The Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project (JWRP) and Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, headed by Minister Naftali Bennett, launched an unprecedented initiative today to provide 5,600 women from 26 countries around the world with life-changing, nine-day trips to Israel that will inspire them as family and community leaders to make a greater impact.
The ministry and JRWP unveiled the historic $12.5 million global expansion of the JWRP’s Momentum Israel experiences for women at a special ceremony during the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) annual policy conference in Washington, DC.
The landmark partnership for 2016 and 2017 will also allow JWRP and the ministry to involve women from Jewish communities facing increased threats of anti-Semitism and economic hardship, including Argentina, Cuba, the former Soviet Union, France, the US and Canada.
“This historic agreement allows us to continue to build a global movement united in the mission of empowering women to change the world through Jewish values,” said Lori Palatnik, founding director of the JWRP.
“Our philosophy from the beginning has always been: inspire a woman, you inspire a family. Inspire enough families, you can change a community. Inspire enough communities, you can change the world. This partnership is key to making this a reality.”
“This important partnership with JWRP will provide outstanding women from different backgrounds and different places with the opportunity to strengthen their identities and connection to Israel,” said Bennett. “This revolutionary project demonstrates the commitment of the Israeli government to the Diaspora.”
Since 2009, more than 7,300 women from 150 partner organizations in 26 countries spanning several continents including Australia, Africa, Europe, North America and South America have participated in “Momentum” trips. The trips strengthen these global communities and their bonds with Israel—and promote local leadership.
“This ‘flagship project’ is part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen Israel’s relationship with Diaspora communities around the world,” said Dvir Kahana, director-general of the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs. “We are extremely proud of our strategic partnership with the JWRP. We share the vision of empowering Jewish women worldwide as leaders of the next generation with the ability and drive to raise children who are proud of their identity and strongly connected to Israel. I am hopeful that this partnership will grow and become a monumental game changer in the Jewish world.”
Momentum trips, which stretch from the mystical Galilee city of Safed to the ancient desert mountaintop fortress Masada, feature extensive itineraries and curated curricula encompassing everything from Jewish values to contemporary Israeli society. The trips inspire women to connect deeply with their Jewish heritage, and transform themselves, their families—and ultimately their communities and the wider world.
Participants also commit to getting involved in programs when they return home from Momentum, including community activities, Israel engagement programs, Jewish education, global learning, leadership development and Momentum Israel missions for their husbands.
