A Year of Impact and Growth

In just one year, Maccabi Women’s Forum (MWF) has grown from 11 to 34 local active forums — a vibrant global network of women leaders shaping their communities with dedication and pride.

Ahead of Rosh Hashanah, dozens of chairwomen from across the globe came together online for a moving event filled with reflection, vision, and tradition — complete with greetings, prayers for a brighter future, and a symbolic apple and honey ceremony.

Orly Froman, Deputy Chairman MWU, Vice Chairman Maccabiah 2025, and Co-Chair Maccabi Women's Forum, opened the meeting with a heartfelt message of unity and resilience: "34 women's forums are active globally these days, and we should all be very proud. That’s only the beginning. Our mission is clear — we want a forum in each MWU community, with women in leadership positions".

She also spoke about the forced postponement of the Maccabiah to July 2026, with hope for a greater Games next summer, and the launch of a new Catchball initiative for women of all ages to promote an active and healthy lifestyle.

Orly emphasized the difficulties Israel is facing these days — with 48 hostages still held in Gaza — as well as the alarming rise of antisemitism worldwide. "We still have 48 hostages in Hamas cages. Every day and every hour that passes risks their chance to survive. Let’s pray for their return before Rosh Hashanah. Every Saturday night, and often during the week, we are at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, expressing our sympathy to the families. This is the absolute minimum we can do. The message of tens of thousands of people is loud and clear: Bring them home now and stop the war!

Antisemitism is everywhere now, and I’m sure you are exposed to incidents in your daily lives. I hope that you protect yourselves and your loved ones. We are seeing way too many attacks against Jews and Israelis in many countries, sanctions against Israeli entities, and disruption of sports events, while the media is saturated with hate expressions of all kinds. But we must stay determined, and we are fighting for better days and a better place with optimism for a better Israel".

Concluding her message, Orly shared a personal blessing: "For our new year to come, I pray and wish from the bottom of my heart that our hostages will be back home to where they need to be, our dear soldiers will come back safely, our mental and physical wounded will recover quickly, and our children and grandchildren will have a beautiful Israel — the way they deserve. Big hug from me to each and every one of you and your families. Shana Tova or maybe a better Shana Tova".

The gathering also highlighted inspiring projects from leaders around the world, including Bella Himelfarb, a chairwoman from Colombia who recently made Aliyah, turning her lifelong connection to Israel into reality, and Rita Goldenberg Roso from Canada.

One of the most emotional moments came when Gilanit Rif Amar told the story of her son Regev — a young man with ADHD who insisted on serving in the IDF with passion and devotion, and who fell heroically on October 7, 2023, together with six friends from his unit, defending Kibbutz Kissufim.

In his memory, Regev’s family established a pre-military academy in Kibbutz Sde Nehemia, located in the Upper Galilee, where Regev was born and raised. The academy is dedicated to instilling the values that guided him — love of the land and people, motivation, environmental care, astronomy, acceptance of others, and community service — for future generations.

The event ended with greetings from Lisa Borowick, Vice President MWU and Co-Chair Maccabi Women's Forum, and the traditional apple and honey ceremony. "Shalom everybody, last week I had the pleasure of being in Israel, and I want to echo that there is indeed so much distress and anxiety, but there is also so much hope. And wow, just to hear now that incredible woman Gilnait, and to think about the incredible thing her son Regev and his unit did — and what everyone in Israel is doing… But I guess we have to do what we always do as Yehudim – we always look forward, we think positively, and we stay optimistic, because we love our children and believe in education, and we know that the circle of life will continue.

It's now even more important that we celebrate the New Year and bring some joy, love, and  honey into the world. I want to wish all of us around the world a happy, healthy, and wonderful New Year — and of course, bring the hostages home now. From the bottom of my heart – Shana Tova U'Metuka to all of you".

Maccabi Women’s Forum steps forward with hearts full of hope, energy, and a shared commitment to making a real difference. May it be a peaceful and successful year – a year of new achievements, the year of Maccabiah 2026.

Thank you for sharing this meaningful journey with us!

Watch the full Zoom meeting here: