On the evening of May 21, 2025, the Merhavim Regional Council was transformed into a sanctuary of strength, learning, and solidarity. The occasion, נשים למען נשים (Women for Women), was more than a gathering. It was a movement in the making.
Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs and the Welfare Department of the Merhavim Council, this special event was part of a broader initiative supported by Elul’s Shnat Sherut 50 Plus to address domestic violence and promote emotional resilience within communities under strain. With a large group of women in attendance, the atmosphere was one of both gravity and hope.
A Carefully Curated Program of Knowledge and Empowerment
The evening opened at 17:50 with a warm welcome and refreshments, allowing participants from across the region to settle in and connect. At 18:10, the formal program began with opening words by local officials and organizers, acknowledging the urgency of the issue and the importance of community response.
At 18:30, Adv. Hani Kalimi, a senior social worker specializing in domestic violence intervention and a core figure in the Merhavim welfare team, delivered a powerful lecture. She shed light on the often-hidden dynamics of abuse within families, and the complex web of fear, shame, and silence that keeps victims isolated. Drawing on her years of experience in the field, Hani spoke about how early recognition, open conversation, and institutional support can quite literally save lives.
After a short break, the program resumed at 19:30 with a lecture by Adv. Meir Dov Brakovich, a former national director in the Youth and Family Division of the Israel Police. With decades of insight from within law enforcement, he shared case studies and strategies for prevention, reporting, and community-based protection frameworks. His frank and practical tone offered a compelling complement to the emotional depth of the earlier session.
At 20:10, the room fell silent as one brave participant stood to share her personal story – a deeply moving testimony about surviving an abusive marriage and rebuilding her life. Her openness, courage, and clarity turned the evening from informative to transformative. “Today isn’t just another day,” she told the room. “It’s the first day of the rest of my life.” Her story underscored the power of collective listening and created a sense of shared purpose among all present.
A Spark Ignites: Community Action Takes Root
The event didn’t end with the distribution of certificates at 21:10. In fact, it was just the beginning. Inspired by the gathering, the same participant who spoke so candidly about her experience launched a new online support group that very evening – a Facebook space designed specifically for local women to find community, share resources, and support one another. “There’s so much awareness,” she wrote, “but nothing like this exists yet online. So I created it.”
Participants flooded WhatsApp and Facebook with messages of gratitude, reflection, and motivation:
“The power of women is extraordinary. I’ve taken another step forward to help, to advocate, to act.”
“You taught me that we are not alone — and that healing is possible.”
“I left with a heavy heart, but also with hope for a better future.”
“This evening connected me to my personal journey, and gave me the strength to say: no more.”
Collective Effort Behind the Scenes
Social worker Hani Kalimi closed the evening with words of heartfelt thanks. “This wouldn’t have happened without our incredible partners,” she said. She named Sally, the head of the Welfare Department; Sarit, director of the local training program; Shnat Sherut 50 Plus volunteer Berko, who never stopped believing this initiative would come to life; the council’s spokesperson Gila; and Dana and Meirav from the mayor’s office. Special appreciation was also extended to Meshi and the student volunteers who joined from the far north, bringing enthusiasm, thoughtfulness, and logistical support.
Shnat Sherut 50 Plus: A Partner in Community Healing
At Shnat Sherut 50 Plus, we are proud that our volunteers, many of them seasoned professionals in education, social work, therapy, and public service, are part of the team that made this evening possible. Their presence in Merhavim and other affected communities is not symbolic. They are embedded in daily life, offering services, guidance, and emotional support that are changing lives in real time.
Events like נשים למען נשים showcase the program’s core values: that healing is communal, that change starts with awareness, and that every individual has the power to be an ambassador for light and hope.
