“Their Voices” - A Night of Art, Healing, and Community at The Jam in Akko

Two weeks ago, “The Jam” in Akko hosted a powerful evening in honor of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The event brought together music, personal stories, visual art, and community. It was a meaningful expression of the mission that has guided The Jam since its founding.

Local artists bring women’s words to light.

The Jam was created in 2009 by educators from the Dror Israel Educators’ Kibbutz in Akko. These young educators, living in the geographic and social periphery, dreamed of a cultural home where art could thrive and connect people. They wanted to bring artists from across the country to the city, while also nurturing local creators and giving young people access to culture. Over the years, The Jam has grown into a lively cultural center that hosts concerts, drag performances, Russian rock nights, tributes to beloved artists, songwriting workshops, and many other artistic gatherings. At its heart, it remains a place where creativity builds community.

The women behind the words, Jewish, Arab, longtime residents and recent immigrants, preparing together in the writing workshop.

This spirit shaped the recent evening devoted to women’s voices.

In the weeks before the event, a group of women took part in a writing workshop led by Dror Israel educators and local leaders. The workshop invited women who had come out of cycles of violence to put their experiences into words in a safe and supportive space. The texts they created became part of a special performance, woven together with original music by artists from The Jam.

“Their Voices – Booklet of Songs and Poems,” a compilation of the women’s work.

One local artist described the experience: “On stage, we wove together music and readings written by women who have left the cycle of violence. Through the workshop we created together, real and courageous words emerged, words that became the heartbeat of the performance.”

Onstage, women step forward to share their stories.

The evening also featured an exhibition of artworks created by women who transformed pain, doubt, fear, and strength into visual expression. Artists from The Jam community contributed additional pieces that surrounded the audience with a shared message: We are here. Together.

Family, community, Dror Israel educators, and municipal partners came together to honor the day and the women’s creative achievements.

The night was created not only for women who have already found their voice. It was also meant for those who are still silent, those who watch quietly, who feel unsure or afraid, or who sense that something in their life is not right but cannot yet name it. The event offered them a place where they could feel seen and welcomed.

An art exhibition accompanied the musical performance, offering deeper insight into the women’s experiences.

One participant reflected on the experience:

“Standing on the stage, the warmth of the women around me, the applause, the hugs… all of it gave me a sense of power, healing, and inner light that I haven’t felt in a long time. I felt that there is a place where you can truly speak out, feel seen, feel connected.”

The evening shone a light on the ongoing fight against violence toward women and the importance of pausing to honor this day.

Another shared her feelings about the journey leading up to the event:

“I felt that this place is a warm home for anyone who knocks and asks to enter. The journey we made together, from the first writing session to standing on stage and sharing our stories, felt like our letters were playing melodies of love and compassion to the audience, especially to those still hidden under the shadow of violence. Deep thanks to the two wonderful women who guided us and to everyone who helped bring this evening to light.”

This evening reflected what The Jam has always aimed to create: art as a source of strength, community, and healing. At Dror Israel, we are proud to see how spaces like The Jam continue to uplift local voices and support people in finding connection and courage through creativity.