Empower Her Judaism: A New Initiative Empowering Jewish Women in Rio de Janeiro

In June 2023, six young women from Rio de Janeiro—Maria Antonia Klabin, Gabriela Klabin, Beatriz Binenbojm, Helena Klabin Salles, Sofia Rymer, and Alice Sayão—came together with a shared vision: to create a platform that amplifies the voices and rights of Jewish women. This vision materialised into Empower Her Judaism, a social project dedicated to promoting and advocating for Jewish women through education, community engagement, and cultural celebration.

A New Generation’s Mission

The founders of Empower Her Judaism represent a new generation of Jewish women who are deeply committed to their heritage and the advancement of women’s rights within their community. Their mission is clear: to foster a supportive network that empowers Jewish women and inspires positive change. By highlighting the achievements, struggles, and stories of Jewish women, they aim to create a space where these voices can be heard, respected, and celebrated.

Core Activities: Education, Engagement, and Celebration

The initiative focuses on several key activities:

  • Storytelling: Empower Her Judaism shares compelling stories of Jewish women, past and present, who have made significant contributions to their communities and beyond. These narratives serve as a source of inspiration and empowerment for others.
  • Live Discussions and Events: The project regularly hosts live discussions and events featuring influential Jewish figures. These events provide a platform for dialogue, learning, and connection, allowing participants to engage with important topics and issues affecting Jewish women.
  • Social Media Engagement: Understanding the power of digital platforms, Empower Her Judaism creates educational and engaging content on social media. This content is designed to reach a broader audience, fostering awareness and understanding of Jewish women’s issues.
  • Cultural Celebration: A significant aspect of the initiative is the celebration of Jewish culture. By highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Jewish communities, Empower Her Judaism fosters a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and contributions of Jewish women.

An Evening of Reflection: Rafael Zimmermann’s Testimony

One of the most poignant events organised by the project took place on August 1, 2024, at the Casa Museu Eva Klabin in Lagoa. The founders invited friends and supporters to hear the testimony of Rafael Zimmermann, a Brazilian survivor of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack during the Universo Paralello music festival in Israel. The attack, which claimed the lives of over 260 people, left a deep scar on those who lived through it.

Rafael’s account of his harrowing experience—spending five hours in a bunker surrounded by the bodies of the dead, feigning death to survive, and ultimately being rescued by a fellow survivor—was both heart-wrenching and inspiring. His words left the audience in a profound silence, a collective reflection on the horrors of violence and the resilience of the human spirit.

Despite the unimaginable trauma he endured, Rafael spoke with a remarkable sense of calm and hope. “I always say that one of my pillars is to believe in good, in love, and in peace. That gives me relief,” he said. His testimony was a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining hope and humanity, even in the face of the darkest adversities.

A Vision for the Future

Empower Her Judaism is more than just a project; it is a movement that seeks to empower Jewish women, celebrate their heritage, and inspire positive change. As the founders continue to build this supportive network, they are paving the way for a future where Jewish women’s voices are not only heard but also celebrated and respected in all spheres of life.