In a moving display of unity and resilience, 21 Jewish women (mostly mothers) from Cape Town joined nearly 280 women from 15 countries across the globe as part of Momentum’s Journey of Growth – a powerful eight-day trip to Israel designed to empower women with Jewish values, identity, and global responsibility in the wake of October 7th.
The Momentum Journey of Growth provides participants with the inspiration to connect to Jewish values, engage more deeply with Israel, and gain the confidence to take action by standing up and speaking out when they return to their home countries. The mission included participants from South Africa, India, Venezuela, France, Canada, the U.S., and Spain.
Participant Pam Tudin-Buchalter from Knysna comments that, “It is difficult to understand the true definition of resilience until you have seen Israelis post-October 7. We met kibbutz women who, after losing their husbands to Hamas terror, chose to build a magnificent healing centre for women on the same land where their husbands were murdered.”
Pam also says that she understood what the phrase ‘They choose life’ really means. “Despite the brittleness that sometimes comes from being in a state that is marked every day by a need for survival, somehow in Israel it seems to have been replaced with everyone’s desire to show up in their power, good power. I was aware of how the average Israeli in the street still demonstrates an incredible capacity for joy, even humour.”
The tour itinerary included a visit to southern Israel, where they bore witness to the trauma and resilience of Israeli families near the Re’eim Nova site. The visit included storytelling, volunteer work, and deeply emotional encounters with survivors and residents rebuilding their communities. They also toured the Jewish Quarter of the Old City in Jerusalem, and danced and prayed at the Western Wall.
“Seeing the swearing in of new soldiers at the Kotel was very meaningful,” commented Elanit Judes.
For Elanit, the insights gained into a number of issues were particularly valuable. For instance, the devastating economic impact of the decline in tourism since October 7th was highlighted in a visit to Jerusalem’s famous shuk. “It was also a learning experience to come across Jewish women from other countries who know so little about Judaism,” she explained. “Some knew nothing about the lighting of Shabbat candles!”
The stories of courage, grief, and strength that these women heard first-hand remind us why standing with Israel is so essential. ●
- Read the latest Edition of the Cape Jewish Chronicle here.
- SUBSCRIBE: Subscribe to the Cape Jewish Chronicle for just R450/year (or R38/month debit order) and you will remain connected. Simply email us at subscriptions@ctjc.co.za and click here for payment info.
- ADVERTISE in the Cape Jewish Chronicle and on this website. Contact Adéle on 021 464 6736 or email advertising@ctjc.co.za.
