On March 8, International Women’s Day, a festive and inspiring gathering marked the first anniversary of the Women Leaders Forum in East Jerusalem. The event took place amid the ongoing war with Iran and during a difficult and uncertain time. Despite these circumstances, women from across the community came together for an evening of connection, resilience and leadership.
The event included an Iftar meal in honor of the month of Ramadan, accompanied by a musical ensemble that created a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout the evening. One of the highlights was the success story of a social worker from East Jerusalem who became an author and published her fourth book just a few months ago. She is a graduate of the Social Work Training Program in East Jerusalem, a transformative initiative led by the Jerusalem Foundation in partnership with the Jerusalem Municipality and the Hebrew University. The program also featured a panel with the three women who received the Jerusalem Foundation’s RFI for entrepreneurship in East Jerusalem, sharing their initiatives and experiences.
During the war, public gatherings have been limited to small groups of up to 50 people. Recognizing how important moments of connection are during difficult times, the Jerusalem Foundation chose to move forward with the event. The response from the participants made the decision deeply meaningful. The women arrived with broad smiles and expressed heartfelt appreciation that the gathering had not been cancelled. Many shared that they truly needed this moment, an opportunity to step outside, come together and recharge with renewed energy and strength.
The gathering served as a powerful reminder that even in difficult times, spaces that celebrate women’s leadership, resilience and community remain essential.