WINNIPEG — The Jewish National Fund has been a constant presence in his life from his earliest years, says Joe Wilder, this year’s Negev Gala honoree.
“The pushke – the little blue box – was a fixture in our home.
“I am in awe of the remarkable work of the JNF in helping to build the State of Israel and the phenomenal number of projects it has undertaken. That this wonderful organization should choose to recognize me in this way is a single honour that I will always cherish,” he said.
Rob Berkowits, the executive director of JNF-Manitoba/Saskatchewan region, said about 1,000 people were expected to attend this year’s annual Negev Gala on May 27, which will honour Wilder, who is a community leader locally and nationally.
“We have had a very positive reaction to our choice of Joe as our honoree,” Berkowits said. “There’s a sense that he is a deserving recipient of this honour.”
Wilder has an impressive resume in both volunteerism and philanthropy Berkowits said. Born and raised in Winnipeg, the QC is currently serving as the president of the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba. In the past, he has held leadership roles with the Winnipeg Jewish Community Council (the forerunner of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg), the Canadian Jewish Congress and the Canada Israel Committee. He is also a past president of the Winnipeg Football Club and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.
Wilder has previously been awarded the Sol Kanee Distinguished Community Service Award in 2008 and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.
An added draw for this year’s gala is young singer Nikki Yanofsky. At 12 years of age, Yanofsky was the youngest headliner in the history of the Montreal Jazz Festival. She has gone on to work with some of the biggest names in the business and is now being mentored by the great Quincy Jones.
Funds raised at this year’s gala will go toward building a recycled water reservoir in the Negev. The reservoir near Sderot will receive treated industrial and domestic waste water for use in irrigating a variety of crops in nearby communities.
“The idea of recycling waste water and providing agricultural solutions to a country that is so short of water is what attracted me to this project, particularly as it is so close to Sderot,” Wilder said. “These people have endured rocket attacks and hardship for many years. If I can help alleviate the difficulties they have, I am pleased to assist in that.”
Berkowits agreed. “Shortage of water is probably the most crucial environmental problem in Israel today,” he said. “We are pleased to be supporting a project that not only provides a low cost source of water for the people in the Negev but also takes a significant step toward solving a serious pollution problem.”