Facilitated by Debi Parush and Debbie Daleski, steering committee members.
Woman Wage Peace is one of Israel’s largest social movements, and is not affiliated with any political party. It was formed in 2014, in the aftermath of Operation Protective Edge between Israel and Gaza. Membership includes tens of thousands of women, from the right, left, and center of the political map, including Jews, Arabs, religious and secular women, from the central cities and the more far-out regions. These women are united in their demand for a non-violent, dignified peace agreement to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while including women in the negotiations (in accordance with UN Resolution 1325). Israel Salad was developed by women from southern Israel, and its goals include fostering dialogue between polarized individuals and groups in Israeli society. A new reality can be created only after departing from the dichotomies of strong vs. weak, winner vs. victim – feeling curiosity and empathy towards the “other,” not judgement.
First, the center and periphery met, leading to a recognition of the strengthens that each person brought to the workshop. This was followed by acknowledging the joint pain, along with the magic and joys of life. The narrative brought participants together and empowered them. The workshop then turned to meditation and inner listening, an internal cleansing. This helped participants find a way to accept and contain themselves, develop balanced, inward listening, and then move forward towards personal and communal freedom.