Resilience and Emergency Response
The pain and grief following the tragic events of October 7 continue to be felt across Israel. Amid the devastation, remarkable acts of solidarity, compassion, and resilience emerged.
From the first days of the war, the Empowering Ethiopian Women Association took immediate action by establishing an emergency response center to support residents of southern Israel, evacuated families, and IDF soldiers. Since then, we have continued to strengthen community resilience and promote social cohesion, believing that Israel's strength lies in the unity of its diverse communities.
In recognition of our commitment and contribution during this challenging time, the association received a Certificate of Appreciation from the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog.
Key Actions & Support Provided
Programs for Bereaved Mothers and Widows
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Organizing gatherings and activities for bereaved mothers and widows, creating a safe and supportive environment.
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Including healing workshops, shared meals, and cultural experiences.
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Providing a space for remembrance, solidarity, and mutual support among women who have experienced loss.
Emergency Assistance & Support
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Locating and reconnecting soldiers and civilians who were injured on October 7 and hospitalized without identification with their families, who had no information about their fate.
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Residents of the Ashkelon Absorption Center were quickly evacuated north and faced difficulties accessing Ethiopian food in their new location. The organization stepped in and delivered approximately 150 Ethiopian meals to support them.
Volunteer Recruitment
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25 volunteer communities mobilized nationwide to provide food to soldiers.
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Visits to evacuation centers for families displaced from the Gaza border area.
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Braiding workshops and dance classes for evacuees.
Legal Information & Support
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Free Zoom sessions providing information on rights and benefits for women displaced from the north and south, led by specialized attorneys.
Resilience and Mental Well-Being
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Resilience workshops for women in the south, led by certified professionals.
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Culturally sensitive social workers and therapists.
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Individual and group emotional support during the war (30+ women per group).
Advocacy and Awareness
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An advocacy video calling for the release of the hostages, joined by dozens of women standing with Israel and demanding freedom for all captives — including Avera Mengistu, who was held by Hamas for over eight years.
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Establishment of the Public Diplomacy Ambassadors Program, which trained women from the community to serve as advocates for Israel in the public and international arena. During the program, participants gained skills in spoken English, digital media advocacy, and understanding the conflict, and concluded by creating personal advocacy videos presented at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Our Impact
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Official recognition from the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, for our contribution to national unity during the Iron Swords War.
Operation Rising Lion & Operation Roaring Lion
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