Women’s Zionist group marks centenary on 100th anniversary of female suffrage

WIZO-UK said it was “delighted” to hold its gala dinner in its centenary year with another prestigious centenary – the day women were first able to stand as MPs.

The star-studded event at the Guildhall last week was held 100 years to the day since the Qualification of Women Act 1918, which paved the way for the first female Members of Parliament, provided they were aged 21 or over.

The Act passed at a time when women could not even vote unless they were aged 30 and owned property, but less than a year later, Lady Astor won a bi-election, to become an MP in Plymouth.

WIZO-UK said: “We are delighted to share the date [of our Gala Dinner] with another prestigious centenary that celebrates women and their achievements.”

The theme set the tone for an evening in which 500 supporters praised the organisation’s work and helped raise more than £1 million for the WIZO Vocational High School in Jerusalem.

Among the guests were Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, Israeli Ambassador Mark Regev, Lord Eric Pickles and prize-winning author Howard Jacobson, with UK-born Jerusalem politician Fleur Hassan-Nahoum as guest speaker and Israeli TV presenter Eden Harel as host.

Hassan-Nahoum became City Councillor in Jerusalem in 2016 and a year later became leader of the Opposition. This summer she joined Mayoral candidate Minister Zev Elkin as his number two.

A campaigner for women’s rights and pluralism, with event organisers describing her as “a fine example of the opportunities for women to build a successful career, make a difference and influence change whilst enjoying family life”.

Guests also heard from Kineret Munitz, a counsellor and psychotherapist at WIZO’s vocational school, which is fundraising for an extensive refurbishment. She said: “There is a lot of heart and soul invested, not to mention blood, sweat and tears.”