June Walker, the outgoing President of Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America and Leah Reicin, who steps down as Chair of Hadassah’s Youth Aliyah Children-At-Risk Department after five years, have both contributed enormously to the country’s residential villages for disadvantaged children.
 
“Both as President and before that as Treasurer June Walker has been fully committed to Youth Aliyah,” explained Barbara Goldstein, Deputy Executive Director of Hadassah’s Israel Office.

“She has helped define the new relationship with Ramat Hadassah Szold and ensure the future of Hadassah Neurim. She passionately cares about the welfare of each and every child in Youth Aliyah.”
 
Goldstein says that Leah Reicin’s most important contribution has been to bring the joys of Judaism to Youth Aliyah’s villages with a range of innovative projects including batmitzvah programs.

A major highlight for both Walker and Reicin has been their participation in Youth Aliyah’s annual visit to the concentration camps of Poland, as part of a comprehensive program to shape the Jewish identity of the students.
 
Walker has become Head of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, only the second-ever woman to hold the post, and will continue her relationship with Youth Aliyah as a member of the Jewish Agency Board of Governors.

Nancy Falchuk is the new President of Hadassah, while Barbara Spack has become Chair of Hadassah’s Youth Aliyah Children-At-Risk Department.