Klein's tale of overcoming adversity to have Impact

By JEWISH REVIEW

article created on: 2009-02-15T00:00:00

As Americans face unsettling economic news every time they pick up a newspaper or turn on the evening news, Gerda Weissmann Klein’s story of hope and survival is “the right person, speaking at the right time on the right topic.”

Klein will present “A Survivor’s Tale of Hope” Feb. 25 when she returns to Portland Feb. 25 for Impact: An Event for Women. She was in Portland in 1999 to speak at Impact’s predecessor, Connections, the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland’s event for women.

“She can address how to get through adversity with hope and compassion,” said Barbara Cohen, chair of the Women’s Philanthropy Committee, which presents the annual federation women’s event.

“Gerda’s message is so relevant today at a time when the American Jewish community is in pain,” said Cohen. “The federation system is designed to help the vulnerable. Federation helps people, whether they are in Sderot, Venezuela, Bosnia or here in Portland. Our system positions us to be ready to take action wherever and whenever Jews are in pain.”

“We are here now for our community,” Cohen added. “Like our worldwide partner agencies, our local agencies are positioned to respond quickly.”

Impact is chaired by Beverly Eastern and Michelle Eastern Gradow.

The evening begins at 6 p.m. at the Governor Hotel with a wine reception and a sneak peak at the “48 Jews” exhibit coming to the Oregon Jewish Museum in June. Dinner begins at 6:45 p.m.

Attendance requires a minimum gift of $180 to the JFGP 2009 campaign, which touches the lives of the young, the elderly, the needy and the vulnerable.

Cost of the event is $48 per person or $58 after Feb. 16. The price includes 3 percent to Mazon: A Jewish Response to Hunger. For more information, contact Rachel Halupowski at 503-892-7413 or Rachel@jewishportland.org.