NA’AMAT USA at the World Zionist Congress: Standing Strong for Women and Israel
Dear Friends,
This past week, NA’AMAT women from around the world gathered in Jerusalem for the 39th World Zionist Congress.
We came to represent NA’AMAT’s values – care, equality, and connection – and to ensure that the voices of women who build and sustain Israel every day are heard at the highest levels of the global Jewish community.
Before the Congress began, our international delegation spent several powerful days visiting NA’AMAT centers and schools and bearing witness to both tragedy and resilience.
In the lobby of our hotel, voices in Hebrew, English, Spanish, and Portuguese blended into a joyful chorus as our delegation gathered. At the Shimon Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, we stood in the late leader’s office with President of NA’AMAT Israel and NA’AMAT International, Hagit Pe’er, learning about his vision and optimism. After a tour of exhibits on the devastation of October 7th and the story of Israeli innovation, we met together to align our international goals and amplify our collective impact.
At Kanot Youth Village, we saw the newly built middle school and its classrooms, some doubling as safe rooms, and met students whose lives are being transformed through NA’AMAT’s programs. From there we traveled south to Sderot (both to bear witness to the profound loss there and to take pride in the work NA’AMAT does – and has done since October 7th – to support the community in Sderot), Kibbutz Nir Oz, and the Nova Festival site. Our group walked together on sacred ground marked by loss, courage, and rebuilding. We lit candles, sang, and prayed together, representing NA’AMAT women from across the world who stand with Israel in grief and in hope.
We toured our Meshanot Center for Gender Equality in Jerusalem, witnessing how NA’AMAT continues to lead Israel’s fight for women’s rights and representation. Then, as the World Zionist Congress opened, we joined over 1400 delegates from 43 countries to shape the policies and priorities that will guide Zionism in the years ahead. Through it all, the NA’AMAT delegation was an island of strength, solidarity, and vision.
Across every visit and every vote, one truth echoed:
For one hundred years, NA’AMAT women have strengthened Israel by building the systems that let families, workers, and communities thrive.
Our presence in Jerusalem was a continuation of that century-long legacy. We proudly represented you, the women and supporters whose dedication keeps NA’AMAT strong in Israel and in the U.S.
Thank you for making this work possible. Together, we continue to build, protect, and empower.
With gratitude,
Kim Marks National Executive Director, NA’AMAT USA
