Despite the geographical distances between our region and the center of the country and among our own communities, we have enrolled nearly 700 women since we began to meet as members of WWP in November 2014. We are perhaps best known in the larger movement for organizing three yearly events parallel to the annual national commemoration at Tel Hai [scene of a Jewish massacre in 1920 associated with Joseph Trumpeldor’s words, “It is good to die for one’s country.”] At Tel Hai we have chosen to emphasize our commitment to life. Together we share that it is good to live for our country and in favor of a political agreement – for that very country, for us, for future generations.
We have danced in a local market, we have met with the regional council and its supportive leader; we have screened Pray the Deveil Back to Hell many times, created pieces-for-peace, met with women from Emunah [a worldwide Jewish organization for the welfare of women and families], engaged with the Center for Democracy and Peace at Tel Hai College, and more. Like other regions, we are challenged by the gap between active and inactive members, by how to reach diverse women in our region and how to increase our impact. But we have learned to work as a team, and, over time have come to realize that focused projects suit us best. Recently we began to hold our meetings at Kashu Bar, a local spot favored by students where an outstanding young woman has brought a fresh young spirit and strengthened our connections with other students at Tel Hai College.
We try to make life and peace and to continue sowing seeds of hope and partnership, seeds that come from the idea that it is good to live for one’s country.
Translated by Donna Kirshbaum
