NCJW Israel Program Report, December 2009

In this edition:

• Message from Shari Eshet
• NCJW's Mission to Israel
• Presentation of Petition to End Gender Segregation on Israeli Buses
• NCJW Israel Granting Program: 2010 Grant Recipients

Message from Shari Eshet

Dear Friends,
On my way to work a few days ago, I heard a report on the radio stating that the statistics on trafficked women reported on by women's organizations are far higher than those reported by the police because the victims of trafficking are going to the women's organizations for help -- not to the police. I was certainly not surprised to hear that. Women are traditionally the grassroots activists, the go-to people.

In early November, 25 NCJW members visited Israel in a whirlwind mission to meet with the women of Israel, the go-to people. You can read more about it below.

And whether they are Supreme Court justices, members of the Knesset, or grassroots activities, these women are the most powerful lobbyists today for human rights in Israel. As we continue to work on these issues, we are particularly concerned about the recent US State Department's annual International Religious Freedom Report, which cites the Israeli government's recognition of only Orthodox religious authorities, as well as the lack of civil or interfaith marriages in Israel. Although Israel has been credited for supporting a generally free practice of religion, this is not the first time that the US State Department has taken issue with Israel's personal status issues (such as the issue of agunot). And so, we continue to work with and support the women of Israel.

This Israel Program Report carries special messages of NCJW members who were here in Israel with me last month to see our work up-front. I cannot describe the mission activities any better than they did.
I take this opportunity to wish women around the world a Happy Chanukah, with much joy and freedom.

All the best,

Shari Eshet
Director, NCJW Israel Office

For one special week in November, 28 NCJW members and staff traveled in Israel engaging with women and learning about their challenges, dreams, and accomplishments. They were professors, members of the Knesset, the first female President of the Supreme Court, leaders of coalition partnerships, recipients of NCJW’s granting dollars, and activists in the fields of women's empowerment, politics, health care, gender discrimination, domestic violence, business and communication. From academic feminists at the Tel Aviv University NCJW Women and Gender Studies Program to the mothers living in the Jerusalem Shelter for Battered Women, to young Bedouin women in the Negev, and to abused girls living just miles from Gaza, we were constantly reminded of NCJW's courageous, compassionate, and pioneering work to create progressive social change for the world's vulnerable populations.

Here are just a few quotes from our leaders and donors who participated in the NCJW Mission to Israel:

"Our basic mission both in the US and in Israel is helping to create social change. I am proud of the support in Israel we can give for those who need it most." -- Robin Frank

"I think about the wonderful trip all the time and can't stop talking about it." -- Cindy Wolfson

"It was a privilege to see the legacy, power, and soul of NCJW in Israel." -- Judy Mintz 

"I was amazed at how many hard working, competent women I met who have so much to offer the world, their communities, and their families. And of course, I was enormously proud to be involved in NCJW." -- Sharlane Packer

"It really is a 'mitzvah' to be able to contribute to NCJW's Israel programs." -- Helaine Sugarman

"This NCJW trip taught me the power of friendship and the empowerment of forgiveness." -- Gerry Moss

NCJW Meets with MK Orit Zuarez to Present Petition to End Gender Segregation on Israeli Buses

On October 3, NCJW spoke out again on the issue of gender segregation on Israeli buses with  NCJW President Nancy Ratzan stating, "We have acted vigorously to support Israeli activists in the long drawn-out struggle against gender-segregated buses." Indeed we have, and on November 4, an NCJW delegation met at the Knesset with MK Ortiz Zuarez, a member of the Knesset Committee on the Status of Women. Here, we presented her with over 4,000 signatures of NCJW members and supporters speaking out against the segregation of women on public buses. At the end of December, the Israeli government is to announce its decision about this issue. I hope we made a difference and if not, we will be out there once again, asking for your public support to speak out so that no woman in Israel will ever be ashamed, neglected, or treated disrespectfully in this manner again.

Photograph by Leslie Sternlieb.

NCJW Israel Granting Program: 2010 Grant Recipients

The grant recipients have been announced for Yad B' Yad: NCJW's Initiative to Nurture Knowledge and Women to Women: NCJW's Empowerment Initiative. You can read the complete list and learn about each grantee on NCJW's website. 

NCJW's Israel Granting Committee recently met and recommended the grant allocations in accordance with the guidelines implemented through NCJW's merge with US/Israel Women to Women. Beginning with gifts of $2,500, your contribution can be recognized through the NCJW Israel Granting Program.

Our grantees for the 2010 cycle reflect the work of NCJW domestically as well as internationally. For 2010, we are supporting organizations that we have partnered with for many years and new organizations who we believe will succeed in making Israel a more just society. One such organization is Women's Spirit and its "Opening Doors Project for Integration in the Employment World for Women Victims of Violence." This is a unique program which aims to promote the state of women victims of violence from financial dependence, unstable positions in the employment world, and unsatisfying career paths, to financial independence, integration within the employment world, and the development of fulfilling long-term careers.

NCJW is also supporting the unique multi-year project from the Alon Association, which  directly targets 15 young Druze women -- all high  school graduates -- who devote a period of  their lives to volunteering in their community. Through this experience, the young women raise their level of social awareness, sense of solidarity, and commitment to social change. To find out how you can partner with an Israel Granting Program project, please contact Shari Eshet.