Gilla Liberman
Gilla Liberman, was born in Rome after WW2. Her parents met in a displacement camp in Italy for people trying to get to Palestine, her father’s job was to help these refugees achieve this goal. Her parents had decided to go to Israel from Italy, but a good friend of her father convinced him that Australia was a land of real possibility and they should go to Australia.
Gilla has lovely memories of going with her mother to the annual WIZO fashion parade at the Chevron Hotel. Her mother Rachel Moses joined WIZO to make friends in a new country and one thing Gilla loved about WIZO was that it was cross generational. She joined WIZO as a young mother of a little baby, who needed to get out of the house – 41 years ago.
Gilla was one of the foundation members of NSW WIZO Yaffa in the late 70s. A teacher by profession, her interest in children’s wellbeing and her love of Israel made her the perfect WIZO woman. She has been a dedicated and active leader for over 40 years, a dedication for which she is renowned throughout our community. When it comes to WIZO, Gilla is not one to shy away from taking responsibilities. Gilla is a
World WIZO Honorary Life Member; Honorary Life Member of WIZO Australia; WIZO Australia Federal President 2010-2016 ; WIZO NSW State President 2002-2007 and now Gilla sits of the Board of WIZO NSW.
Gilla’s leadership has been inspirational, her leadership style has always been by example. Gilla’s husband Henry is very supportive of the work she does for WIZO.
They have two daughters who live in Melbourne with their 5 grandchildren. Gilla has worked tirelessly all her life as well as being a devoted wife, daughter, sister and loving grandmother to 5 beautiful children.
In her role as President, Gilla has spoken at many communal events, for example at a Yom HaShoah commemoration. Henry and Gilla received a JCA award for exemplary commitment to the JCA.
Gilla is a role model to future generations of WIZO women who can look at her and benefit from her years of wisdom and experience. For Gilla, WIZO is her connection to Israel, and her work for the Jewish people.