Federation's I&O Impact - March 2025
International Women’s Day 2025
International Women’s Day celebrates the extraordinary achievements of women worldwide and calls to support the ability of all women and girls to thrive. Israeli women have demonstrated remarkable resilience over the last seventeen months. They have sustained their communities, demonstrating unwavering strength, bearing immense burdens, and providing crucial support during these difficult times.
Jewish Federations are committed to supporting organizations directly addressing the unique needs of women impacted by the war, providing vital aid focused on empowerment, well-being, and healing as well as helping them manage the extra burden that comes from having husbands and partners away for extended periods while on reserve duty. This global commitment to supporting our sisters overseas was evident at the recent International Lion of Judah Conference.
As we approach Purim, we recall Queen Esther's courage in a time of existential threat. Her brave actions echo in the women of Israel today, who, like Esther, are rising to meet extraordinary challenges with strength and resolve. They are navigating immense hardship with grace and determination, shaping their communities and offering hope, just as Esther did in her time.
Support in Times of Need
The war has drastically altered the lives of countless Israeli women, leaving them to navigate unimaginable challenges. HaOgenhas mobilized a vast network of over 10,000 volunteers, deploying thousands of women to assist families of reserve soldiers across the nation, offering practical and emotional aid. The Israel Midwives Association's "By Your Side" project, recognizing the unique vulnerability of pregnant women who have lost their husbands, are offering comprehensive care, accompanying women through pregnancy, childbirth, and the crucial postpartum period, demonstrating extraordinary compassion and dedication in the face of immense grief.
Economic Empowerment
To ensure women's equal participation in Israel's post-war economic recovery, it's vital they receive the support they need to succeed. Federations partnered with organizations dedicated to this goal, such as FemForward that is empowering women whose careers have been impacted, helping them create opportunities to thrive. Yozmot Atid helps women small business owners get their businesses back on track. Participants are helped to design a focused response tailored to their businesses' unique needs, so that they can endure current hardship while improving the Israeli economy's prospects for recovery after the war.
Supporting the Vulnerable
Ruach HaNashit's "Crossing the Street" program provides vital support to women suffering from abuse, particularly exacerbated by the war, offering tools to help them establish a safe and independent life for themselves and their children. The Israel Women's Network (IWN) has provided professional, multilingual assistance to over 1,000 women from diverse backgrounds, helping them navigate legal, financial, and bureaucratic challenges arising from the war through its Alice Shalvi Response Center.
Healing and Resilience
The emotional toll of the past seventeen months has profoundly affected women in Israel, highlighting the critical need for specialized emotional support. With Federation support, organizations like Empowering Ethiopian Women(EEW) provide vital assistance to bereaved families of fallen soldiers, fostering resilience and healing through culturally appropriate programs. Access to therapy and safe spaces is crucial to recovery. The Eden Association offers holistic treatment, including tailored personal and group therapy, for women and girls in the Western Negev directly impacted by the October 7 attacks.