Israel: A Model of Perseverance

Patty Finkelstein

International Women’s Day 2022 is both a day of celebration of women, and a contemplation of their plight in many places and segments of society. This year, as we ponder our progress and our frustrations, we find ourselves even more deeply concerned and frightened for women in many parts of the world, especially i

these women and their children had to leave behind their homes and families, fleeing to friendly, surrounding countries and communities with the hope of remaining alive. Israel, many Israeli NGOs, and all of us blessed with the means to contribute money and/or time, have stepped in to help the Ukrainians. However, it can never be enough. The tragedy cuts deep and will be felt for many years to come.  

As women, we certainly understand the pain and stress of feeling and being vulnerable. As both women and Jews, we are even more attuned to such vulnerability.  Considering the last three generations (if not beyond), very few of us have not experienced fleeing war, or hate, similar to what we are seeing now, daily, on TV. However, as has been the case throughout the history of our world, women in Ukraine are showing us remarkable resilience—from walking to safety for many hours or days with family and children, to standing directly in front of Russian army vehicles trying to prevent them from taking over their towns and cities, to defending their families and homes with homemade Molotov cocktail bombs and other rudimentary ammunition. Women continue to show guts, determination, and leadership. But that should not have to be the case. This unprovoked and brutal assault on the lives, families, and homes of Ukrainians is reprehensible on all levels. And we stand with them, and in particular, the women of Ukraine.

Israel’s perseverance and pioneering efforts not only in the field of health, but in many of aspects of modern life, have influenced countries all over the wo