Over 200 Women Connect at Lively Federation Event Featuring Israel Midwives Association
March 25, 2025
Over 200 women from across the Seattle community gathered on Thursday, March 20, for Connections, the Federation’s annual women’s fundraiser. This year’s event offered a reimagined approach to women’s philanthropy, moving from a traditional Sunday brunch at a hotel downtown to a community partner’s space, Hillel UW, a welcoming place for Jewish students on campus. The energy was palpable as women connected with one another and learned about the critical work of the Federation and its impact both locally and in Israel.
“Connections has always been a special event—bringing together women across our community to strengthen our bonds, celebrate our collective power, and support Jewish life here in Seattle and around the world.”
– Jenna Goltermann, Connections co-chair
“Connections has always been a special event—bringing together women across our community to strengthen our bonds, celebrate our collective power, and support Jewish life here in Seattle and around the world,” said Jenna Goltermann, one of the event’s co-chairs. “All of these reasons we gather together each year are more important than ever right now.”
The highlight of the evening was the presence of Yuval Jaffe-Moshkovich, the CEO of the Israel Midwives Association, and Tania Shteinbuk Gorelik, the Association’s Board Chair and a midwife.
Following October 7, the Israel Midwives Association, representing over 1,300 midwives across Israel, jumped into action. They have been on the front lines, providing essential medical, emotional, and practical support and care to pregnant women whose partners are serving in the war, have been wounded, or have tragically fallen.
In a presentation and Q&A panel with Yuval and Tania moderated by Jenna, attendees had the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of the challenges and triumphs faced by midwives in Israel during this difficult time.
As CEO, Yuval has been instrumental in leading the Association’s response to the war, spearheading initiatives like the “By Your Side” Project, which provides ongoing support to widows and wives of injured soldiers, with midwives becoming integral parts of these families’ lives. She also discussed the “Navigating Labor” project, which successfully established a system to connect pregnant women in the north of Israel with midwives in areas under rocket attacks to ensure they receive timely care.
“What we have given women over the past few months has shown them that they are not alone, that they have not been forgotten.
This has been crucial to their ability to heal and rebuild.”
– Yuval Jaffe-Moshkovich,
Israel Midwives Association CEO
“The future of all of us depends on these babies growing in their mothers’ wombs, and there is a clear connection between a fetus’s experiences and their long-term well-being,” she said. “I believe that what we have given women over the past few months has shown them that they are not alone, that they have not been forgotten. This has been crucial to their ability to heal and rebuild.”
The Association’s vital work has been made possible through the Federation’s Israel Emergency Campaign, which has provided over $1.2 million in funding to date. These new projects would not have been possible without the Federation’s unwavering support.
“As a new mom myself — having given birth just a few months ago — this conversation feels particularly personal,” said Connections co-chair Shayna Goldfarb, reflecting on the evening. “I know firsthand how crucial it is to feel safe, supported, and cared for during pregnancy and birth. And for so many Israeli women right now, that sense of security has been completely upended.”
The visit of Yuval and Tania extended beyond Connections itself. Throughout the week, they had the opportunity to explore Seattle before and after the program, taking in the scenic beauty of Bainbridge Island, touring the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum, riding a water taxi to West Seattle’s waterfront, and experiencing Shabbat dinner with Federation community members.
“Thanks to all the wonderful women we met along the way, there is no doubt that the world is better when we work for a common goal together,” said Tania, reflecting on the bond between Jewish women in Seattle and those in Israel.
“Israelis are always amazed and grateful to see how much the Jewish community from abroad stands by our side to help every time it is needed.”
– Yuval Jaffe-Moshkovich,
Israel Midwives Association CEO
“Israelis are always amazed and grateful to see how much the Jewish community from abroad stands by our side to help every time it is needed,” added Yuval. “Thank you for being part of our healing process. Your warm embrace is felt and is saving lives.”
The evening raised crucial funds for the Federation’s Annual Campaign, putting it on track to surpass last year’s goal. This outpouring of generosity will allow the Federation to invest even more resources in vital community initiatives throughout our community.
To continue this vital work and ensure a thriving Jewish future in Seattle, Israel, and beyond, the Federation invites you to turn that inspiration into impact.
“Yuval and Tania’s work reminds us why we gather here tonight—to stand with Israel, to support those in need, and to reaffirm the power of our collective action,” said Lisa Brashem, the Federation’s Board Chair.
To support the ongoing efforts of the Federation locally and abroad, please consider making a gift today.
