Ellen Chaikof and Perri Chaikof
Co-Chairs, Women’s Division Toronto
Brenlee Gurvey Gales
Chair, Women’s Division Toronto
May 22, 2024, 7:30 pm
Please RSVP by May 17, 2024 5:00 pm
Avenue & Wilson Area
(Address provided upon registration the day prior to the event)
Please register below:
featuring:
Dr. Sharron Bransburg-Zabar Ph.D.,M.Sc., IBCLC
National Human Milk Bank of Israel of Magen David Adom
With an illustrious career spanning over two decades in the field of bioinformatics, public health, and maternal care, the journey of Dr. Sharron Bransburg Zabary has been marked by notable contributions to both science and healthcare. Beginning with a solid foundation in the sciences, she completed her B.Sc. in Chemistry at Tel Aviv University in 1993, followed by advanced degrees in Biochemistry, culminating in a Ph.D. in 2000.
Sharron initially honed her expertise as a structural and computational biology specialist, also managing the Bioinformatics Unit at the Life Sciences Faculty of Tel-Aviv University until 2006. Her role involved crucial work in Unix system administration and Bio-IT, providing a technical backbone for vital research activities. During this period, she also engaged in consulting through Ibexperts™, focusing on bioinformatics infrastructure.
In 2007, Sharron embarked on a transformative Post-Doctoral fellowship, which spanned the School of Physics at Tel Aviv University and the Department of Immunology at the Weizmann Institute of Science. Her research during this phase broke new ground in computational immunology, which later enriched an understanding and contributions to human development and milk studies.
By 2010, she became a well-recognized figure in research, particularly in areas that intersected with human milk studies, playing a pivotal role as a research collaborator. Her expertise in clinical implementation was further utilized in roles at MyMilk™ Laboratories LTD and as Vice President of Clinical Operations at Nutrits™ Inc. This period was also marked by Sharron’s co-founding of The Mother's Milk Donation Organization of Israel, pioneering the establishment of non-profit human milk banks in the region.
In 2018, her dedication to maternal and child health was further recognized when she was appointed Director of the National Human Milk Bank of Israel at Magen David Adom, an endeavor that underscores the intersection of healthcare, policy, and community service. This leadership role was further extended in 2020 when she took on the role of Acting Director at the Public Cord Blood Bank Laboratory, Magen David Adom, emphasizing her versatile and impactful presence in Israel’s medical and health sectors.
Throughout her career, Sharron has also been actively involved in various committees within the Israeli Ministry of Health, influencing policy and innovation in healthcare. She has maintained a credential as an International Certified Lactation Consultant since 2008, highlighting a continuous commitment to promoting breastfeeding and its benefits.
Sharron’s career is a testament to their enduring dedication to the advancement of healthcare technologies and their application in improving the lives of mothers and children.
Rachel F. Spitzer MD, MPH, FRCS(C)
Professor and Vice Chair, Global Health, University of Toronto Department of ObGyn, Mt Sinai Hospital Department of ObGyn
Dr. Rachel Spitzer, MD, MPH, FRCS(C) grew up in Montreal and Toronto and obtained her BSc at McGill University in Montreal. Subsequently, she attended McMaster University medical school in Hamilton, from where she returned to Toronto to pursue residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Toronto. This was followed by fellowship training at The Hospital for Sick Children in Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology where her clinical and research interests focused on complex contraception and adolescent pregnancy.
Rachel went on to obtain her Master’s in Public Health at Harvard University in 2007/2008 with a with a focus on International Health as well as Women and Gender Health. Rachel returned to Toronto as Assistant Professor in the Department of ObGyn at the University of Toronto in the summer of 2008 and was Faculty Lead for Global Health in the Undergraduate Medical Program from 2011-2016 and became Vice Chair of Global Health in the department of ObGyn in 2014. In 2015 she was promoted to Associate Professor in the department.
Cross-appointed to the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at U of T, she combines the clinical practice of general and pediatric and adolescent Obstetrics and Gynecology with the practice and teaching of global women’s health.
Rachel is currently an obstetrician-gynaecologist at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, specializing in Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. Dr. Spitzer has been the Vice Chair of Global Health in the department of ObGyn since 2014.
She is passionate about the practice and teaching of global women’s health.
About Israel Bonds
On May 14, 1948, David Ben‑Gurion spoke six words that electrified the world: “The State of Israel has arisen!”
Three years later, Ben‑Gurion made another dramatic announcement: Israel Bonds, Israel’s initiative for a global economic partnership with the Diaspora, had officially launched.
A defining moment in Israel's history, the creation of Israel Bonds reinforced the deeply held connection between supporters of Israel around the world and the people of Israel.
In acknowledging the role of Israel Bonds, both historically and since Oct. 7, 2023, the Israel Ministry of Finance Investor Newsletter dated April 2024 stated, “The Israel Bonds Organization (Israel Bonds), the state’s longest‑standing financing source, raised USD 2.7 billion in 2023, with the majority of funding coming in the wake of the October 7 terrorist attacks. This organization issues non-tradable, low‑denomination bonds across numerous countries, primarily targeting retail bond buyers, notably the Jewish Diaspora, as well as supportive institutions, such as U.S. state treasuries. Due to its unique investor base, Israel Bonds exhibits a counter-cyclical dynamic with Israel: during times of economic or geopolitical shock, the organization experiences an increase in demand as investors express their support for Israel.”
About Canadian Magen David Adom
Since 1976, Canadian Magen David Adom for Israel (CMDA) has been the sole authorized fund-raising organization in Canada dedicated to supplying ambulances, medical equipment, supplies and blood testing kits to support the life saving efforts of MDA in Israel. All of CMDA's assistance to MDA has been made possible solely through the generous donations of people just like you.
With its Head of Operations in Montreal and supporting Chapters across the country, CMDA's commitment to this cause runs deep with over 100 dedicated volunteers and a permanent staff of full-time professionals.
In addition to providing ongoing support for the people of Israel, CMDA has contributed 20 percent of the funds required to build the National Headquarters of MDA's Blood Bank located in the Tel-Ha'shomer complex just outside Tel Aviv, supplied 100 of the 800 Ambulances in service today and 25 of the 200 emergency First-Responder Medical Scooters with plans to purchase another eight this year. Two of the Mobile Blood Units and $1.2 million in annual contributions to purchase specialized blood testing kits have all been possible due to your generous donations.
MDA is not a government agency, and therefore, depends heavily on donations, primarily from the Diaspora. In order to continue safeguarding lives in routine times and in times of emergency, MDA requires constant support.
Today, and every day, CMDA saves lives.
Questions? Please contact Shaindy Nathanson
Director, Women’s Division & Community Engagement, Toronto
416.256.5172 or Shaindy.Nathanson@IsraelBonds.ca
Canada-Israel Securities, Limited is registered as an Exempt Market Dealer.