly’s family, friends and the entire WIZO community. May her memory be a blessing.”

Born in Israel, Berger chose to be involved with WIZO more than 40 years ago to maintain her connection to Israel’s people with likeminded women, and formed lifelong friendships.

She was appointed to the NSW Executive by the late former president of the organisation, Leila Share, and was elected president in May 2022.

World WIZO president Anat Vidor – a former WIZO NSW president and executive director who first met Berger in 2007 – said WIZO has “lost one of its finest leaders” and she will mourn her passing with “profound sadness.

“She led with humility, integrity, quiet strength, and unwavering dedication,” Vidor said.

“Nilly was a mentor, and always stood up for what she believed in.

“She devoted her life to strengthening the movement she loved.”

Berger’s funeral service was held on July 12 at the Sydney Chevra Kadisha, and screened live on its website.