Shifra (Reich) Neumann was born and schooled in Manchester, England, in 1953, to a large family where volunteering and helping others were an essential part of her upbringing. Says Shifra: “As long as I remember myself, I have always volunteered in various projects.”

After graduating with a B.A. in Sociology and French from London, Shifra came to live in Israel in 1981 with her husband, Sidney. They live in Kochav Yair. Her three children and eight grandchildren were born and live here in Israel.

Since in Israel, Shifra has worked full time at various companies dealing with all aspects of the local pension system including explaining Israeli pensions to many Anglo immigrants who were pleased to find someone who could explain this seemingly complex matter in their own language.

While working full time Shifra volunteered at Yad Sarah (which deals with the temporary lending of medical equipment). Subsequently she volunteered with ESRA’s social club in Kfar Shmaryahu for young adults with cerebral palsy.

As a result of her recent retirement she has been able to expand her volunteering for ESRA and has started as an English tutor for high school students in Kfar Saba. She is now also the branch coordinator for the tutoring program in Kfar Saba, Tira and Kochav Yair.