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Ma’atzimot

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Racheli Tadessa Malkai emigrated from Ethiopia to Israel in 1991. She was more than familiar with the traditional role played by women in her culture as well as the difficulties faced by people of color in their adopted homeland. She founded Ma’atzimot – Empowering Ethiopian-Israeli Women not only to counter that traditional role but also to address increased sexual harassment and domestic violence plaguing these women.

Racheli’s success can be judged by the more than 18,000 women and girls who have participated in programs run in nearly thirty communities across the country. Those programs promote leadership development, vocational training, entrepreneurship, emotional resilience and pride in their Ethiopian heritage.

 

Be’Darchei Tamar – Tamar’s Way

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Every parent’s nightmare — a child diagnosed with cancer. For Iris and David Herman whose daughter Tamar died at the age of 16, the journey they traveled during her illness as well as her own thoughts of living with cancer, inspired them to create Be’darchei Tamar, or Tamar’s Way. Despite her diagnosis, Tamar was determined to live her life on her own terms, rarely allowing the illness to stifle her energy and joy of life. Inspired by the support of community during this journey, Tamar’s Way provides families in similar circumstances with food, companionship and other material support as they seek treatment at local hospitals. Even after a child has succumbed to illness, the program continues to offer support after the last friends and family have moved on. In the future they hope to be able to provide housing to families forced to travel to access medical care far from home.

Tamar’s Way is a program guided by the simple concept of Tikkun Olam – making this a better world for all.

 

Wind Chimes

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Scientists have always recognized the unique bond between animals and humans.  Noam Rudich created Wind Chimes as a safe and warm space where psychotherapeutic techniques are used to help youth, abused women and so many others newly traumatized by Israel’s ongoing war. Alongside Wind Chimes’ human therapists stand animals, themselves victims of traumatic events. Together, this unique team heals hearts and minds in a warm and safe setting filled with beautiful flowers and trees.

Animal team members may have been victims of abuse, or displaced from Israel’s borders during the past eighteen months of war, abandoned in animal shelters or have some type of physical disability such as deafness or loss of limb.  Humans treated here have been victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, family trauma and more. What they all receive in this special oasis is love, kindness and compassion.

Terra Uma

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Tomer Weinberg was severely injured at the beginning of the Second Lebanon War. As he continued his recovery he lost his father, whose hobby was wine-making, to a tragic motorcycle accident. At that time, Tomer made a promise to continue his father’s work. Little did he know the impact that decision would have on restoring his life and also those of many others suffering from PTSD.

Founded in April 2022, Terra Uma supports veterans coping with PTSD, helping them regain a full and meaningful life through vinotherapy – an innovative, pioneering rehabilitative process that integrates winemaking with healing, rooted in the deep connection between the human soul, the land, the vine and the wine.

Israel Lemonade Fund

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The fight against breast cancer is arduous, both physically and mentally. For many, there are also economic concerns, family responsibilities and more. While undergoing her own treatment, Shari Mendes witnessed many other patients who were obviously struggling with these additional challenges. To help them she began the Israel Lemonade Fund which offers one-time grants for (mostly) housing expenses to those who meet certain specific criteria.

A New Dawn in the Negev

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Jamal Alkirnawi, a member of Israel’s Bedouin community, has devoted his life to helping improve the lives of the nearly 150,000 Bedouins who populate the country’s Negev (and beyond). This Arab-Jewish community-based organization focuses on peace, developing leadership, promoting education and economic success for all residents of the region.