From Sweden to Argentina: Making an impact across communities

Across the globe, the Maccabi Women’s Forum continues to grow, inspire, and create a meaningful impact - strengthening communities, empowering women, and building connections that go far beyond borders.

Netherlands

In the Netherlands, the Women’s Circle has launched a rich and diverse annual program, including a powerful discussion on political issues on social media, featuring leading Dutch public figures and influencers such as Lale Gül, Fidan Ekiz, and Annabel Nanninga.

The circle also had the honor of hosting a UJA New York delegation for a special evening and dinner, while chair Daniella Coronel represented the initiative at a women’s empowerment event organized by Jewish Social Work and WIZO.

 Around International Women’s Day, an inspiring interview with the Circle’s founders - Daniella Coronel, Femmetje de Wind, and Kim Nieuwenhuijs-Griffioen - was published in Dutchtown magazine, celebrating female leadership within the Israeli community in the Netherlands.

At the same time, in close collaboration with Maccabi NL and partner organizations, the community is leading the LEV – Local Emergency Volunteers Center, a unique project that provides coordinated logistical, medical, and social support during emergencies.

Looking ahead, a special midsummer night event is planned for June at the Portuguese Synagogue, in collaboration with the Jewish cultural Quarter.

Germany

In Germany, a Catch’n Serve Ball seminar in Berlin brought women together for a high-energy, inspiring experience. New teams were formed, ideas were sharpened, and participants left motivated and ready to further grow the activity.

United States

 The catchball initiative continues to gain momentum across the United States. Training sessions in Kansas City and Pittsburgh - led by Maccabi local shlichim with professional guidance from Hila Yeshayahu, CEO of the International Catchball Federation -  introduced more women to the sport, combining learning, teamwork, and fun, and sparking growing interest across the communities.

 

Ukraine and Cuba

 In Ukraine and Cuba, Purim was marked with joyful, colorful celebrations, bringing communities together while also expressing support and connection to Israel from afar.

 

Italy 

In Turin, women gathered for meaningful moments - from a Megillah reading and prayers for Israel to a warm, intimate evening focused on reflection, connection, and pausing from everyday life.

Canada and Sweden

 In Toronto and Stockholm, forum and community members came together to show support for Israel through public gatherings, standing united and connected during a challenging time.

Hungary

 The official launch of the Budapest Women’s Forum on International Women’s Day brought together over 70 participants of all ages and marked the beginning of a growing and vibrant community. The event, led by Chair Lela Paran, together with Agnes Rát and Sara Kalman, featured engaging interviews with inspiring Jewish-Hungarian women. 

The energy and enthusiasm were clear, with many more activities already in the works. Among its future plans: welcoming Israeli women living in Hungary into this growing community and developing more activities tailored to the community's interests, from sports groups to special holiday events.

Photos credit: Tamás vajda

Argentina

 In Argentina, a special International Women’s Day event combined yoga, dance, and wellness activities - offering women different ways to connect, move, and be part of the Forum.

Staying Connected: Global Chairs Zoom Meeting

In March, Women’s Forum chairs from around the world met on Zoom for a global check-in. It was a valuable opportunity to share activities from each community, exchange ideas, and discuss challenges and opportunities – including expanding catchball in Europe and strengthening connections with Israeli women living abroad.

The meeting reflected the strong sense of support and connection across the network, especially during this complex time in Israel and worldwide, and reinforced the shared commitment to continue growing together and advancing the Forum’s global vision. 

To all our chairs, leaders, and members around the world – thank you for your meaningful work, friendship, and commitment to our shared mission. Together, we are making a real difference across our communities - and this is only the beginning.