Hawa Wernick
Communications Engineer, Project Director
North York
I studied to be a Communications Engineer, but I am currently working as Project Director at the Ministry of Absorption, Israel's consulate in Toronto called "The House of Israel in Toronto." This project has two main objectives. First, assisting Israelis living in Canada who wish to return to Israel by providing professional help to inform about the benefits they are entitled to. Second, "The House of Israel in Toronto" coordinates with the Jewish communities of the city and supports them. For me as a Russian-speaking person, it is very important to maintain a relationship with the Jewish Russian-speaking community of Toronto.
Where is your family from, and how long have you live in Ontario?
The roots of my family come from a small town on the Danube River called Kealia. This town belonged to Romania, but after the war became the territory of Moldova. In 1994, the whole family immigrated to Israel. I came to work in Ontario last summer, and since my arrival I have lived in North York.
Why did you choose to live in North York / York Mills?
I happened to choose this area, and I am very pleased. As an Israeli woman, it is very nice to hear Hebrew on the streets. I do not feel separated from my native country.
What do you do in your free time? Do you have any hobbies?
I am a workaholic, and so I end up having very little free time. When I do, I like to cook, read, listen to good music, make friends, and entertain them at home.
If you were given the opportunity to meet anyone, alive or dead, who would you choose, and why?
I would like to meet with Golda Meir, who was a wonderful and powerful female leader during a difficult time for Israel. She led the country with much pride and dignity. Her response to the massacre of the Munich Olympics in which Israeli athletes were brutally murdered was admirable. Without paying attention to international public opinion, she “settled the account.” I think she played a huge role in the formation of Israel, and I think that only through Hashem was possible in such a short time to build a developed, high-tech state, which is completely unprecedented anywhere in the world.
When did you begin participating in JRCC programs?
Just today, and I hope that our cooperation and friendship will continue to grow as we have common goals with the JRCC. I am pleased to take part and will be glad to meet new acquaintances.
What are your future plans?
For the next 5 years I will be working as a representative of Israel in Toronto. I very much want to expand ties and cooperation with Jewish organizations in the city, as well as support existing or new projects. And, most importantly, I would like to assist everyone who needs help in the process of returning to Israel, that they should know who to turn to and who to contact.