Momentum, a global movement that inspires Jewish women to connect with Israel and their Jewish values, brought some 1,000 people to march in solidarity with Israel during last week’s “March for Israel” rally in Washington, D.C.
The rally, which drew nearly 300,000 attendees from all over the world, most of them Jews of all ages, was one of the largest gatherings of Jews in history.
Upon hearing of the rally, Momentum quickly mobilized its board members, fellows, community leaders, and hundreds of participants from across the country to take action and join this historic event.
Additionally, the organization subsidized buses for partner organizations to come to the rally, handed out more than 500 T-shirts and signs, each proudly worn or displayed, further amplifying the unified voice and collective determination of the Momentum community in advocating for Israel. It was important for the organization to be present at the rally because it wanted to show that women need to stand up for other women in Israel. Of the hundreds of women that arrived, many brought their husbands, kids and friends, a true demonstration of what the Momentum network of women can do for the Jewish community.
“Strengthening the connection to Israel is one of Momentum’s main goals. We are proud of the strong presence of Momentum’s community at the historic rally,” Momentum’s board president, Debbie Hochberg, said. “Israel should know that we proudly stand by its side. Momentum will continue to mobilize our community to support Israel through programs such as unity missions to Israel, leadership retreats, campaigns and pro-Israel events.”
The rally was just one component of the organization’s comprehensive Momentum Mobilizes Campaign. The multi-pronged initiative was spearheaded in the early days of “Operation Swords of Iron” to create a connection to what’s happening in Israel through the lens of the organization, deliver support through educational initiatives and to inspire action through opportunities to do something positive.
Other initiatives under the Momentum Mobilizes umbrella included Momentum’s Mother to Mother Unity Mission which brought some 100 Jewish mothers on a volunteer solidarity mission to Israel as a way for them to support their Israeli counterparts in their darkest hour.
The trip, which kicked off last week, spanned across the country and focused on the need for unity in this time of crisis. This unique mission will include members of Jewish communities from the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia and Mexico. Additionally, 20 of the mothers participating have lone soldiers currently serving in the war.
Other aspects of the campaign included Hugs4Heroes, which encourages Momentum women and their families to strengthen the IDF and country by showing solidarity with soldiers and displaced families through the sending and delivering letters and pictures of support and their upcoming initiative, “Bring the Light Home,” a global Shabbat candle-lighting viral campaign to help bring more light into the world and inspire more women to light candles in this time of darkness.
Momentum is carrying out these campaigns by tapping into its extensive community of alumni that span more than 23,000 women from 34 countries, who through their immersive experience in Israel, have returned to their home countries to be dedicated ambassadors for not only the country but Jewish values.
Founded in 2009, Momentum’s four central goals are connecting to Jewish values, engaging with Israel, taking action and fostering unity without uniformity. The movement represents an army of women, men, partner organizations, leaders, influencers and change-makers.
Momentum is a global movement focused on the greatest influencer – the Jewish mother. Through transformational journeys to Israel, leadership fellowships, a robust multimedia platform, and expansive resources for Jewish learning, Momentum inspires Jewish mothers to live their most meaningful lives and transform themselves, their families, and their communities. Since Momentum’s founding in 2008, more than 23,000 individuals from 35 countries have experienced Momentum’s flagship program, the Momentum Yearlong Journey. In 2023, Momentum was awarded the Jerusalem Unity Prize for its dedication to promoting unity without uniformity in Israel and across the Jewish world. Momentum is where Jewish comes to life.