From Argentina With Solidarity

Twenty-four women from FACMA Argentina Women's Forum arrived in Israel this month for an emotional 6-day solidarity mission, organized by Maccabi Israel Programs and Maccabi Women's Forum, and sponsored by Taglit. The delegation was warmly welcomed by MWU leadership at Kfar Maccabiah: "Your visit is an important milestone toward the upcoming Maccabiah", said MWU and Maccabiah CEO Roy Hessing. 

One of the participants was 48-year-old Sofi (Monica Alejandra Smelansky): “I could not even believe I was here,” she shared with tears in her eyes as she described the moment she stepped off the plane. 

Raised in Argentina in a family that lived as Catholics after her grandparents were forced to convert, Sofi said the journey has been especially emotional – bringing her full circle, back to Judaism, and now, finally, to the Holy Land. “It feels like a vindication for my grandparents - a way of reclaiming everything they lost. I’m doing this for them.”

Sofi (Monica Alejandra Smelansky) as a child  

MWU and Maccabiah CEO Roy Hessing welcomed the group: “We are so happy that you are here. It is inspiring to see so many strong women coming to Israel and helping lead our organization to a better place. This summer, we will unite to share hope, to stand as one family, and to show the world that we are here to stay.”

MWU Chairman Amir Peled added: “Argentina is one of the strongest parts of Maccabi movement, and each of you is playing a meaningful role in that strength. We appreciate it deeply". 

During their visit at Kfar Maccabiah, the women visited the The Iris Smith World Jewish Sports Museum and met with representatives of the Israeli Maccabi Women's Forum, including: Orly Froman, Deputy Chairman MWU, Vice Chairman Maccabiah 2025, and Co-Chair Maccabi Women's Forum;  Ilana Ben Namer-Kevehazi, MWU Head of the European, Australian, South African Desks, Board of Trustees member and MWF founding board member; Merav Olejnik, MWU Secretariat member, Chairperson of the Sports Division for the 22nd Maccabiah Games and MWF founding board member;  Vered Atsmon, 22nd Maccabi Games board member and MWF founding board member; and Shirit Saks Haim, Honorary Secretary of MWU, Chair of the Maccabiah Educational Department and MWF founding board member.

 "It is very important to us that after the difficult years we’ve been through, people from around the world come to Israel and embrace us", said Orly Froman. "We know that you are with us. And if you are ok, we will be ok. It is so important because if we walk hand in hand, think together, act together - then Israel will be ok.”

Shirit Saks Haim added: “Women have an innate ability to build communities. We connect sports, education and Israel - and use that power. The delegation brings female strength that can unite their Jewish communities back home.”

The mission also included visits to Sderot, the Nova site, the Hostages Square, Mount Herzel, and the Kotel; meetings with October 7 survivors; geopolitics discussions; and volunteer activities in northern and southern Israel. 

Thank you for being part of this journey - we hope these experiences inspire new ideas, meaningful initiatives, and impactful collaborations as we move forward together!