Femei sioniste în România primei jumătăți a secolului al XX-lea. Studiu de caz: Asociația Culturală a Femeilor Evree (ACFE), 1919-1948
Zionist Women in Romania during the First Half of the Twentieth Century. Case Study: The Cultural Association of Jewish Women (ACFE), 1919-1948

Summary/Abstract: The Zionist awakening, the enlightenment, the feminist movements that took shape, women’s organizations that sprung up around the world, and the spirit of secularization and modernization characterizing the early 20th century – all led Jewish women to recognize the need to organize. This paper aims to analyze the activities of WIZO Romania, originally - The Cultural Association of Jewish Women in Romania (Asociatia Culturala a Femeilor Evree). Established in 1919 due to the initiative and under the leadership of Nadia Stein, it joined international WIZO upon its inception. The activity of WIZO-Romania was multifaceted and full of challenges. It may be divided into three periods: interwar, Holocaust, and afterward. This article will concentrate on their activity only during the first period - the interwar period. WIZO Romania was unique as it was the only Zionist women’s organization active in Romania during the first half of the 20th century. The paper deals with quintessential questions regarding WIZO Romania’s activity in the interwar period, such as: Under what historical background and circumstances was the organization founded? How did its ideology, founders’ background, and organizational activities impact upon the quality of Jewish women’s lives and the Zionist movement in and outside of Romania? What challenges did WIZO Romania face? My research ultimately sheds light upon the members’ achievements and how they contributed to the nation building and establishment of the state of Israel.

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