National Council of Jewish Women of Canada (NCJWC), the first Jewish Women’s organization in Canada, is a volunteer organization that has been a catalyst for change since 1897, addressing the needs of women, children, and the vulernable through education and social action. NCJWC’s pioneering spirit continues to this day as it continues to identify and address emerging social issues in Canada and Israel by developing and supporting innovative programs to raise awareness, prompt action and effect social change. We are proud to have sections across Canada including: Montreal, Toronto, Simcoe County, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Vancouver.
NCJWC is one of 35 affiliate members of the International Council of Jewish Women (icjw.org). This important organization advocates for freedom, rights and betterment of women throughout the world with non-governmental organizations including the United Nations. The President of the National Council of Jewish Women of Canada represents Canada on the Board of Directors and has voting rights.
For more information about ICJW visit icjw.org.
NCJWC Board of Directors 2025 – 2028
Back row: Eva Karpati, Linda Steinberg, Rebecca Asbell, Bianca Krimberg, Monika Simon. Debbie Wasserman, Naomi Kingston
Front row: Yamila Chikiar, Patty Niles. Helen Silverstein, Leah Craven.
Missing: Jodi Zabludowski and Jordana Corenblum
Past Presidents
Past Presidents — National Council of Jewish Women of Canada (NCJWC)
An asterisk indicates deceased.*
- Sophie Drache* — 1971-1972, Vancouver
- Mina Hollenberg* — 1972-1973, Winnipeg
- Thelma Rolingher* — 1973-–1974, Edmonton
- Dorothy Reitman — 1974–1977, Montreal
- Marjorie Blankstein — 1977–1980, Winnipeg
- Helen Marr — 1980–1985, Toronto
- Bunny Gurvey* — 1985–1987, Winnipeg
- Sheila Freeman — 1987-–1989, Toronto
- Penny Yellen — 1989–1991, Winnipeg
- Gloria Strom* — 1991–1993, Toronto
- Sharon Wolchock — 1993-1999, Winnipeg
- Hinda Simkin — 1999–2001, Vancouver
- Carol Slater* — 2001–2003, Vancouver
- Brenlee Gurvey Gales — 2003–2005, Toronto
- Roz Fine — 2003–2009, Toronto
- Diane Glass — 2009–2013, Winnipeg
- Marnie Besser — 2013–2014, Calgary
- Sharon Allentuck — 2014-2017, Winnipeg
- Debbie Wasserman — 2017-2022, Toronto
- Linda Steinberg — 2022-present, Toronto