Seven months ago, I moved from Haifa, Israel, to the Boston area, trading a familiar life for a fresh start in New England. But as any Israeli living abroad knows, your heart remains tethered to home. Lately, that heart has been heavy. Between the ongoing war in Israel and the rising tensions with Iran, the news cycle isn’t just data—it’s a constant, low-thrumming anxiety for our families and friends.
Yet, as International Women’s Day approached, I realized that looking forward isn’t an act of avoidance; it’s an act of defiance. We owe it to ourselves—and to the brave women in Israel, in Iran fighting for their fundamental freedoms, and across the globe—to hold onto hope.
For me, The Center for Culture and Language in Brookline has been more than just a venue; it was my gateway to this community. It is where I found my footing and met the incredible women who have made this transition possible. There was no place more perfect to gather and celebrate our shared strength.
The Heart of the Community: The Center for Culture and Language
The driving force behind this sanctuary is Hadas Sadot, the founder of the Center who built this home from scratch a year ago while living in Brookline. These days, the center is led by Yaeli Steinbuch. What truly sets the Center apart is its community-driven essence; it is a place where community members themselves enrich the programming by leading activities and sharing their unique talents.
The Center for Culture and Language in Brookline offers a wide variety of Hebrew classes for both children and adults, alongside holiday events and specialized interest groups—from knitting circles to reading and writing clubs, activities for parents and babies and much more.
This International Women’s Day, they were joined by a special addition—Noam Eitan, the owner of Innherself Pelvic Health Clinic and an experienced pelvic floor physiotherapist, who brought her own expertise and energy to the celebration.
Mind, Body, and Wisdom: The Art of the Self-Investment
The afternoon was designed as a holistic masterclass, blending professional savvy with deep personal wellness. The underlying message was clear: in a world that asks so much of us, the most radical and rewarding thing we can do is invest. Whether it’s in our bank accounts, our skin, our careers, or our physical foundations, every bit of energy we pour into ourselves pays dividends in resilience.
- Daphna Patishi (Settled In Global): Daphna moved the room with her candid account of rejection and resilience-the winding road it took before her business, which now guides countless Israelis through their relocation journeys, truly took flight. What began as one-on-one conversations quickly grew into webinars reaching over 100 participants, and it was this overwhelming demand that led Daphna to formally found Settled.In – a platform built to give families real, practical support through one of life’s biggest transitions. Rooted in her own firsthand experience of international relocation and backed by her legal background, she turned personal struggle into a thriving business that today serves dozens of families with confidence and care. Drawing on Mel Robbins’ “Let Them” theory, especially meaningful with Robbins’ studio based right here in Boston -Daphna reminded us that releasing what we can’t control is what frees us to grow.
- Idit Shani: Idit shared the “secrets of beauty,” but her message went far beneath the surface. She reframed self-care not as a luxury, but as a vital tool for confidence. When we invest in our skin and our presentation, we aren’t just looking better—we are honoring the “home” we live in every day. It’s a ritual of self-respect that radiates outward.
- Lydia Asaf (Zion Capital): Financial wisdom is perhaps one of the most potent forms of empowerment. Lydia provided the room with the tools to take charge of our economic futures. She emphasized that investing in our bank accounts is about more than just numbers; it’s about buying our own freedom and ensuring we have the resources to support ourselves and our families, no matter what the future holds.
- Yana Ben David: A talented cosmetician who transitioned into a powerful speaker, Yana’s story was a testament to professional evolution. She spoke about the courage it takes to pivot and the importance of investing in our careers. Her journey reminded us that our professional identities are not static; they are assets that we must nurture and grow with intention.
The event was further enriched by fascinating talks from Yahav Chan, Tzlil Kahana, Dr. Dalia Olshvang, Inbal Perry, Dr. Inbar Ashbal, and Tal Sabo.
A Feast for the Senses
No Israeli gathering is complete without food that feels like home. The event was fueled by a stunning spread courtesy of Cafe Landwer, and the crowd was truly buzzing about the “insane” cakes and breads from Ayla Artisanal Bakery in Brookline. It was the perfect sweet note to accompany such profound conversations.
A Moment of Wellness
Alongside the inspiring talks and conversations, the event also offered moments of physical relaxation and care. Community practitioners generously provided wellness treatments, allowing participants to slow down and recharge. Shani Anaki offered acupuncture sessions, while Tamara Alie provided soothing massages, creating small pockets of calm and restoration throughout the event.
Resilience and Sisterhood
As the event drew to a close, the theme was clear: Resilience. Whether through professional reinvention, financial mastery, or simply showing up for one another, these women are telling a bigger story.
In a world that feels fragile, our ability to gather, share our vulnerabilities, and lift each other up is our greatest strength. We look toward the future—for ourselves and our sisters worldwide—with the knowledge that as long as we have this sisterhood, we have a way forward.
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