WIZO’s Women’s Rights Division: Standing Strong for Women in Crisis

Even under rocket fire, WIZO’s commitment to protecting and empowering women has not wavered. Throughout Operation Rising Lion, WIZO’s Women’s Rights Division continued to operate with resilience, compassion, and determination—proving once again that even in the darkest times, support, strength, and safety are within reach.

Emergency Support Without Pause

WIZO’s two women’s shelters remained open and fully functional, offering refuge to over 10 women and nearly 20 children escaping domestic violence. Despite daily sirens and ongoing attacks, staff and volunteers arrived every day to provide round-the-clock care, ensuring residents felt seen, heard, and safe.

“Since the outbreak of the war, WIZO’s efforts have intensified,” says Rivka Neuman, Director of the Division for the Advancement of Women.

“Our two shelters continue to operate as emergency services, with reinforced staff and expanded support: therapeutic activities, body-mind workshops, and tools to help children cope with trauma—all while providing a sense of safety amid ongoing alarms and rocket fire.”

Responding to Rising Risk

With courts functioning on a limited emergency basis, WIZO expanded its legal and social aid hotline, providing urgent support to women facing heightened domestic danger.

WIZO also increased direct outreach to “Safety Net” communities, where many women live in unprotected homes and face extreme fear and isolation. Volunteers checked in daily via phone and WhatsApp, offered emotional support, and even delivered craft kits and games to help mothers soothe their children during long hours in shelters.

“While the world outside is unpredictable,” says Adi Magidish, Director of WIZO’s Southern Shelter, “the WIZO shelter team builds inner stability. We sing together, play, share stories—and above all, provide the sense of safety that comes from being cared for.

A shelter is more than a physical space. It’s a home that reminds us of the strength in mutual support.”

Support for the Whole Family

WIZO’s emotional and therapeutic services remained active online, offering remote support groups for women and men, parental guidance workshops, and resilience-building sessions to help families cope with trauma. Teams maintained consistent contact with participants, checking in after every siren—especially when rockets struck close to home.

“We knew we couldn’t let fear stop us,” said one shelter director. “If we weren’t there—who would be?”

Tracking the Human Toll

In parallel, WIZO continued to gather data through its Safety Net Program, which monitors the connection between external crises and increased vulnerability to domestic violence and emotional instability—particularly among men. Early findings revealed a sharp rise in stress-induced aggression, loss of self-regulation, and emotional strain, underlining the urgent need for early mental health intervention and long-term community outreach.

Through it all, WIZO stood by its mission: to be a source of strength for women and families—no matter the circumstances.