Lighting the Way Forward

Earlier this month, during Hanukkah - a holiday that celebrates courage, inner strength, resilience, and the triumph of light - the Maccabi Women’s Forum hosted a warm and inspiring candle-lighting gathering, bringing together women representatives from Kfar Maccabiah, Maccabi Israel, and Maccabi World Union.

The event offered a deeper introduction to MWF - its vision, global initiatives, and the growing impact across Jewish communities worldwide since its establishment in 2023 - alongside meaningful discussions about the many ways women can lead, influence, and create a change in their fields today.

The gathering opened with heartfelt remarks by Orly Froman, MWU Deputy Chairperson and MWF Co-Founder, who sent a warm embrace to the Australian Jewish community following the tragic terror attack on the first night of Hanukkah. "On a holiday of light and hope, our hearts are with Australia,” she said. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families and wish a full and speedy recovery to all those who were injured.”

Reflecting on the Forum’s mission, Orly emphasized the importance of increasing women’s representation throughout the Maccabi Movement and its flagship event, the Maccabiah - not only as athletes, but also as coaches, delegation heads, and other decision-making roles. "We must begin long before the Games,” she explained. “That means investing in young female athletes today and creating meaningful sports opportunities for women in our communities around the world.”

A highlight of the gathering was an inspiring talk by Hana Rado, a leading social and business entrepreneur dedicated to advancing gender equality and employment opportunities for women in Israel’s periphery. Hana spoke passionately about female leadership, courage, and the power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone to create meaningful change.

She shared the stories behind founding initiatives such as McCann Valley and Spring Valley, which create quality employment opportunities for women in Mitzpe Ramon and Emek HaMaayanot; the “1,000 Club,” which encourages women to build financial independence through guided investing; Supersonas, a platform connecting organizations with leading women experts; and 19Group, which links peripheral communities with high-quality remote employment. True to her vision, all of Hana’s organizations are led exclusively by women.

The event concluded with a joyful communal candle lighting, sweet sufganiyot, and heartfelt blessings for a bright and hopeful year ahead.

Thank you to all who took part in this special gathering - helping us spread the light of women’s leadership, community, and shared vision within the Maccabi Movement and far beyond!