Ida Benzion Wynn z'I

Ida Benzion first came to Australia in 1937 as emissary of the World WIZO

Executive. Her task was to help raise funds, recruit members and strengthen WIZO in Australia. During this time she visited every state and helped establish new groups. Ida returned again in 1939 and was instrumental in the formation of the WIZO Federation of Australia together with Mrs. Ruby Rich-Shalit.

In 1940 she married Samuel Wynn, a prominent Zionist in Melbourne. She became the second President of the WIZO Federation of Australia in 1942 until her death in 1948.

At the time, the strong opposition to the Zionist cause from leading public figures such as the Governor- General, Sir Isaac Isaacs, and from one of Melbourne's most prominent Rabbis, was having a great influence, particularly on the Anglo-Jewish section of the community.

Ida's stature, her knowledge, charm and tact gave her an entrance to many of their homes and she succeeded in enlisting their support for Zionism.

On Ida's initiative, the Australian Federation of WIZO undertook the building of Ahuzat Yeladim in Haifa. It was unanimously decided to name it "The Ida Wynn Children's & Apprentices Home "in her honour. She went to Eretz Israel in February 1947 for the opening of this centre.