A Year of Growth, Impact & Global Connection

The year 2025 was a breakthrough year for the Maccabi Women’s Forum. Through inspiring initiatives, global solidarity actions, meaningful gatherings, and growing international engagement, the Forum continued to strengthen women’s leadership across the Maccabi movement and the Jewish world. And this is only the beginning. 

In Israel: Expanding Leadership, Community & Collective Strength

Women’s Forum Gathering at Kfar Maccabiah

Our full-day gathering in March brought Forum leaders from around the world together for a strategic visioning session, a meeting with MWU leadership, and an uplifting evening of music and community bonding. The program also featured moving talks from leading Israeli women, including Meirav Leshem Gonen - mother of released hostage Romi Gonen. 

 

Strengthening Communities through Sports

Forum chairs met to promote the expansion of women's catchball teams across Maccabi communities - a sport accessible to all ages and fitness levels, and a powerful tool for connection, empowerment, and greater involvement of women in sports and in the Maccabiah Games. 

Rosh Hashanah Community Giving 

Forum representatives joined MWU and the family of the late Judge Dov Levin to distribute holiday food packages to elderly residents at the Beit Dani Community Center in Tel Aviv. The event included shofar, songs, blessings for the New Year, and a powerful expression of Jewish solidarity in action.

Rosh Hashanah Women’s Forum Gathering

Our special Zoom meeting, themed Hope & Growth, brought women from across the globe together for updates, shared strength, and a moving keynote from Gilanit Reshef Amar, mother of Sgt. Regev Amar z”l, who fell heroically on October 7, 2023. In his memory, the family established a pre-army academy dedicated to motivation, environmental responsibility, and community service.

Jewish Leadership in a Post-October 7 World: A conversation with Sheryl Sandberg & Donna Orender

Held in November after being postponed due to Iran’s attack, this powerful Zoom event explored Jewish identity, the connection to Israel, and the impact of women's leadership in sports and beyond. The event featured a fascinating conversation between Donna Orender of the Maccabi USA Women’s Forum and Sheryl Sandberg, reflecting on October 7 and highlighting the vital role of sports and women’s leadership in times of challenge

FACCMA Argentina Delegation: A Week of Solidarity & Volunteering in Israel

Initiated by Vero Silbergleit, 24 women from FACCMA Argentina arrived in Israel for a meaningful week of learning, volunteering, and connection - visiting Sderot, the Nova site, Hostages Square, Mount Herzl, and the Kotel. As part of Maccabi Women's Forum's new initiative, they also visited the northern kibbutzim, forging new friendships and collaborations.

 

Around the World: Global Reach, Global Impact

Italy 

Gilat Makmel officially launched The Maccabi Women's Forum in Turin, followed by a special event featuring two IDF Navy officers who met with students and community members for meaningful conversations about courage, values, and female leadership.

Colombia 

Bela Himelfarb launched the Maccabi Women’s Forum in Colombia, marking an exciting milestone in our global expansion and bringing together local women eager to lead and strengthen their communities through the Maccabi spirit.

Sweden 

Dr. Nicole Winitsky and Aviva Scheiman, together with Maccabi Women's Forum in Stockholm, carried out a series of powerful solidarity actions, calling for the return of all Israeli hostages. BRING THEM HOME rallies, yellow and orange balloon campaigns, and community gatherings kept awareness strong throughout the year.

Argentina 

In Buenos Aires, thousands participated in a major march organized by the local Jewish community in support of Israel, with Maccabi Argentina and Maccabi Women’s Forum, chaired by Veronica Silbergleit, playing key leadership roles.

Germany 

A new branch of the Maccabi Women’s Forum was officially launched in Berlin by Jessica Brauner. Only weeks later, amid a concerning rise in global antisemitism, the Forum led a major demonstration, joined by Maccabi Germany and additional Jewish and Israeli organizations -  amplifying a message of solidarity and Jewish pride. 

Mexico 

In Mexico City, hundreds filled the streets to honor Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas z"l and to demand the release of all hostages, with the local Maccabi Women's Forum, chaired by Monica Kibrit, together with the Maccabi Shlicha Daniela Hochman, playing a strong and visible role.

Australia 

The local Forum organized a special International Women’s Day event celebrating Jewish women’s leadership and community engagement. Today, we have several forums in Australia: in Melbourne - chaired by Lisa Borowick and Susannah Swiatlo; in Sydney - chaired by Debbie Rutstein, Lauren Ehrlich, and Mandy Penkin; and in Perth - chaired by Belinda Wolpert and Justine Sharbanee. 

Ukraine 

A national women's gathering brought together Jewish women leaders from across the country - including members of the Maccabi Women’s Forum, chaired by Viktoria Dyakova, creating space to share challenges, strengthen ties, and foster resilience during wartime.

The Netherlands 

Maccabi Women’s Circle, an initiative dedicated to empowering women's leadership chaired by Daniella Coronel and Laura Renberg-Dunkelgrun, completed a vibrant year of programs – from Krav Maga classes for girls to a Liberation Day luncheon for over 100 women, and a Women’s Night in September with 120 participants.

Canada 

The local Maccabi Women's Forum in Toronto, chaired by Rita (Goldenberg) Rusu, organized a unique safety-awareness session, equipping women with essential knowledge and practical tools for uncertain times. 

Italy & Israel – Representing the Forum Globally

Our global cooperation reached new heights when Maccabi Women's Forum representatives from Italy and Israel - Claudia De Benedetti, Orly Froman, Ronit Neaman, and Ilana Ben Namer-Kevehazi, participated in the World Zionist Organization’s annual conference, presenting the Forum’s achievements and expanding its international visibility and influence.

 Discover more about the Maccabi Women's Forum's activities worldwide over the past two years:

 

 

What’s Next? Looking Ahead to 2026

Maccabiah 2026 – Strong Female Representation On and Off the Field

We are committed to expanding women's roles and visibility at Maccabiah 2026, creating more opportunities to lead, compete, and influence every aspect of the Games, on the playing fields and beyond. 

A Global Project Centered on Israel’s North

In the coming year, the Forum will focus on uplifting the communities of northern Israel - amplifying the voices and stories of women living there, and building bridges of support and connection with Jewish women worldwide. The initiative is led by Dr. Hemdat Salay, a member of the Maccabi Women's Forum, together with representatives from FACCMA Argentina.

Women’s Forum Annual Conference – November 10, 2026

The Maccabi World Union Annual Congress will begin with the Maccabi Women's Forum annual conference. This gathering is expected to be our largest and most international to date.

2025 reminded us once again what happens when Jewish women unite across borders, languages, and communities: we create impact, inspire change, and strengthen the global Maccabi Movement, together. With Maccabiah 2026 on the horizon, the coming year promises to be even more powerful - filled with deeper connections and new opportunities for women to lead and make a real difference!