Navigating Change in Haredi and Bedouin society

Unexpected collaborations of Haredi and Bedouin women are breaking down walls and addressing challenges in traditional communities.

The new documentary film “Rabbi Capoeira” which premiered at this year’s Docaviv festival is currently screening across Israel with the two ultra-orthodox ( Haredi) protagonists and its irreligious ( Hiloni) director. This is a significant milestone in promoting a shared society in Israel.

The first evening began with an air of anticipation as a diverse audience filled the venue. The film by award-winning director Barak Heymann, set the stage by revealing the remarkable journeys of Miki Chayat, an ultra-Orthodox Capoeira champion, and Revital Ben-Moshe, a women’s advocate within the Haredi community. As the lights dimmed, viewers were transported into their world, witnessing their transformation and the profound impact of two individuals fighting against the odds to empower the lives of youth at risk in their traditional and strict community.

Beatie Deutch, Hanan Abu Quedar, Revital Ben Moshe

The film ( which I helped produce and took 5 years in the making ) is currently screening across Israel in Lev cinemas and various kibbutzim has had an overwhelmingly positive response, especially from non-religious audiences, reflects a growing hope that a shared and inclusive society is possible.

The first screening in Raanana included a deeply insightful panel discussion designed to explore the intersections of tradition, modernity, and resilience through the lens of education, sports, and community building. The evening sponsored by the Azrieli Foundation SSI program aimed to foster meaningful dialogue and highlight how outstanding individuals from traditional communities can drive social change.

 A Night of Surprises: The Screening Experience
The audience’s reactions during the film were a testament to its powerful narrative. Scenes like those of at-risk Haredi youth in the streets learning Capoeira and Revital’s efforts in promoting women’s empowerment stood out, drawing spontaneous applause and emotional responses. As the credits rolled, the charged atmosphere signaled a successful segue into the panel discussion.

Assembling a Mosaic of Perspectives: The Panel discussion brought together a diverse group of leaders and influencers from different communities:

Barak Heymann, secular documentary filmmaker. Rabbi Menachem Bombach, Haredi educator and founder of  Netzach Educational Network. Miki Chayat, Ultra-orthodox Capoeira champion and film protagonist, Revital Ben-Moshe, ultra-orthodox women’s advocate and co-protagonist in the film . Hanan Abu Quidar, Bedouin community leader. Beatie Deutsch, Orthodox Olympic marathon runner. The Moderator, Rabbi Eitan Bendavid, spiritual leader of the Shiftei Modern Orthodox community in Raanana, facilitated the discussion.

Breaking Down Walls: Key Insights from Each Panelist

The Unifying Power of Sports: A Central Theme
A recurring theme was the unifying power of sports. Miki Chayat described Capoeira as “a dialogue between bodies,” emphasizing how physical activity can transcend cultural and social barriers. Beatie Deutsch added, “Running creates an instant bond regardless of background,” highlighting sports as a universal language. Hanan Abu Quidar shared how sports programs break the ice between Bedouin and Jewish girls, fostering mutual understanding and respect.

Panel Discussion (Courtesy)

Education and Integration: A Parallel Journey
The panel also explored the theme of education and integration for the Haredi community. Rabbi Bombach discussed the success of online secular education for Haredim during COVID-19 and his network of 13 schools, illustrating the adaptability and importance of education in fostering resilience. Hanan Abu Quedar highlighted cultural learning through the OneTeam summer camp program for Bedouin and Jewish girls, showcasing the power of education and cultural exchange in building bridges.

Challenges and Resistance: Navigating Change in Traditional Communities
The panelists discussed the resistance faced in their efforts and the strategies to overcome it. Miki Chayat shared the skepticism towards Capoeira in Bnei Brak, while Revital Ben-Moshe talked about the challenges of promoting physical education for girls. Rabbi Bombach emphasized demonstrating that knowledge and faith can coexist, illustrating the necessity of perseverance and adaptability. Hanan Abu Quidar discussed the challenges in the Bedouin community to allow women a space for physical well-being programs.

The Role of Women in Driving Change

Beatie Deutch, Hanan Abu Quedar, Revital Ben Moshe

The unique challenges and contributions of women were a focal point. Revital Ben-Moshe emphasized creating safe spaces for women, while Beatie Deutsch highlighted the visibility of Orthodox women in sports. Hanan Abu Quidar discussed empowering Bedouin girls through sports, underscoring the critical role of women in driving social change.

Unexpected Collaborations: Finding Common Ground
Stories of collaboration between different communities emerged as powerful examples of finding common ground. Revital Ben-Moshe and Hanan Abu Quidar shared joint initiatives like the “Eat, Play, Love” program for Bedouin and religious Jewish mothers while Miki Chayat discussed collaborating with secular sports organizations. Rabbi Bombach highlighted alliances with universities and tech companies, showcasing the potential of cross-functional partnerships.

The Filmmaker’s Journey: A Metaphor for Societal Change

Revital Ben David, Baruch Heyman, Miki Chayat (Courtesy)

Barak Heymann’s journey of making the film served as a metaphor for societal change. His transformation through the process mirrored the broader theme of personal and societal resilience, emphasizing the power of storytelling in driving social change. Reflecting on the making of “Rabbi Capoeira,” Heymann said,

When I first got the call about this ultra-Orthodox Capoeira champion, I thought it was a joke. What you see is not always what you get.

His personal journey from skepticism to inspiration underscored the film’s deeper themes of profound transformation through people-to- people encounters.

Personal Reflections on the Event’s Impact
The event left a lasting impact on the audience, sparking personal growth and shifting perceptions. Overheard conversations revealed a newfound appreciation for the discussed themes. The event also influenced my perspectives, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and creating spaces for dialogue.

L-R: Rabbi Bombach, Rabbi Bendavid, Baruch Heymann, Miki Chayat, Danny Hakim, Danna Azrieli, Beatie Deutch, Hanan Abu Quedar, Revital Ben Moshe (Courtesy)

The Transformative Power of Sports and Collaboration
The event highlighted the unifying power of sports, the significance of people-to-people encounters, and the need for safe spaces for dialogue. Individual actions and unexpected collaborations demonstrated how these elements can foster social change across communities. The “Rabbi Capoeira” screening and panel discussion reinforced themes of resilience, integration, and collaboration, leaving a lasting message about the potential for societal transformation through sports, education, and community building.

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