Women Under Fire, Women Moving Forward: Support, Resilience, and Change in Times of War - WIZO - Women`s International Zionist`s Organization - social services Skip to content Join us Donate The ongoing reality of Operation Roaring Lion has deeply reshaped daily life across Israel, creating growing and complex needs among women, families, and communities. The prolonged reality of war has deeply affected daily life on the home front. For many women, particularly in families of reservists, the burden has been significant and ongoing. Mothers of young children have carried the full responsibility of caregiving, household management, and emotional stability, while coping with continued concern for partners serving in reserve duty. Over time, this has led to cumulative exhaustion, heightened stress, and emotional overload. At the same time, women living in situations of vulnerability, including those affected by domestic violence, have faced an intensified reality. External threats, uncertainty, and disruption have intersected with existing personal challenges, increasing emotional strain and reducing access to stability and routine. Responding to the Immediate Reality Within this context, WIZO continued to provide immediate and adapted support across its frameworks. The dyadic movement therapy program for mothers and infants responded to the needs of young mothers by creating spaces for emotional regulation, connection, and support. Through group sessions and guided dyadic work, participants were given practical tools to strengthen both their own resilience and their connection with their children. “The load on these families is immense. Many mothers are carrying everything alone. Our role is to create space, connection, and tools that allow even a moment of regulation and presence.” Support Through Movement: Mothers of Soldiers In parallel, WIZO operated the “Support Through Movement” program for mothers of soldiers , providing a safe and sensitive space to process complex experiences through body and movement. The program brought together mothers whose children served in combat over the past two years. In a reality marked by renewed escalation and ongoing security threats, many experienced increased levels of stress and anxiety. The use of movement allowed for emotional expression beyond words, offering a deeper channel for processing and regulation. Although in-person meetings were not always possible, the program continued in adapted formats, recognizing that during periods of heightened tension, the need for connection, support, and shared experience becomes even more critical. Plans were also underway to expand access through a nationwide online group. Supporting Women in Situations of Violence WIZO’s shelters for women affected by domestic violence operated under intensified conditions, creating what can be described as a “shelter within a shelter.” Women and children who had already left violent environments were again exposed to external threats, uncertainty, and disruption. The overlap between personal trauma and national crisis deepened emotional vulnerability. WIZO’s teams maintained stable, supportive environments, adapting daily routines and bringing activities into the shelters to ensure continuity, emotional support, and moments of relief. Strengthening Resilience and Rebuilding Lives Alongside immediate response, the division continued to operate long-term frameworks focused on recovery and rebuilding. The Continuing Our Way groups supported women navigating separation and divorce, offering a structured and professional space to share experiences, gain practical tools, and rebuild confidence. “Even when in-person meetings weren’t possible, the online session was a breath of fresh air. I came exhausted and left feeling strong and empowered.” WIZO’s Safety Net communities provided ongoing support to women and children exiting cycles of domestic violence. These frameworks combined professional guidance, volunteer involvement, and long-term accompaniment, focusing on restoring autonomy, strengthening parenting, and supporting pathways toward independence. Therapeutic Support Under Prolonged Stress WIZO also operated art therapy groups for women connected to reserve-duty service , supporting participants coping with ongoing emotional strain, increased responsibility, and isolation. Through the creative process, women were able to express complex emotions, strengthen emotional regulation, and reconnect with a sense of capability. The group setting reduced isolation and created a shared space of support and understanding. “This space gives me one hour to breathe. A moment where I can pause and just be, without needing to hold everything together.” Due to security constraints, the groups operated in online formats, ensuring continuity while maintaining core therapeutic principles. From Individual Support to Systemic Change This work often began with a single step. A woman reached out for guidance, initially seeking information, and gradually revealing a more complex reality. Through WIZO’s legal-therapeutic support system , she received both professional legal guidance and sensitive, human support, enabling informed decision-making and gradual progress. At the same time, insights from individual cases informed broader policy work. Knowledge gathered from programs, shelters, and field experience was translated into policy initiatives and legislative efforts, including advancing national data collection to improve prevention and response to violence. In parallel, WIZO also operated a confidential helpline for men , providing an anonymous space for those coping with emotional distress, isolation, and, at times, escalating behaviors. The helpline enabled individuals to seek support, reflect, and take responsibility, offering an important point of early intervention within a reality of prolonged stress. A Movement Toward Freedom As Passover approached, the work of the division reflected a broader understanding of freedom, not as a single moment, but as an ongoing process shaped through awareness, support, and gradual change. In a month marked by both ongoing conflict and International Women’s Day, WIZO’s work demonstrated the full scope of its impact: addressing immediate needs in times of crisis, while continuing to invest in long-term resilience, independence, and systemic change. Other articles WIZO Israel – Sustaining Community Resilience in Times of War Across the country, volunteers and professional teams are providing direct, hands-on support WIZO Education Division: Maintaining Stability, Care, and Continuity in Times of War Approximately 200 students remained in WIZO youth villages Early Childhood Under Fire: Continuity, Care, and Professional Strength The youngest members of Israeli society remain supported, protected, and cared for. International Women’s Day 2026: Women in Action, Even in Times of War Women don’t wait. They act. The Sovereignty of Responsibility: A New Phenomenology of Jewish Freedom We have just concluded a historic Meeting of Representatives, and the energy in the room was a clear signal of our future. Passover in a Time of War: Responsibility, Unity, and Hope MOR Week concluded successfully, and its echoes continue to accompany us even after our friends have returned to their home countries. Subscribe to our newsletters and keep up to date on everything WIZO Follow on Instagram Watch Our Videos WIZO Photo Resource Like on Facebook Connect on LinkedIn Hebrew site Website Policies Contact WIZO has earned the Midot Seal of Effectiveness, the gold standard for efficiency, transparency, and creation of social value for Israeli non-profit organizations. Created by Consent management Our website uses cookies for proper operation, to improve your experience, for statistical analysis and to display personalized advertisements. You can choose whether to allow all types of cookies or to reject them. 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