Dear Friends,

Over the past year, very often, we have asked ourselves: In times like these, how can we help a woman and her children, who are trying to rebuild their lives? 

The horrors of October 7^th impacted each one of us, and especially the families under our care: some were exposed to rocket fire in our halfway-home branch in Ashdod; for others, the testimonies of gender-based violence awakened painful memories, and there were those whose family members were recruited for long months of combat.

Not a day goes by without sickening worry for the safety of the hostages and with deep sadness for the loss of life. The women and their children are a particularly vulnerable population: they will always carry with them the trauma of violence. Now, the stresses of war have put them at an increased risk of returning to the cycle of harm.

In the months that have elapsed, we have become keenly aware of our critical role: to give and receive strength and never to lose hope.

I would like to thank everyone who has assisted us during this trying period: Woman to Woman's Executive Board, the circle of volunteers that we are blessed with, and you, our friends in Israel and abroad, who are a beacon encouragement.

Some of our funders have informed us of a change in their giving priorities, brought on by the frontline war efforts. At the same time, the cost of operating our program continues to increase. We are particularly grateful to those of you who continue to stand with us, now, as much as ever.

With heartfelt appreciation and prayers for better days,

Naomi Schneiderman, Executive Director

"At the shelter I felt, for the first time, that I was loved and cared for"

The recent farewell meeting from Anya (not her real name) was incredibly moving. It was hard to believe that this was the same woman who had arrived at the shelter with her daughter, Kati, suffering from severe medical and physical neglect and many functional difficulties.

Anya stood beaming and festive at her farewell. She repeatedly said how much the professional staff and volunteers had helped her and how her time with us had been meaningful: "At the shelter I felt, for the first time, that I was loved and cared for." 10-year-old Kati, who participated as well, said, "Here I felt at home."

Anya's story is not an ordinary success story, but it is the story of a brave woman who escaped the cycle of violence. With the support she needs and the right tools, she is now starting a new life.

Anya, who fled to Israel from the war in Ukraine, arrived at our shelter following severe violence. For many weeks she shut herself up in her room and did not communicate. Yael, her caseworker, explains: "It was clear that if we were going to help Anya, a comprehensive evaluation would be required, beyond the trauma response we were already providing." The results of a professional diagnosis confirmed that Anya had not only survived terrible abuse but had been dealing with a neurological disorder all her life.

"Anya shared with us that it was a great relief for her to finally understand that there was a reason for the many challenges she experienced all of her life." Another significant moment in Anya's treatment was when she acknowledged that because of her condition, she could not be the parent Kati needs. According to Yael, "the process of Kati's transition to a separate setting from her mother was difficult, but Anya cooperated fully, understanding that it was the right thing for her child."

During her stay in the shelter, we were privileged to witness Anya acquire basic life skills related to hygiene, organization and financial management. All the while, the police investigator was in direct communication with our staff to ensure her safety and to update us on the proceedings against the partner.

We discovered Anya to be a delightful person. Despite her difficulties, she did not give up and insisted on expressing her talents and creativity. In addition to bonding with the staff, she befriended the other women in the shelter. She also formed meaningful connections with numerous volunteers, who helped her in Hebrew-language acquisition, knitting lessons, outings to the local pool and more.

Kati continued to visit her mother: Anya baked a cake for her before each visit, in anticipation of their time together. We were thrilled to see Kati's progress – from a neglected child, with a complex of difficulties and delays – she began to thrive before our eyes.

Anya recently started her new path in an adapted residential facility, near Kati's facility, where they will both continue to receive the care and support they need.

Dear Anya, we miss you already and are so proud of you for the way you have come.

A Special Thank You

To our dedicated volunteers

for your time, effort and perseverance - especially during these difficult days.

Wåth your devotion and love, you help the women and children believe in good and provide them with the strength they need for the road ahead.

Your Donation is Greatly Appreciated!
Now, more than ever, we need your donations to continue to help those who have no economic backing or family support.
USA - tax-deductible contributions can be made on-line
or by check/wire transfer via PEF Israel Endowment Funds.

Woman to Woman is partially funded by the Israeli Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Services.
We gratefully acknowledge the support of our many friends and donors:
Anatta Ltd. (cc); The Clore Israel Foundation; Coca Cola Israel; Bank HaPoalim;The Jerusalem Foundation; Arlene R. Kogod; Kol Nashim (Colorado Hebrew Chorale); The Jennifer Lalin Memorial Foundation (Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey); Matan - Investing in the Community; PEF Israel Endowment Funds; Rochlin Foundation; Schusterman Foundation Israel (SFI); Lady Nancy Wald; The Weinberg Foundation, and all our generous private donors in Israel and abroad.