March 19, 2007 / 29 Adar 5767

"Warkage," is Amharic for "Hands of Gold", the aptly named Women's Art Club at the Barnea Beit Canada Absorption Center in Ashkelon.

Though separated by language and culture, 25 local Israeli women artists have come together with Ethiopian immigrant women to form a special bond through their shared language of art. The Israeli artists join their Ethiopian counterparts in the Absorption Center, discovering together with them, the joy of creativity while bridging differences between the two communities.

For the new olim, this artistic venue is a way to preserve and share their culture within their community as well as with native Israelis. These colorful works of art have been successfully exhibited and sold to the Israeli public –giving the Ethiopian olim, a sense of pride and productivity and helping them to support themselves in their new home.

Visitors to the Absorption Center are welcome to view these beautiful works of art.