NAAMAT INTERNATIONAL

Today is Educators Day at NA'AMAT, and we send our warmest thanks to our amazing daycare providers! With the new government promising to transfer preschool education to the care of the Ministry of Education, we hope that our daycare providers will soon be recognized by the Ministry as the wonderful educators that they are.

"Kannot is My Home" was written in mosaic tiles at the entrance to the dining hall, a gift from NA'AMAT's Kannot Youth Village seniors before their upcoming graduation.

President of NA'AMAT, Hagit Pe'er, has congratulated Israel's newly elected Prime Minister, Naftali Bennet, and has commended the new government's decision to transfer preschool education from the Ministry of Economics to the Ministry of Education, and in so doing ensuring an educational continuum from infancy to graduation. "I hope the transition will take place as soon as possible and that it will be backed by sufficient funding", said Hagit. "The new government's decision is praiseworthy and very much needed; we have been calling for the implementation of this important step for years", she added. Photo: AMIR LEVY/GETTY IMAGES

Thirty years later, these images are still so moving.

NA'AMAT sends its very best wishes of success to the new Israeli government steered by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid. Of the 27 ministerial positions, nine are to be held by women - the most women holding ministerial positions in Israel’s history, and a moment not to be forgotten. In the security cabinet, a record three women will take part in the State's most critical security decisions. We look forward to a strong civil agenda, and to the ...strengthening and advancement of the rights of women and children. Photo: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90

NA'AMAT's 'ABBA' project was initiated in 2021 and born from the growing need to create discourse and respond to fathers struggling with the challenges of family life. The ABBA program also offers a novel way of countering domestic violence by providing mental guidance to men who resort to violence in their homes, addressing the roots of their aggression. The program was developed and is implemented in Na’amat's Glickman Centre for Family Violence Prevention in Tel Aviv. Speaking at the recent launch of ABBA Director Yair After's new book titled 'Men Talk Violence', President of NA'AMAT Hagit Pe'er praised the book and its author, stating that the road to gender equality includes a true partnership between men and women, and addressing issues before they become problems.

We just love a good success story! Blainish Tsekol, an outstanding graduate of NA'AMAT's Technological High School and College in Rishon LeTzion, serves as an optics inspector in the Israeli army and has recently been promoted to the rank of Sergeant Major. Good luck to you, we are so proud!

Na'amat Canada joins with Na'amat São Paulo, Na'amat Brazil Na'amat Mexico, and Na'amat USA for this very relevant and timely online event. Our dynamic speakers... will entertain and uplift you in these trying times. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/rwd8wf8m Naamat.com #happiness #talbenshahar #sandracoutinho #naamatcanada #naamatusa #naamatmexico #naamatbrasil #resilience #clowningaround #therapy See more

In response to disappointing results in the Finance Ministry's Director of Wages' report on gender wage gaps in the public sector, President of NA'AMAT, Hagit Pe'er said: "Rather than serving as an example, the public sector is perpetuating gender gaps in Israel... We expect the government to be the first to implement the gender equality laws that it itself passed". In the chart: men(purple) and women(yellow) in the (from left to right) health, security, government, education and overall local economy sectors.

NA'AMAT Kanot Youth Village student Ortal Saidov is the proud recipient of the NASA sponsored Scientific Accelerator Project's 'Outstanding Student' Award. 15-year-old Ortal took part in this unique international program that brought together students from the US, Italy and Israel for entrepreneurship training, helping them prepare for an exciting career in Space research. Congratulations Ortal, and chapeau to all of your proud teachers!

Two Israeli women have made history this past week, and we at NA'AMAT couldn't be prouder: "I'm at the top!", said Daniel Wolfson, the first Israeli woman to reach the peak of the Everest. "All I have to do now is get back down", she posted excitedly. Winner of the gold medal in the 200 meter medley, 17 year old Anastasia Gorbenko, is Israel's first European Champion and the first Israeli woman to win gold in this sport.... Congratulations to both, and to all the women who aspire and achieve! (photos: Wolfson-private album, Gorbenko-AFP)

Following the recent rise in displays of Antisemitism around the world, the World Zionist Organization has requested an emergency discussion at the UN.

Its great to be back! President of NA'AMAT, Hagit Pe'er joined NA'AMAT Dekel Daycare Center staff and children in Rishon LeTzion for big welcome-back hugs. After ten days at home due to the recent outbreak of violence, we couldnt be more happy to get back to our daily activities!

A joint message from NA'AMAT's Jewish and Arab caregivers in Hebrew and in Arabic: "We work together, and we believe in partnership and in the love we share for all young children". NA'AMAT caregivers and staff return to work following the recent outbreak of hostilities, hoping for better days.

"We, caregivers in NA'AMAT's Shalhevet and Shunit Daycare Centers - Jews, Muslim, Christian and Druze - refuse to be enemies. We work together to cultivate the next generation. We believe in a shared society, and in camaraderie and peace. Together, as women and as citizens of Israel, we will continue to support tolerance and acceptance of the other. Like us, there are many in NA'AMAT's daycare centers who work together and are committed to partnership and cooperation". NA'AMAT operates 170 daycare centers throughout Israel for children of all religions and ethnicities. Similarly, our caregivers hail from all of the communities that make up Israeli society. In its long history, NA'AMAT has supported coexistence and will continue to do so.

A Statement by The General Federation of Labor in Israel (Histadrut): The images on both sides of the border are tragic. Families have in one moment lost the most precious thing. The movement must do everything to make this the last time that it happens. Terrorism cannot be excused, ignored or disregarded. The human tragedy unraveling before us reinforces the urgent need for an end to the current hostilities, resumption of a peace process, and a negotiated peace agreement wit...h the Palestinian Authority. Only with mutual respect, understanding, justice, solidarity, and security can we avert future crises, conflicts, and wars and finally realize the two-state solution. The Histadrut is horrified by the developing voices of anti-Semitism that have become prominent on the streets of Europe and other places around the world. Anti-Semitism fueled by hostility towards Israel is part of everyday normality for Jews. It has been tolerated and often even supported by numerous people and organizations for many years. As soon as Israel is forced to defend its existence, these forms of anti-Semitism break out again. Together we must send a clear message that racism in all its forms must be condemned, marginalized and defeated." Photo:Amir Levy/Getty Images

Following recent violence in Israel, NA’AMAT’s Director of The Education Network, Ms. Mina Shefi shared a message with students and parents: The days are extremely difficult, and we are witnessing radical forces, both inside and out, that threaten the fabric of our society. There is no doubt that the last few days have created cracks, but it is precisely now that we must stand up for the values of equality and tolerance, and remember that we must sound the sane voice and not... let extremist and racist voices on both sides achieve their goals. In the NA’AMAT Education Network there are fifteen schools and two youth villages for both Jews and Arabs. Over the years, we have set an example of partnership and have created collaborations that promote and foster relationships between the communities. We, the management, teachers and students of the Network, will continue to live together in peace and to work towards normalization and coexistence in Israeli society in general, and in our schools in particular. We work continuously to change social and civic policy and towards equality in the family and workplace. Now, more than ever, we will continue to struggle for these values to fulfill the Network's vision: a reality that enables Jews and Arabs to meet, reduces fears and prejudices, exposes each side to the other’s culture, fosters patience, trust and mutual understanding, and commits to multicultural initiatives. We must stand up at this time, with all our might, to oppose actions that threaten the existence of the other and to condemn the violence and displays of hatred and racism. It is important that we talk to our children, explain to them the complex reality and not let fear guide us. Let us believe that all of us will live together in peace again. In the words of Galit Menachem Weizmann's song: "It is possible together, without fear, without hesitation, without suspicion, it is possible to be untainted, real, close " Hoping for calmer days. (Photo - Israel21c)

Words of support from NA'AMAT Mexico: NA'AMAT Mexico stands in solidarity with Israel in defense of its right to exist. We profoundly lament the violence and tragic events that are presently occurring. We pray for a cessation of hostilities in the area as well as for the well-being and security for the soldiers and citizens affected.