MOTJ Hosts 400 Women From Momentum, Giving a Voice to Jewish Mothers Everywhere

On a solemn morning at the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem, Tammy spoke to 400 women gathered in the Museum’s Ed Snider Theater, sharing her story of fear, faith, and relentless hope. “When he came home, he just wanted to breathe freedom, to see the sun, the trees, to feel alive again,” she said, her voice steady but charged with emotion. “It was very important for me to share what we went through. Every day, we prayed. Every day, we hoped. And Baruch Hashem, he returned.”

Momentum, the global movement dedicated to empowering Jewish women and strengthening Jewish families and communities, framed the morning around this very principle: that the courage, advocacy, and resilience of mothers can move communities, shape Jewish identity, and model moral leadership. By centering Tammy’s experience, the gathering illustrated the extraordinary power of maternal leadership.

“Every hostage is a hero,” said Lori Palatnik, co-founder of Momentum. “But the mothers of the hostages—those women are our greatest heroes.”

Rom’s story is a testament to bravery and selflessness. At just 19, he helped two young women escape during the attack and continued assisting others despite being wounded in both hands. He was last seen helping a young woman out of a garbage container to a safer location before disappearing into captivity. He endured deprivation, violence, and isolation—but emerged resilient and unbroken.

The day’s program, part of Momentum’s Journey of Growth eight-day Israel trip, included a tour of the Museum’s 06:29: From Darkness to Light exhibit, which documents the events of October 7 through the voices of women. Multimedia displays, survivor testimonies, and curated artifacts brought to life the courage, resilience, and moral decisions of those affected. The exhibit also highlights the contributions of women who witnessed the horrors firsthand, showing that leadership is not only about surviving but about amplifying the voices of others and acting in solidarity.

Roxanne Cohen, a Momentum participant from Napa Valley, reflected on the experience: “I’ve been on many trips focused on Jewish identity and learning, but this one is unique. Every activity is grounded in core values that teach and inspire. Seeing the 06:29 exhibit through the eyes of women was especially powerful. Tammy’s story, Rom’s bravery, and the voices of Israelis, Arabs, Bedouins, and global volunteers made me deeply aware of the resilience and solidarity in the Jewish community.”

Palatnik emphasized the moral imperative of sharing these stories: “The war should not be the background music of our lives. By keeping these narratives alive, by giving mothers and survivors a voice, we create a moral compass for our communities and the next generation of leaders.”

As the day concluded, attendees reflected on their role in this ongoing mission. Momentum’s women were reminded that their engagement, advocacy, and leadership can ripple outward, giving voice to those who have suffered and inspiring others to act. Through Tammy’s words, Rom’s heroism, and the exhibits of the Museum of Tolerance, they experienced a profound lesson in moral responsibility: courage can take many forms, remembrance is an active duty, and one mother’s voice can move thousands.

That day, 400 women of Momentum not only honored the hostages and survivors of October 7—they became part of a living legacy of hope, faith, and collective moral duty.