June 2026
Seven women marked an important milestone as they celebrated their graduation from Maayan Hemshech, Nishmat’s program supporting the academic and professional advancement of Ethiopian-Israeli women.
Family, friends, Nishmat staff, and current students gathered on campus to celebrate the graduates and the years of dedication behind their achievements. The ceremony featured remarks from Rav Mavrahtu Salomon, Nishmat Dean Rabbanit Ilana Hadad, program director Dr. Esti Bar-El, and a representative of the students’ English tutors.
At the heart of the evening, however, were the graduates themselves, who shared their personal journeys and reflected on what the program had meant to them.
Persevering Through Years of Study
Among the graduates was Wobitu Tagenya, who recently completed her degree in Chemistry and Biology at Hebrew University. Returning to an academic framework after seven years, Wobitu began her studies with ambition while simultaneously navigating major changes in her personal life, including planning her wedding.
After consulting with program director Dr. Bar-El, Wobitu made the decision to spread her degree over four years rather than three – a decision she reflected on during the graduation ceremony as she addressed both her fellow graduates and current Maayan Hemshech students.
“I learnt that sometimes it is okay to slow down in order to succeed. As a future chemist and biologist, I can tell you that sometimes to create the right reaction, you need to simply lower the pressure and the temperature.”
The graduating class completed their studies at institutions across Israel in fields ranging from Data Science to Occupational Therapy to BioInformatics and BioChemistry. Their achievements came despite the immense challenges of pursuing higher education during wartime.
Maayan Hemshech accompanies Ethiopian-Israeli women throughout their academic journeys, providing a framework for both professional development and connection to Ethiopian-Jewish heritage. Under the guidance of Dr. Bar-El, participants meet throughout the year and receive practical tools to support their academic and professional development, including academic mentorship, CV writing, interview simulations, English tutoring, leadership evenings, networking opportunities, and financial support through a stipend.
Looking Beyond Graduation
The ceremony was not only an opportunity to recognize what the seven graduates had already accomplished, but also to encourage them to consider the influence they can have in the years ahead.
Rav Salomon reminded the graduates of the responsibility and opportunity that comes with entering their chosen professions: “When you step into your professions, you represent your families, your community, and Ethiopian Jewry. Don’t ever settle; continue to evolve and grab on to every opportunity to advance and grow.”
Dr. Bar-El similarly encouraged the graduates to see themselves as future leaders: “Lean in to the leadership tables in your professions. Am Yisrael needs you, and needs your voice.”
As these seven women take their next steps, their graduation marks both the culmination of years of determination and the beginning of the professional and communal contributions still ahead of them.