On Tuesday June 29, 2004, a group of some eighteen Ethiopian women from the Exercise Class in Carmiel concluded a season of exercise and health. Throughout the year, the women met to exercise and learn about health and good nutrition at a class sponsored by the Carmiel-Misgav-Pittsburgh Women's Health Center.

A party for the group was held at their teacher's home, Naomi Kfir, a resident of Manof, a residential community in the Misgav region. The women all brought authentic, healthy and homemade Ethiopian foods, dressed in their finest clothes. Some even came in traditional festive dress. Everyone was very excited and a holiday atmosphere was prevalent.

After a tour of Manof, many of the women noted excitedly that the lush plants and green mountain scenery surrounding the community reminded them of their childhood scenery in Ethiopia.

The group gathered in their teacher's garden and each of them recounted their feelings about the class. Each one of them testified as to the significant improvement in their health and general frame of mind, and this of course was after they had eaten and drank their homemade meal.

At the party's end, the women all received a gift from Naomi, a printed t-shirt with the words "In Constant Movement" printed on it.

As a sign of solidarity and pride the women agreed that next week they would all walk together, dressed in their new t-shirts.

The Carmiel-Misgav Women's Health Center was established and currently operates under the sponsorship of the Weiner Foundation, Na'amat- Pittsburgh Council, Na'amat Israel and the Carmiel and Misgav municipalities. The center deals in health education among varied audiences in the area, young women, new immigrants, veteran women, Bedouin women and others. The activities include lectures, workshops and examinations that are conducted in a home visit format. This year the center's central theme is "Women - Nutrition and Health".

  Tamuz 5764 - July 2004