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Men Speak – A New Path Opening in Our Community
This year, for the first time in JACC’s history, we launched a unique men’s group. The idea behind this initiative was simple yet powerful: to create a safe space where men from the community could meet, talk, and learn together about meaningful and challenging topics – parenting, relationships, family life, sexuality, personal traumas, and the everyday struggles of life in Israel.
How Did It All Begin?
The idea grew directly from the community itself. So often, women are the ones who participate in group activities, receive guidance and support, and share their experiences. But for men, such spaces were rarely available. In many cultures, masculinity is often associated with restraint, patience, and strength – leaving little room for emotional conversation. Based on this understanding, we decided to take the initiative and establish the first men’s group – a space where men could talk, listen, ask questions, and simply be.
Who Led the Group?
The meetings were facilitated by social work students completing their field training at JACC, together with Molou, a community member, father, and graduate of a parenting instructors’ course, who also serves as a cultural mediator. Driven by a deep belief in the power of shared learning and mutual support, Molou volunteered to co-lead the group.
The combination of the students’ professional knowledge with Molou’s personal and cultural experience created a unique blend – one that provided practical tools while also staying attentive to the cultural background, language, and lived experiences of the participants.
What Happened in the Sessions?
The men came with open hearts. Slowly, from meeting to meeting, walls began to break down, and a close, brave, and emotional dialogue emerged. Men who were not accustomed to discussing their feelings started to feel comfortable sharing. Questions that had remained silent and unspoken found a place in the conversation: How can I be a father in Israel while still coping with my own challenges of adjustment? How do I face past traumas that continue to affect me? How do I build a healthy partnership?
Within this space, a small community emerged within the larger community – a circle where men could talk, listen, and find strength and support.
In Their Own Words
Molou, the group facilitator, shared: “We learned how to combine the knowledge we brought from home with the reality we face here in Israel. This is not a conversation that usually happens in the community. The fact that we had an hour and a half to be together is meaningful. It’s not only for us, but also for our children. We are thirsty for this knowledge. If each of us takes responsibility for what we have learned here, it can greatly benefit the community. I believe this group is only the beginning of a big and beautiful process.”
And what did the participants themselves say?
At the final meeting, the men reflected on what they took with them:
“I learned to talk about trauma without fear.”
“I got tools for raising my children – and they already helped me at home.”
“I realized not to give up after one try, but to give trust and another chance.”
“Here I felt I could explain myself – and that others understood me.”
“When it was just us, the men – it felt like family. No politics, just togetherness.”
“Here we learned how to be fathers in Israel. It’s not self-evident – the reality here is different, and we need to learn to parent in a way that fits this new reality.”
These simple yet powerful statements tell a larger story: the profound meaning of this journey, the courage of each participant, and the genuine need for spaces where men can gather and share their thoughts.
Looking Ahead
This first group is only the beginning. Soon, another men’s group will open – with the support of the Department of Social Services and our dedicated partners. Our vision is to continue creating more opportunities for men to engage in open discussions, share their experiences, and learn from one another.
Because when men learn to give space to emotions, they not only change themselves, but also their families, their children, and the community as a whole.
