The Pnima program, which helps Jewish single mothers who are immigrants from Caucasus and their children, celebrates this Friday seven years of success.
“The Caucasus Jews are largely seen as an underprivileged group in Israel,” said Dr. Shalva Weil of Hebrew University, who directs the program. “The Caucasus Jews themselves unfortunately often believe that they cannot advance their standing in society.”
Pnima combines lectures, workshops, and meetings with social workers to help Caucasus single mothers and their children integrate into Israeli society. Dr. Weil explained that participation in the program is high and that the women say they have gained tremendously.
This Friday, Pnima is holding an event to celebrate seven successful years of the program in the National Park in Caesarea. Around 150 women and children will tour the Roman ruins at the site along with Pnima staff.
Caucasus Jews, also known as mountain Jews, are from the Euro-Asian region today made up of the states Azerbaijan and Dagestan. Historians say their distant forefathers came from southwest Persia. Most have left the area for Israel, America, and Europe since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.