Sixty Jewish and Arab women from Haifa took part in the festive opening ceremony. The forum will empower women as agents for promoting coexistence between Jews and Arabs. 

Beit Hagefen Director Hanni Alfer emphasized the importance of coexistence activity in a city such as Haifa, which hosts diverse populations, as did Forum coordinator Susan Sabit. Jewish Agency representative Benny Rom, Director of Partnerships in the Northern region, was warmly received by Forum members.

The Beit Hagefen Women's Coexistence Program is made possible through the generous support of Judith Thompson. The gift was made in partnership with the Birmingham Jewish Foundation and Birmingham Jewish Federation.