It was spring 2024, and I was at a White House convening on sexual violence in conflict. We had just finished watching “Screams Before Silence,” Sheryl Sandberg’s devastating documentary about the gender-based atrocities committed by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023. I had seen the film before, but this time, I wept openly; and in that vulnerable moment, a woman named Zebunnesa Zeba Zubair — a Muslim leader and board member of the American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council (AMMWEC) — reached across pain, across faith, and embraced me.
Among those honored is Emily Austin, a sports journalist, model, and influencer with over three million followers on Instagram. After October 7, she traveled to Israel to document the horror experienced by the victims of the attack and share it with her audience, despite anti-Semitic threats and the loss of sponsorships.
Another of those selected is Anila Ali, a Pakistani-born Muslim activist who has become a staunch advocate for Zionism and interfaith cooperation. “I am proud to be a Zionist. The truth is more powerful than anything,” she said at an event where she spoke about sexual violence committed by Hamas on October 7.
Also listed is Mazi Pilip, a former Israel Defense Forces paratrooper and current New York lawmaker. The list also includes Patricia Heaton, an Emmy-winning Catholic actress and co-founder of the October 7th Coalition to unite Christians in support of Israel. “These women may not look or sound the same, but they are united by the same cause: to show the world what it means to be a Zionist in 2025,” said Diana Diner, Hadassah educator and curator of the list.
Doves were released by the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee as part of the event marking Israel’s “independence” when it was created as a nation in 1948. The doves are a prayer for peace, says CEO Shep Englander, close to 600 days since the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack by Hamas against Israel.
A Muslim woman I had never met before sat beside me and gave me the biggest, most comforting hug.
The American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council (AMMWEC) hosted its annual “Uniting Against Hate” summit, drawing female changemakers from across the United States
The American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council (AMMWEC) hosted its annual “Uniting Against Hate” summit, drawing female changemakers from across the United States
For the women featured on Hadassah’s 2025 list, the October 7, 2023, attack marked a turning point. The Hamas-led attack in southern Israel became an urgent call to action for activists, educators, politicians, and content creators committed to Zionism and the defense of the Jewish people.
SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. — Muslims, Jews and Christians came together to promote tolerance in Sarasota Sunday night, just hours after Israel voted to call up more reservists for the war in Gaza as the fighting and humanitarian crisis continue.