Bloody marshes to Mothers’ bonkers, Love conquers all…

“To become an extremist is the easy way, but to reach a solution in this conflict through dialogue, and to find understanding, would be more helpful. If you can't be part of the solution, leave us alone. I really mean that”, accounts these Supermoms of Israel and Palestine who are becoming the new face of an Intifada (‘shake off’ in Arabic).

The historical context of women's non-political role in the Middle East was rather discouraging, however as these mothers on both sides are united in decrying their children's deaths in this decades old crisis, they are learning and exploring new ways to influence the fate of their countries against all obstacles. Can You Hear Me? , they ask as the fight for peace continues. There is new hope to come over the storm of catastrophe. In 1989, the women of both regions of conflict met in Brussels and discussed the importance of a resolution through negotiations and recognition of Palestine and a call for mutual recognition of peace. They suggested a two-state solution.

Though prospects for peace have subsided and flowed between Israelis and Palestinians, women peace activists have worked consistently to bring an end to the bloodshed. Ever since, many grassroots initiatives have been created to build cooperation, understanding and trust between Jewish women in Israel and Palestinian women in West bank and Gaza Strip. These exchanges also include rigorous dialogue, conferences, collaborations and several visits. Women’s Organizations continue to work together to come over poor social, economic and political conditions. They are empowering themselves and therefore the ability to play a role in advocating support for peace.

As women, they assert their power and move away from the stereotypical mindsets (of fear or focus on military engagement) of the conflict, which may also help to transform the entire conflict and make a difference. Clearly, War begins in the minds of men and so does Peace. What these women are doing not only opens up a world of opportunities to engage, with a genuinely gendered approach, but this crusade for equal representation and voicing their opinion to consideration, they are demanding peace from war. They cry for democracy and freedom from chaos and violence to Change.

Change is not easy, but they know there is bonding, there is friction, there are differences of opinion. But most of all, their anger and anguish is directed into a fast unfolding story about women who have hope and keep trying to hear each other and do not give up their work for peace.