Women’s Issues

Breast cancer is undeniably a major issue in the United States. But has the issue of breast cancer worldwide been overlooked? The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), a major overseas partner of the Jewish Federation, has created the Women's Health Empowerment Program (WHEP) to ensure it has not been overlooked.

WHEP has made great strides in education and helping the rest of Jewish world learn more about breast cancer, by giving international women the best tool when it comes to breast cancer: education for early detection.

Last night's Turn the Page was tremendous! Over 150 women from the greater Seattle area gathered, dined, learned, laughed and bonded as a community. Attendees participated in two inspiring breakout sessions led by impressive women from our very own community. These intimate learning opportunities, plus dinner and a hilarious keynote address, imparted valuable lessons and life tips and made for a very enjoyable night out.

Alina Gerloving Spaulding, our Connections speaker, really hit a nerve.

• “Today, as I was sobbing in the parking lot, I realized that for the first time, this event meant something; it really connected for me. The story that Alina told was my story but a lot less dramatic. You know how something that is part of your own life is ingrained that you never really reflect on it because it is such a part of you? Today, as I heard this story through Alina's eyes, I realized that everything that I have in my life is owed to the fact that there was a Jewish agency willing to help my parents get a visa and get out of Poland.”
   

• For more photos, go to our Facebook page.

  Another attendee explained, “This was the best event I have ever attended. I was so moved, so proud to support the Jewish Federation. And I couldn’t wait to make another gift so I could help Jews overseas in need.”

• "Thank you very much for a well organized and informative event. This is my first time at the Jewish Federation event in Seattle. I was pleased to see such a big community and willingness to make a difference in the world."

These were the types of sentiments heard in the halls, bathroom and ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue after Alina spoke. It was moving as she detailed her family’s journey from the former Soviet Union to New Jersey, with the help of the American Jewish community every step of the way.

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“Every day is a privilege to wake up to have the life I do,” readily offers Alina Gerlovin Spaulding, this year's speaker at Connections women's brunch on Sunday, January 31.

She knows what it is like to be persecuted, with no future in sight, unable to practice her Judaism. Ms. Spaulding also knows, firsthand, the value of the Jewish Federation.

“I’m looking at the big picture of this event, at the community building aspects,” explains Lois Fuhr when asked about cochairing the 2010 Connections brunch for women.

Lisa Katsman, her co-chair, sees it differently. “I am driven by the end results–the fundraising–and therefore the good work we can do,” explains Lisa. They are a perfect match to head up Connections, the largest annual women’s outreach and fundraising event in the greater Seattle area.