A delegation of senior figures in Emunah of America attended World Emunah’s 2017 Leadership Mission in Israel, and represented the U.S. at the movement’s 10th Annual Convention this week. The delegation, which included women from across the country, was led by Karen Spitalnick, national president of Emunah of America, from Great Neck, New York.

During the visit, the group met with Israeli political and social leaders in various fields, and was briefed by Minister of Education Naftali Bennett and Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely. They also conducted visits to Emunah institutions across Israel and witnessed some of the ground-breaking work and services offered to children and families in need, and to women in the national religious world.

Emunah is among Israel’s leading social action organizations to deal with the challenges of contemporary society. Its activities focus on education, legislation and social welfare, aiming to advance the status of women, strengthen the Jewish family and encourage volunteerism.

Emunah operates a network of 135 daycare centers providing care for 9,000 children, one-third of whom are from vulnerable families. Emunah also operates four high schools; a woman’s college offering innovative courses of study towards a BA degree in fine arts, graphic design and drama; children’s residential homes and crisis centers for infants, children and youth at risk; and family counseling and therapy centers.

In addition, Emunah works to broaden areas of influence for women in Israel’s public arena. The organization works with a wide range of governmental and public women’s organizations such as the Authority for the Advancement of Women and the ICAR Coalition of Agunot, Emunah.

Commenting on the visit, Spitalnick said, “What is wonderful about being here is that we get to meet everyone involved in Emunah globally and locally here in Israel.”

She added, “Emunah America is 70 years old and we are working tirelessly to pass on the mantle of our work to the next generation of both women and men. There is tremendous interest in our mission to help break the cycle of crisis that too many children and families face in Israel. Our goal is to help break damaging patterns that lead to these problematic situations and help strengthen families in need.”