As the liaison between UJC's National Women's Philanthropy and Karen Hayesod's International Women's Division, Lesley Binstock Offman of Toronto, Canada, has the role of uniting women philanthropists from North America with their counterparts in the rest of the world.

"There is so much we can learn from each other," said Lesley.

"When women from different countries work together, there is room for new ideas and sharing of best practices. More importantly, we find a camaraderie and unity that helps us build Jewish women's philanthropy around the world. The sense of belonging to an international sisterhood is so important - when you sit in a room with women who share the same Jewish heart and the same commitment to tikkun olam, an intense bond forms and the conversation about philanthropy just flows."

Lesley, a Lion of Judah since 1999, was in charge of Canadian recruitment for the UJC 2008 International Lion of Judah Conference (ILOJC) in Israel and was deeply impressed with UJC's programming for the event, which attracted 1,100 Lions from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Israel, Europe, Australia and South America. "UJC planned an incredible event that engaged and united over a thousand women." said Lesley. "The conference registration filled up instantly because UJC's National Women's Philanthropy (NWP) department is renowned for planning extraordinary events with inspiring speakers and trips. Women who experience these events realize how their involvement truly makes a difference in the lives of others."

Lesley believes UJC's focus on women's philanthropy is critical to the future of the Jewish people. "More and more, women are controlling great sums of wealth in the world. If women are not accustomed to giving, this wealth will be lost to the important programs and services that UJC and the federation system support. We learn from the Talmud that nobody can do an act of tzedakah for you - the mitzvah is in doing the act yourself. When we give in our own names, we have a voice."

As part of UJC's dedication to reaching out to younger generations of women's philanthropists, UJC NWP invited family members of Lions - to come to the ILOJC and see for themselves how becoming a passionate philanthropist can be a woman’s proudest achievement. The number of young lions has doubled since the last Lion's conference.

"It is so important to set an example for the next generation," said Lesley. "When our daughters, granddaughters and nieces see us caring for people we don't even know and may never know, is speaks volumes about our values."

Have a success story you wish to share?
Contact Annette Powers at 212-284-6625 or annette.powers@ujc.org