Shalom Zecharia
Commissioner of the Lions between the years 2007-2008
His motto: One hand, one heart
Shalom Zakaria was born in Yemen in 1943. At the age of six he immigrated to Israel and settled with his family in Rosh Ha’Ein. Later the family moved to Petah Tikva. At the end of his studies, Shalom Zakaria enlisted in the IDF, where he served for 23 years, in the Golani, Paratroopers and Nahal. In 1984, he was released from the army with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He spent the next 17 years in a company for community centers, in various positions, including director of a community center. Has a bachelor’s degree in social sciences and humanities. Graduated from the course for legal claimants at Bar-Ilan University and the conciliation and mediation course at Lions Israel. Shalom Zakaria is married to Ethi and lives in Shaare Tikva. The couple has five children and nine grandchildren.
He began his Lionist journey in 1983, when, together with other friends, he was invited to an event at the Petah-Tikva “Lavi” club. The group was attracted to the Zionist idea, and in May 1985, Shalom Zakaria and other friends founded the Petah Tikva “Kfir” club. Nablus to Nablus, together with the members of the club, Shalom Zakaria accompanied the birth of the club and served as its second president. During his presidency, he established the status of the club and fostered the attitude of membership and community activity (equipment of the library at the Yoseftal community center and adoption of a day club for members of low-income families). For this activity, the club was awarded the shield “The Outstanding Club”.
Being one of the pillars of the club, Shalom Zakaria agreed, during the following years (2000 and 2002), to serve two more terms as its president. In this way, he served as an example to the members, and in his role, educated new candidates for the key positions in the club. His main activity was in raising funds and emphasizing social activity, the formation of friends and closeness and a warm and sympathetic relationship between a friend and another.
One of the unique things he did was build a list of key officials in the club for the next five years. That way, he hoped, there would always be a member to manage the club.
Until he was elected commissioner, Shalom served as a member of the cabinet and chairman of a region.
At the world conference, held in June 2007 in Chicago, Shalom Zakaria was appointed commissioner
Israel Lions.
His activity as commissioner:
For the first time, a Bar Mitzvah celebration was held for 50 girls and boys from small families
ability, recommended by the Lions clubs in Israel.
The event took place with great pomp and splendor, with the participation of about 700 people and the presence of many dignitaries.
The Commissioner’s Tabernacle, which was established for the first time on Sukkot at the home of the District Commissioner in Shaari-Tikva, hosted the members of the Lions in Israel, who came as a hospital to the Sukkah.
A 10th Beshevat seder was held, which included musical pieces, singing and reading from the Haggadah for 10th Beshevat.
Many members of the Lions clubs in Israel participated in the order.
The Mimouna celebration took place: an event in colorful costumes, as was customary in Moroccan Jewry, accompanied by symbolic foods: fish: so that we would be born like fish, honey – a symbol of a sweet year, flour – so that we would see a blessing in our labor.
Implementation of the project “At home together” – a national program for the integration of the Israeli public in the reception of new immigrants, in cooperation with the Office for the Reception of Aliyah and the Center for Local Government. The purpose of the project, among other things: to encourage old families in Israel to forge ties and accompany new immigrants in the phases of their absorption in Israel, and thus, to assist in their social absorption. The members of the Lions clubs in Israel were involved in the project.
A delegation of about 50 members of the Lions participated in the European Forum, which took place in Bucharest, Romania. The delegation was received with great love by the organizers, and at the opening ceremony, a group of Romanian children appeared, dancing Israeli dances to the sounds of
Israeli tunes.
The Israel Forum included: an annual conference, a music competition full of grace, calm and peace,
which took place at the Mormon University and a sports day marked “Sobo Zion and the Kippah”.
During the weekend of the forum, the members of the Lions stayed at the Regency Hotel in Jerusalem.
Raising financial resources: during the year many funds were raised, which were transferred to the organization’s community projects.
Publicity: Special attention was paid to exposing the Lions to the general media.
In light of this, we received publications in the media. Update and distribution of the telephone directory of Lions members in Israel.
Establishment of clubs: Nes Ziona and Petah Tikva Keren Or.
At the Person of the Year ceremony, the following exemplary people were chosen: Prof. Vaclav Insler, for his contribution in the field of fertility and midwifery; Galila Ron-Feder Amit, for her contribution
in the field of literature; Brigadier General (res.) Ran Ronan (Peker), for his leadership that stems from personal example, dedication, perseverance and uncompromising demands from himself and his colleagues.
After the end of Shalom Zakaria’s term as Commissioner, he returned to his regular activities at his club, Petah-Tikva “Kfir”.