Yafa Shpilman

Second generation, daughter of Yitzhak Fishfanger, who was a member and instructor in the Zionist Youth movement and immigrated to Israel as a pioneer in 1934. She was elected to serve as chair of the association after several years as a committee member.

Activities:

• Contact with community members — in writing and in person
• Keeping the association members’ records up to date
• Running the annual gatherings of the association’s members: a general assembly as required by the Associations Law, an annual memorial service, and lectures on relevant subjects
• Upkeep of the cemetery by a paid gardener (2018–2022)
• Establishing ties between the Petah Tikva municipality and Mezritch — a visit by the Petah Tikva municipal leadership and the signing of a cultural cooperation agreement
• 2020 — the dedication of a memorial plaque commemorating the community’s victims at Yad Vashem, in the Hall of Remembrance in Jerusalem
• 2024 — the unveiling of a commemorative plaque in the town square in Mezritch for those murdered in Operation Reinhard and the surrounding area — attended by Yafa Shpilman
• The album “Mezritch — A Town That Was and Is No More”
• The production of a commemorative pin
• 2025 — “Memory in the Living Room” (Zikaron BaSalon), launching a tradition for Mezritch families
• Renewal of the association’s website (in progress)
• Establishing a “branch” of the Mezritch community in America
• Strengthening the collection of annual membership dues