Celebrating the women who are building a better world
On International Women’s Day and everyday, we give thanks for the incredible women in our families, our communities and around the world who are fighting for social justice.
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Posts
The “Hamans” of our time — and the grassroots “Esthers” that fight back
Learn more about the major threats facing communities around the world and discover the work of brave activists who—like Queen Esther did in the Purim story—are standing up to injustice and changing lives for the better today.
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Activists Up Close: Meet Mercy, a Girls Boxing Coach and Mentor in Kenya
Mercy Musila Musikali grew up in Nairobi, Kenya, like so many girls in her community: shy, lacking confidence and feeling limited by the social expectations of what women can be or do. But then she discovered boxing, and an entire world opened up to her. Today, Mercy is a coach and mentor for adolescent girls …
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A 13-year legal battle culminates in an historic victory for the Ogiek People
“Our food is in the forest. Our medicine is in the forest. The forest takes care of us, and we protect it. The forest is our home.” Wilson Memusi, an elder of the Ogiek community in the Rift valley of Kenya, is describing his community’s deep connection to the Mau Forest—the land his ancestors have …
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From Sex Workers to Chicken Farmers: Trust Based Philanthropy at Work in a Pandemic
When COVID-19, AJWS realized right away that the moment called for a largescale pandemic response strategy. We pivoted and it paid dividends: all 502 of our grantees remained operational over the last two turbulent years. It is now clear that this pivot not only helped during a moment of crisis but remains crucial in supporting …
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Publications
Dvar Tzedek
Ha’azinu
The Pentateuch’s penultimate portion, Parashat Ha’azinu, memorializes the “Song of Moses,” canted by the great leader on the day of his death. An epic poem in six parts, Ha’azinu tells of God’s enduring relationship with Israel, unfurling their stormy entanglements into both desert past and prophetic future.
Read MoreChukkat
In Parashat Chukkat, we read about the Israelites in a moment of desperation. Forty years into their journey through the desert, they once again find themselves in a new place without any water.[1] The people are distraught, but rather than voicing their fears in a calm, rational manner, the Israelites pick a fight. They approach …
Read MoreChayei Sarah
Parashat Chayei Sarah opens with the death of the matriarch Sarah at age 127. The Torah describes the death of this important character in only two terse verses,[1] and the news is soon eclipsed by a lengthy discussion occupying the rest of the chapter—17 verses in all—about the negotiations for the purchase of her tomb.[2] …
Read MoreChukkat
The pursuit of global justice can often feel like a desert trek, with no oasis or end in sight. We work tirelessly toward our goals without certainty that we will reach them in our lifetimes. Sometimes, the never-ending struggle without reward overwhelms us. We may express anger, lash out or attempt to give up. Yet …
Read MoreBeha’alotcha
This week, we are pleased to welcome guest writer, Dvar Tzedek alumnus Guy Izhak Austrian. Death felt very close as I walked through the Kibera slum of Nairobi, Kenya, with leaders of Binti Pamoja—Daughters United—a girls’ leadership development program.[1] Sewage ran through narrow alleys between the endless rows of tin shacks. Shredded plastic bags rattled amid …
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