Ultra-Orthodox Women Forge Social Bonds Through War-Time Volunteering
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
The 'Iron Sisters' organization, founded by Chana Iram on October 8, 2023, now comprises nearly 5,000 ultra-Orthodox female volunteers aiding families impacted by the war. The initiative aims to provide practical support and foster social cohesion by connecting women from diverse Israeli backgrounds. The organization recently received the Zusman Prize for its contributions to social solidarity, with its founder emphasizing unity as a core mission.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- The 'Iron Sisters' organization has grown to nearly 5,000 ultra-Orthodox volunteers assisting families affected by the war.
- Founded on October 8, 2023, the initiative aims to bridge societal divides through volunteerism.
- The 'Sister to Sister' program pairs volunteers with families needing assistance.
- The 'Sisters for Resilience' program unites women from different backgrounds for shared community support.
- Chana Iram, the founder, sees fostering social cohesion as a primary national mission.
- The organization was recognized with the Joint Distribution Committee's Zusman Prize for social solidarity.
The 'Iron Sisters' organization, founded on October 8, 2023, has grown to nearly 5,000 ultra-Orthodox female volunteers assisting families affected by the ongoing conflict. Chana Iram, the organization's founder and director, spoke with Dr. Chana Klein about the initiative's surprising success in bridging divides between different segments of Israeli society.
What began as a small initiative among friends the day after the October 7th attacks quickly escalated. Iram and her colleagues aimed to channel the strong volunteer spirit within the ultra-Orthodox community outward to support the national effort. Within 24 hours, 1,400 women had pledged their support, leading to the rapid formation of the 'Sister to Sister' program. This program pairs ultra-Orthodox volunteers with women needing assistance, providing practical help like food and support.
Beyond direct aid, 'Iron Sisters' focuses on fostering social cohesion through its 'Sisters for Resilience' program. This initiative brings together small groups of six women from ultra-Orthodox, religious, and secular backgrounds for six months. Together, they support families dealing with injury or bereavement, creating a sense of community and mutual understanding through shared tasks.
Iram, who describes herself as a "bridge builder," believes that shared activities break down barriers and foster appreciation for individuals beyond their societal labels. The organization recently received the Joint Distribution Committee's Zusman Prize, recognizing its contribution to social solidarity alongside its direct aid efforts. Iram emphasizes that while helping families remains central, strengthening national unity is now seen as her true mission.
While acknowledging the complexities of ultra-Orthodox women engaging in public life, Iram highlights the need for trust and security within the organization's framework. She notes that women volunteers often become ambassadors for this connection within their own communities, influencing the next generation. The initiative also encourages recipients of aid to view their participation not just as receiving help, but as a partnership that contributes to national unity.
Mentioned
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
