Ruth Bitton Midwife,RN,BA
Western Galilee Hospital, Nahariya, Israel

Ethiopian Jews in Israel: 130,000
Percentage of the General Population : 1.75%
Languages: Hebrew , Amharic , Tigriniya
Demographics: Central 39.6 %, South25%, Haifa
18.8% , Jerusalem 6.1%
Largest population: Netanya

38% of Ethiopian women, ages 25 - 54 are in the labor market, 68% of other Israeli women of the same age group.
62% of Ethiopian families have no income.
72% of Ethiopian children live in households below the poverty line
*
Israeli association for Ethiopian Jews

“Operation Moses" (1984)
“Operation Solomon" (1991)

REFUGEE CAMPS
BETA ISRAEL
POPULATION

The long journey from Ethiopia to Israel is one of physical hardship but also social, economic and cultural hardships.

Bridging the gap between the rural life in
Ethiopia and the modern western culture in
Israel is a major challenge for Ethiopian immigrants

Becoming a woman is an important stepping stone in every young girl's life.
For young Ethiopian girls in the midst of cultural confusion the challenge is even greater.
Key factors such as body image, self esteem, sexual integrity and social integration can become jeopardized by cultural insecurity

The Program
10-20 girls between 11-1
3-4 meetings
3 hours each meeting

Creating a learning experience focused on
Empowering young Ethiopian girls as they approach womanhood.
Offering knowledge
Enabling expression of thoughts in a supportive and safe atmosphere
Honoring the unique characteristics of the rich
Ethiopian culture

Getting to know ourselves
My Body
Exploring body image through life size body murals
.Done in small groups this a chance to mingle and get to know one and other in a relaxed atmosphere .The murals enable participation without a language barrier and are accompanied by an abundance of color and excitement

Common characteristics
A holistic approach
The "spirit" is often depicted throughout the body resembling a cloud.
Visual depictions of feelings, fear, love,etc
Ethiopian artist Mickaël Bethe-Selassie

Internal body perceptions of Ethiopian
Jews who emigrated to Israel
R avid,Spitzer,Tamir,Granot,Noam
Western Journal of Nursing 1995.
.
*Ethiopian children reported fewer body organs than did Western children.
*Ethiopian children and adults, did not think about the body in terms of biophysical functions.
*They perceived the body as a holistic system
*A divine providence is responsible for body organs working together harmoniously

Anatomy
Menstrual cycle
Hygiene
Nutrition
presentation

Bearing life

Fertility
Pregnancy
Childbirth
presentation

Exploring the sensitive subject of issues we hide, taboos, fears and secrets.
Setting a stage on which the girls feel they can share issues that threaten or potentially threaten their wellbeing.

What is trust?
Identifying someone we can confide in
Honoring our feelings.
Developing emotional safety is a key issue during this part of the program.

Each girl shares with the group who her soul mate is.
Most girls choose to name their mother.
I encourage them to find an additional soul mate, not a close family member.
This is of utmost importance due to emotional vulnerability and even the possibility of abuse in the family.

Saying Yes
Saying No
I AM HERE!
I AM IMPORTANT!

Sharing experiences and memories.
Stories from Ethiopia are welcomed with pride and often the classroom becomes a stage for wonderful dancing and song

Sharing my own personal experience as a young girl coming to Israel and how I chose the path of becoming a nurse and later a midwife.
Shifra and
Puah

an example of courage
Most Ethiopian Jews are observant and reference to the bible is very meaningful.

Developing Confidence
We discuss our dreams, who we are and want to become.
The girls compliment each other on their special attributes, give praise to each other.
They share their dreams and offer suggestions for success and fulfillment.

A beautiful collection of pictures , poems and words of appreciation written and presented to me by the girls from the first program,
Maalot 2010

Pics from booklet •

This is a program of the heart. As it develops I am aware of the need to expand. With this understanding this year the program was offered to a neighboring community. In the future I would like to see such programs integrated into the school curriculum. It is my belief that efforts that focus on empowering girls as they become young woman are a welcome and worthwhile social investment.

Pnina Tamnu Shato
Knesset Member 2013
Hagit Yassu Winner Israeli “Idol” 2011
Dr Adis Malda Mitsri First Ethiopian female
Doctor In Israel
Yityish “Titi” Aynaw ISRAELI BEAUTY QUEEN 2013