ISRAEL/PALESTINE TESTIMONIALS
The power of Jalaja's circles and of Circlework is stunning. I learned so much from her. The way she radiates such inner peace is amazing, and her leadership is different from anything I have ever experienced. It healed us, and empowered us to face our challenges. It reconnected me with my true power, which I had lost touch with due to the situation in Israel. I am very grateful for the opportunity to participate in these circles, and to pass on all the power and strength I receive here to others.
— Ilana Ehrman, Jewish
Being around Jalaja was an inspiring and uplifting experience that connected me to women's empowerment and women's vulnerability, both. I found Jalaja's leadership to be authentic, simple, and real.
— Yasmine Talmon, Jewish
The workshop was an incredible experience, far beyond anything I could ever have imagined. I had been apprehensive about coming because of the war, but it was absolutely amazing, and I want to participate in more circles.
— Balkis Hazem, Muslim Arab.
The way Jalaja guided us from the mind to the heart and from the frequency of political struggle to the frequency of inner peace, was powerful for me. I experienced her as a teacher who brings balance between mind, body, and heart. Now, I want to come to Ithaca to take the Circlework Leadership Training.
— Tzila Berman (Jewish)
Even though I am Palestinian and do not forget my identity, I believe in world peace. I was very touched by the way Jalaja looked at me and knew what I was going through. It was powerful to connect during such a difficult time, and know that through our inner work, we could affect the outer world.
— Nawal Awad (Muslim Arab)
The first time I was invited to come to one of Jalaja's circles, I was very hesitant. Even though my friends said it was really worth while, I thought, why would I want to spend three whole days just with women? But it turned out to be an amazing experience that has led to so much growth. Jalaja has gifts and talents that you can't find in others. She has a special ability to connect to all kinds of people and open our minds to new ideas and ways of thinking. Now, I am really hoping to come to the USA and take the Circlework Training. I need this in order to come home to myself and stand firmly in my own power.
— Hanna Atali
I am absolutely amazed. I experienced three days filled with light and magic/ enchantment, significant learning, and connection to others. What a gift! Jalaja's way of leading circles is extraordinary and very unique. I personally experience a great deal of healing and empowerment every time I come to a circle, and once I'm back in my own community, I am able to transmit what I received to others. For example, during her last visit, Jalaja led a circle in Ussafiya for Arab, Druze, Christian, Muslim and Jewish women. Now, we are going to offer a regular circle there. It's crucial that Jalaja come to Israel. I also want to come to the United States and take the Circlework Training, so that I can become a circle leader.
Circlework gives me an opportunity to get to know women of different cultures, to learn about the other, to accept the other, just by being together. It also allows me to get to know myself, to work on my own healing, and through my own healing, bring healing to other women, and create a sense of sisterhood. The story telling really opens the heart. When I hear someone else's story, it might be my own story too. Women tend to share parts of themselves that they don't usually share.
Shulamit Shachaf, Jewish school teacher and circle leader
