Today we observe “International Women’s Day (IWD).” International Women's Day is celebrated annually on March 8th as a focal point in the women's rights movement. IWD gives focus to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, the empowerment of women, and violence and abuse against women.
It is a day to celebrate the achievements of women throughout history and to recommit ourselves to the ongoing work of dismantling systems of oppression that continue to marginalize and disenfranchise women in various spheres of life.
This International Women’s Day is particularly significant: it marks more than 150+ days since October 7th, when Hamas brutally attacked Israel, murdered 1200 people in cold blood, committed atrocious acts of sexual violence against both men and women, and kidnapped 253 Israelis and foreigners into Gaza. 134 of those kidnapped still remain unaccounted for, 19 of those are women. This IWD, we cannot be silent. These women, and all the hostages, need to come home now! (Please help by contacting your elected officials, find your representative here and find your senators here and demand that Hamas release the hostages now. You can also visit: www.oneminaday.com to demand that the hostages be released).
This International Women’s Day is also significant because we have witnessed our community unite together, young and old, men and women, secular, Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform, to stand up for what is right, true, and just. We are joining our voices to speak out about violence against women, against falsehoods and lies told in the name of “liberation movements,” and speaking up to claim our space as Jews on this earth, as a people who are committed to living in peace, security, and safety.
This International Women’s Day is significant because earlier this week, on Tuesday, Temple Beth Sholom stood side-by-side another strong woman who is not afraid to stand for her principles: Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua. Mayor Amezcua has been subject to harassment, intimidation, and threats because she supports the Jewish community and Israel. We salute her and applaud her efforts and support on behalf of our community. We stood by Mayor Amezcua at Tuesday's Santa Ana City Council meeting. Our TBS members did us proud. Prior to the meeting, we learned about the issues surrounding the “Ceasefire Resolution” brought to the City Council for the second time since December. We gathered our resources, joined with Orange County Jewish community leaders, showed up, spoke out, sharing our truth. One of our TBS members, Sydell Walencewicz, a proud US Army Veteran, was bullied and harassed by the protesters. This only strengthened Sydell’s resolve, and the resolve of all who were present. Sydell was an exemplar of a strong woman during the week we celebrate International Women's Day.
In this week’s Torah portion from Exodus, Vayakhel, we encounter the narrative of the Israelites coming together to construct the Mishkan (portable sanctuary), a sacred space where the Divine presence would dwell among all the people. This story of communal collaboration, generosity, and craftsmanship underscores the importance of unity and collective action in the pursuit of shared goals.
However, the realities of our world often remind us of the fragility of unity and the challenges of building harmonious communities. The recent war between Israel and Hamas serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict and suffering in the region, where countless lives are affected by the cycle of violence. The difficulties and tensions we encountered at the Santa Ana City Council meeting, exemplify our city's divisiveness, rather than our ability to come together.
In the midst of these complexities, how do we find light in the shadows? How do we navigate the intersections of gender equality, communal unity, and conflict resolution, especially when Hamas has in its charter that it seeks the annihilation of Israel and the Jewish people?
Perhaps, we can draw inspiration from the courage and resilience of women (and men) who have been at the forefront of peacebuilding efforts in the region. We can also be inspired from those, who like Mayor Amezcua and Sydell, are not afraid to speak truth to power. Women, often marginalized and overlooked in traditional narratives of conflict, have been instrumental in fostering dialogue, building bridges, and advocating for justice, truth, and peace in our communities.
Let us strive to amplify the voices of women, uplift the marginalized, and work towards building a world where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, security, and equality. Let us pray for the day when swords will be turned into plowshares, the hostages will all come home soon, and the aspirations of peace and prosperity will be realized for all.
