Bea Gold
Although Bea Gold and Galia Polyanovsky are 60 years apart in age, as Lions of Judah, the two women have a strong bond, forged in philanthropy.
They will join more than 18,000 women worldwide as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Lions of Judah in 2022.
Polyanovsky as a child with her mother in Russia
The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County boasts one of the largest Lion of Judah contingents with more than 700 local women making up the ranks in Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Highland Beach. Established in 1972, the Lions of Judah are comprised of women of all ages who give their time and resources to creating social justice, aiding the vulnerable, preserving human dignity and building Jewish identity. A Lion of Judah Endowment exists to fund programs and services in perpetuity.
Gold, 103, and Polyanovsky, 42, plan to celebrate with their sisterhood at the Lions of Judah Luncheon, March 10 featuring author Bari Weiss.
“I have a special plea to younger women who may be interested in helping the world around them,” Gold says. “Join. Do it. Do it now. I did encourage several friends of mine to become Lions, and I’ve been an advocate for the Endowment. To realize that my gift will continue to be relevant in perpetuity is awesome.”
As a child, Polyanovsky and her mother sought refuge in Israel, after leaving Soviet Union in the 1990s, along with thousands of Jews. She was 12, but remembers her mother being stripped of her personal valuables and almost all money when they fled the communist country. Witnessing her mother rebuild their lives in Israel motivates Polyanovsky to help ensure a Jewish future.
“To protect the Jewish future, we all need to contribute a little bit, otherwise nothing happens,” she says. “Come and be a part of being Jewish. Being a Lion allows me to do my part in continuing the Jewish way of life.”
For more information call 561-852-5031 or email kathleenb@bocafed.org.