Bev Michaelis
Sydney, Australia
Bev was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. Her beloved parents instilled in her a deep love of Zionism and a respect and awareness of a responsibility for Israel. This feeling was further enhanced when she married in 1971 and visited Israel for the first time.
She first became a Women’s Division key worker in 1986, shortly after her arrival in Australia from South Africa. She realised then the need to strengthen her connection to her homeland and its people. In 1998 she was appointed Sydney North Shore WD Chairman and at the same time assisted her husband in his role as Chairman of the North Shore General Division.
In 2003, she was honoured to be invited and to accept her position as Women’s Division Co-Chairman for the State of NSW – a position she held for 15 years.
Today, Bev is IWD Vice President for English speaking countries and she continues to be amazed by all Israel is and has to offer!
While Bev has supported the local Sydney communal organisations for many years her love of Israel has always taken priority. She has been privileged to meet and to work with wonderful people who have each in their own way left an impression on her – mentors who have guided her, speakers who have inspired her and beneficiaries of the work of Keren Hayesod who have humbled her.
In 2013 Bev was presented the International Women’s Division Award of Excellence.
The blessings of her four children, their partners and up to now, 15 beautiful grandchildren sustain her and fill her life with joy.
