That morning, as if by cosmic gift, a swarm split off from its mother hive and began settling into its new home at the Freedom farm — right before the astonished eyes of the visitors. The buzzing of the excited bees drowned out the gasps of awe.
This is the second Beekeepers training project for Arab and Jewish women of all ages supported by Sindyanna of Galilee and the MAAN Workers Association. By the day of the visit, four sessions on theory had taken place at the MAAN center in the town of Baqa al-Gharbiyye. Legendary teacher Yossi Ode trained twelve women from towns near the coast in the biodynamic method of beekeeping. The farm visit was the fifth and final meeting in the series, dedicated to hands-on learning. The previous sessions explored the world of bees and their role in the cycle of life. This practical experience helped deepen the women’s understanding of hive structure, how to care for the bees, and how to help them cope with predators and harsh weather. At the end of the course, the new beekeepers will receive a certificate attesting to their new skills.
Zohar Sharon-Nishri, who came to the course from the worlds of therapy, education, and environmental-human ecology, shared this: “For years the bees have been calling me, and I’ve been wanting to connect with them. The course was a wonderful opportunity to get to know this field. Yossi brought with him a unique presence and deep knowledge — it was a pleasure to learn from him. The shared learning in the group was enriching and expanding. The visit to the Bee Freedom Farm was a highlight: finally to see up close, touch, face the fear, and feel awe at this incredible creature. We were lucky to witness a swarm settling in! I stood inside the whirlwind of bees, listening to their loud buzz — it was amazing. I’m eager to continue this connection with them, to allow them and us to live as close to nature as possible.”
Latifa Shabati, a former kindergarten teacher and now the owner of a small educational business in Kafr Qara, entered the course to broaden her horizons. She wants to pass on what she’s learned to the children who attend the programs she runs in local kindergartens and schools. “Today I learned so much, and I was truly inspired by the gentleness and patience of the bees. It was also so joyful to reunite with the group at the farm. Each of us will now devote time and thought to our hives and to the contribution we can make to improving our universe. I’m looking forward to more meetings and to strengthening our bonds as a group.”
Tali Landau, an educator and environmentalist, shared her experience in the beekeepers’ WhatsApp group: “Listen up! I came home buzzing with excitement — it was a heart- and eye-opening day. I want to tell the whole world about this magic, so people know that bees are good, important, and not dangerous at all. Bees have a terrible public image, which is another reason why our course is so important. I’ve already passed on my enthusiasm to a friend who now wants to join the next course.”
Wafa Tiara, director of MAAN’s Baqa al-Gharbiyye branch and coordinator of the beekeeping project, was over the moon. Not only did all the participants from the second group show up, but eight women from the first group insisted on coming back for another visit to the Bee Freedom Farm. “The makeup of our group is extraordinary. We —Arab and Jewish women — are living through a painful and brutal war that is tearing us apart. And yet we found the strength to come together, to work hand in hand, and to seek healing by healing our environment. Our desire to get to know one another and to act together for peace is just as strong as our desire to help the bees survive in a world that is full of obstacles. It’s basically the same struggle — and the right to life is a right we all share.”
