Jan 16, 2024

Women’s Amutot Initiative Grants Focus on Helping Women After October 7

“This year, we definitely looked at the grant allotments through a different lens,” said Ilene Kossman, Chair of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation’s Women’s Amutot Initiative Committee, regarding the 2024 funding awarded to organizations in Israel that help women thrive and succeed. A total of 18 nonprofits received $300,000 from the Annual Federation Campaign to advance women’s progress in social and economic empowerment, leadership development and protection against and prevention of violence.

In the wake of the October 7 Hamas terror attack, Kossman noted, “This was not a typical year. The outcome of the voting showed we were all of the same mind: to boost our support of protecting women against violence.” Concern was not only for the victims of violence and their families, but for the first time, also for the therapists and staff of grant recipients who themselves are experiencing trauma due to the ongoing war. The Women’s Amutot Committee routinely communicates with these organizations, who Kossman affirmed are “trusted partners,” and visits with their Israeli contacts via Zoom. “Many of them have lost loved ones, or their husbands or children are serving in the army,” she pointed out. “There is a pressure we don’t usually see.”

Five organizations that received the 2024 Women’s Amutot Initiative grants address violence against women. The Association of Rape Crisis Centers is an umbrella organization of local crisis centers that combat sexual violence. Maslan is the sexual assault and domestic violence support center for the entire Negev. The Michal Sela Foundation addresses domestic violence through innovation and technological solutions. Women’s Spirit provides women with long-term solutions to break the vicious cycle of abuse. The fifth organization, ASLI White Ribbon, is a first time grant recipient that works in reeducating men and boys as a means to eliminate violence toward women.

The other Women’s Amutot Initiative beneficiaries advocate to elevate women in Israeli society through social, economic, religious and political equity. “A lot of these amutot (nonprofits) are filling the gap in what the government can’t do at this time because the needs are so overwhelming,” lamented Kossman, “and we know the need is only going to grow.” Kossman and her peers are passionate about their task of assisting these organizations. In fact, of the total funding allotted, more than $20,000 was from supplemental gifts made by committee members in addition to their Annual Campaign donations.

In March, a Women’s Amutot Initiative Study Mission will visit Israel to meet with grant recipients and show their support. “This year was emotionally draining,” shared Kossman, “but at the same time, it was so rewarding because we felt purposeful.” Click here to read about this year’s Women’s Amutot Initiative grant recipients.