On November 18 2018, Nisa-Nashim members around the country volunteered for Mitzvah Day, a day of social action in which up to 40,000 people gave their time to community causes in more than 30 countries.
Nisa-Nashim Co- founder, Julie Siddiqi, went with her husband to Maidenhead synagogue. ‘This was our seventh year running going for Mitzvah Day and we love it. We are always made to feel welcome and the hospitality is very touching. I took some Jewish members to the mosque, we planted bulbs and then exchanged pots to keep and watch the flowers grow. I also collected teddies made by a local knitting group and they will be going to Calais to child refugees who are stuck there. It is a privilege to be involved with Mitzvah Day, a day firmly in our calendar every year!’
In Leeds and London, Nisa-Nashim volunteers took part in Mitzvah Day’s flagship Chicken Soup Challenge, cooking vast quantities of soup to be served at homeless shelters. The Manchester Group hosted Nisa-Nashim’s first ever Laughter Yoga event, and also collected donations on behalf of Wellspring Homeless Charity. Our Southgate group dedicated their regular Knit-and-Natter event to Birmingham and Solihul Women’s Aid.
With other projects happening in Southwest London, Haringey and Wessex, this year saw more Nisa-Nashim members take part in Mitzvah Day than ever before.
For 10 years Mitzvah day has brought together people of all faiths and none to volunteer side by side, so they can get to know each other while doing good. Nisa-Nashim is immensely proud to have been involved.