Speaking Jerusalem

There were only 11 of us when we first met to practice Hebrew and Arabic together in 2017. Eight years have passed, and now we are a community of over 3,200 women! Women from East and West Jerusalem, Jewish and Palestinian, of diverse political and religious backgrounds, continuing to create a shared language. Even in the polarized reality of the last two years, as opportunities for real dialogue diminished – our community did not stop for a minute. Now, especially now, we continue to pursue an alternative of partnership, communication and mutual understanding.    And we need your help! In the last year alone we:• held 105 gatherings for over 1,600 women • introduced new mixed-gender language practice sessions, open to family and friends • practiced yoga, arranged flowers, went rock climbing, hiked in the mountains, discussed religious scriptures, made space for difficult political conversations, painted mandalas, went strolling through markets – we did all of this, Jewish and Palestinian women together, at over 60 special events, all so we could keep on talking! • expanded our Employment Project, which supports more than 1,400 women from East Jerusalem on the way to professional advancement and self-fulfillment • held 70 professional workshops and language classes for nearly 600 Palestinian women seeking better jobs and economic independence • launched unique new programs with the Jerusalem Municipal Employment Authority • handled over 330 applications from women needing help with job searches, interview preparation and personal mentoring Now we have to strengthen and fortify our community. The community that is an island of sanity and friendship for Jewish and Palestinian women together. The space that enables us all to create change – for each other, for all of us.   The place where we bring an alternative future into being. To continue and expand our activities, we need to raise NIS 50,000. If we reach our fundraising goal, every shekel will be doubled! Generous donors have promised to match the sum we raise.  Please help us get there! Expand our impact in 2026 - Building a shared future when it is most needed!