AJWO COUNCIL MEETING 19 SEPTEMBER 2005 - A TRIBUTE TO EDIE NOBLE, z'l

I first joined the Administrative Council of AJWO 14 years ago, when I became Chairman of Executive of the League of Jewish Women.  In all that time, it was my pleasure to bring Edie to the meetings, which she attended in her capacity as past Chairman, and latterly as our Honorary Life President.  She rarely missed a meeting, except for the occasional illness, and when her beloved husband Charlie became seriously ill.  She was immensely proud to have been elected Life President, and took her duties very seriously, always being available with her wealth of knowledge to counsel and advise us.

Edie was a volunteer for almost all of her 94 years, but what set her apart from other volunteers were her leadership qualities and innovative work both in the Jewish and wider communities.  In every organisation with which she was associated she made an exceptional contribution.  She held office as President of the League of Jewish Women, Chairman of AJWO, British Vice-President of the International Council of Jewish Women and Chairman of their Community Services Committee.  She was also a working mother, helping her husband in their family business, and bringing up three children.

In her time as Chairman of AJWO, she introduced the Annual Seminar with speakers of the highest calibre, many of them known to her personally by her work in outside organisations.  She always took a keen interest in all the Seminars, attending whenever possible, and always asking pertinent questions of the speakers.

In the League of Jewish Women, she inaugurated and chaired the first Publicity Committee 1957-61.  She was the first Extension Officer 1968-73, opening many groups across the country and inspiring volunteers to join and follow her example.  As President, she initiated the first residential Conference, which was a triennial event.

Whilst Chairman of the Community Services Committee of the International Council of Jewish Women, she set up the magazine “Links Around the World” with news of the welfare work done by over thirty affiliated organisations.  This had a worldwide circulation, and still exists today.

During her term of office as President of the League of Jewish Women, she represented them on the National Council of Women.  She was later invited to join the Women’s Consultative Council set up by NCW and comprising fifteen organisations.  She served there with such distinction that she was invited to be one of only three members of the criteria and membership committee, chaired by the late Judith Hart MP, set up in 1969 to lay the foundations of the newly formed Women’s National Commission.

In the last months of her life, although she became frailer, she still retained a keen interest in the three organisations she held dear to her heart.  In May, she attended the AGM of the League of Jewish Women, and in June we were delighted that she was one of the guests of honour at the 40th anniversary AGM and lunch of AJWO.  She gave an impressive presentation of AJWO’s history to a capacity audience.  In July, she was able to attend an Executive meeting of the International Council of Jewish Women held in London, where she renewed acquaintance with many friends from around the world.

A large and loving family, her late husband Charlie, children and grandchildren supported Edie in her voluntary activities.  She was particularly proud of her four great-grandchildren in Israel, and had the pleasure of seeing them in England only last month.

Edie’s charismatic leadership inspired volunteers in every organisation with which she was associated.  She always encouraged others to strive for greater achievements, and never failed to give advice when needed.  She led by example, and her own life was an inspiration to all with whom she came into contact.  Even at her advanced age, her wise counsel was still sought after, even by those who held senior office.  She was a guiding light to us all and will be very much missed.