Amid war, women learn to defend themselves in Jerusalem

Dozens of women gathered in the hall of a Jerusalem synagogue on Wednesday to learn how to defend themselves from attackers with Krav Maga.

During the class, which was given in French, the women were taught methods of fighting off attackers from Israeli martial arts champion David Melki.

A member of the French community, Hila put the group together and dubbed it Neshot Chayil (Women of Valor) in reference to the song "Eshet Chayil" that is traditionally sung on Friday night. She said she chose the name because chayil comes from the same root as chayal (soldier).

"People need to see a stronger side of women," she told The Jerusalem Post. "And when we're in a group, we have strength in numbers."

Hila said she wanted to set up the group because she wanted to do something about the fear women experience.

"First of all, when I walk in the street, I want to feel and seem like I feel safe and comfortable and that I’m not scared," she said. "I’ve heard about a lot of women who are scared and aren’t even leaving the house. That’s the goal of the terrorists – to scare us and make us live in fear. There are women who are currently at home alone with kids, and the fear is mostly amongst the women."

A change of mindset

Hila had never considered attending such a class, let alone arranging one, but Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7 made her realise that there was a need for people, and particularly women, to learn self defense.

The same was true for other women who attended the class. Many of them had never considered it or didn't know such classes were available before.

The women present ranged in age, from young girls to women in their 70s, and in religious identity, but the one thing that united them was the need to learn how to defend themselves.

And while women have always had a sense of fear of attack when out alone, the war has amplified it.

"I came here today to learn how to defend myself and how to behave if, God forbid, a terrorist enters my home," said vianna.

Other women, like Yael, had learned how to defend themselves when they were younger but felt that they needed a refresher due to the situation in the country.

"In my youth, I learned, and I think now is the time to refresh and be ready, at least in awareness," she said.

Melki said he's seen higher demand for self defense lessons, which he offers at his Kosher Gym in Jerusalem.

"Women, in particular, are more aware of the need," he said. "Everyone should always know how to protect themselves, but especially now, because of what happened.

Because of this need, Melki is working on expanding the classes he offers at his gym, which was previously only open to men, and will soon have hours for women as well.