Rena Rabin

Rena Rabin was born in Melbourne in 1928 to a Zionist family whose origins were from Jerusalem and Hebron. In the 1930s the family moved back for 3 years to Palestine, which was then under the British Mandate.

In 1959 Rena joined the first young northern group called WIZO Tsafon, which later moved to the Caulfield area. It comprised of young married women who had grown up in the Zionist Youth Movement and who wanted to identify with Israel. Rena was elected Cultural Chairman, and later served as President several times. Martha Jacobson co-opted Rena to the Victorian State Council of WIZO, where her work was mainly on communal matters.The 1967 Six Day War evoked a renewal of Jewish identity, Jewish history Zionism and needless to say, Israel. Naturally WIZO was at the forefront of this revival.

Rena was Chairman of Hebrew classes, where the teachers were the wives of Shlichim, and Bible classes, which were led by the charismatic Rabbi Chaim Gutnick. These classes drew large numbers, who were enthusiastic and wanted to connect with their heritage. Due to the increasing numbers going on Aliya, Rena organized an Olah Circle for parents and family who had children in Israel. She invited noted visiting Israeli speakers. These activities enhanced Israel’s image and standing in the community. For 10 years Rena served as WIZO’s representative on UNAA Committee (United Nations Association of Australia). She was an admirable representative of both WIZO and Israel, especially as the tide of opinion was turning against Israel. Rena also interviewed many Holocaust Survivors with their testimony. For 15 years she taught English and Jewish History to a class of Russian immigrants at Jewish Care.

Rena was Vice President of the WIZO State Council of Victoria 1989 – 1995. She also held the positions of Chairman of Organization as well as Chairman of Aliya on the Australian Federation of WIZO 1989 – 1998. She is currently an Honorary Life Member of the Australian Federation of WIZO, as well as being a Counsellor on the State Council of WIZO Victoria. She has been awarded a Rebecca Sieff Award as well as a Veterans Award.