Harvesting Hope, Building Futures

Dear Friends, Women of WIZO,

This edition is sent to you as the holiday of Shavuot comes to an end—a holiday during which we give thanks for the harvests from our various fields, the joint fruits of our labor and the miracle of creation.

While few phrases are repeated in the Bible, this one appears in two different verses: “He who works his land will have abundant food.” This is more than just an agricultural fact—it’s a guiding principle for life. Those who invest and put in the effort will reap the rewards of their work.

Our own fields, here in WIZO, also yield rich produce that fills us with pride. In June, the month of graduation ceremonies, we’ll travel between our youth villages and high schools, among proud teachers, emotional parents, and graduates who are filled with hope, anticipation, and maybe a little nervousness as they prepare for the next chapter in their lives—military service. On behalf of all of us, we wish them success and pray they all return home safely.

One of the most important and prominent achievements of recent times is The Fanny Cohen Open House in Sderot. We felt it was important to highlight it on this platform—both in the context of strengthening the Gaza Envelope region and in the broader context of creating models of social Zionist activity. The long-standing center recently changed its purpose, transferring from the Early Childhood Division to the Department for the Status of Women. Hundreds of people currently benefit from its services, and thousands more are interested and in need.

This community center, open to residents of Sderot and the Gaza Envelope, offers a wide range of services—classes, workshops, courses, therapeutic gardening, parenting guidance, first-grade readiness programs, various therapies, and community events—for mothers, children, widows, and families emerging from cycles of violence. But beyond this list of activities, The Fanny Cohen Open House has taken on a greater mission: to create connections between people and to form communities built on familiarity and mutual support. Community can be life-changing for the individual, and while everyone talks about the importance of community—we are actually building them, bringing together like-minded people in supportive frame works that give and receive strength from each member.

We are happy to share that in the coming weeks, a new community will launch at The Fanny Cohen Open House—the first ever designated for men. Its name: “Gever Gever v’Gam MeEver” (loosely translated: “A Real Man—And Then Some”). Around a bonfire, gatherings with beer and snacks will be held, each with its own unique focus, all contributing to one greater goal: turning strangers into friends, and individuals into a community. How strong is the demand? According to Yael Katzir, director of The Fanny Cohen Open House, there’s already a waiting list to join the group.

In closing, we wish to acknowledge Monique Asher, whom you all know, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award this month as a WIZO employee, in an impressive and festive ceremony. Monique has been with us for 35 years in various roles, and she has decided to retire from her position at the end of this coming October. The award she received is the least we could do to honor all her years of dedication, talent, and endless commitment.

With gratitude and deep appreciation to all our partners,

Anat Vidor, World WIZO President

Anita Friedman,  World WIZO Chairperson