A Mother’s Call for peace: When Israeli and Palestinian women build bridges across a divided land

It is heartbreaking to witness what is happening in the world at the moment—in Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza, and so many other places where wars are often waged by men. I know this may not sound politically correct, but I also know it reflects what many women feel right now because it is in particular women and children who suffer the consequences most. 

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security—a milestone declaration that recognises the vital role women play in conflict resolution and sustainable peacebuilding. Without any doubt, it remains essential to include women at the negotiating table. They are deeply connected to the realities on the ground, and their non-violent communication styles often show greater sensitivity to intercultural differences and nuances. 

While the adoption of Resolution 1325 in the year 2000 was a historic milestone, its implementation has remained inconsistent and insufficient until today—as evidenced by many of today’s most intractable conflicts. 

And yet, in one of the most polarised and painful regions of the world, two women’s movements have emerged as a powerful example of what Resolution 1325 truly stands for. Women Wage Peace (Israel) and Women of the Sun (Palestine) are grassroots movements that dare to imagine a future beyond hatred, division, and fear. Their members—mothers, daughters, survivors and their supporters —have come together to launch a joint initiative in the midst of the war in Gaza: The Mother’s Call, a simple yet powerful plea to end the bloodshed and return to the negotiating table, with women’s voices at the centre. As mothers, they are united by one powerful desire: to give their children a future free from fear and violence. 

These two organisations have been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for the second year in a row. And in March 2024, their founders were also named among TIME Magazine’s Women of the Year—a testament to their courage, vision, and uncompromising commitment to peace. I had the honour to speak with two of their representatives by zoom recently. 

From personal pain to collective purpose 

During my recent conversation with M. H. (full name hidden to protect her in the current situation), Programme Director of Women of the Sun based in Bethlehem, and Nirit Oren Sternberg, long-time peace activist with Women Wage Peace, one thing stood out above all: their enduring belief in peace, even when the world seems to be falling apart. 

M.H., a mother of four, shared her distress over the daily realities faced by women in the West Bank and Gaza: “There is no true safety. There is no justice for the people trapped in this ongoing catastrophe.” Yet she remains determined. “We, as women, must refuse to accept this unjust reality. We are not just victims—we are leaders demanding an end to the cycle of destruction. I want my children to live in an equitable, just and peaceful place.” 

Nirit, who was born in Haifa and has been active in peace movements since she was 15, echoed the need for change. “Wars are decisions made by men—women are rarely included. It’s time we brought our voices into the room. We don’t want a winner and a loser; we want win-win solutions.” 

Just days before the October 7th Hamas attacks, both movements marched together at the Dead Sea. Tragically, one of the founders of Women Wage Peace, Vivian Silver, was killed in the attacks. Still, neither group withdrew. Instead, they began meeting regularly over Zoom—spaces for women on both sides to share pain, support one another, and stay human in the face of dehumanising violence. 

Women’s wisdom at the heart of peace 

Unlike traditional peace processes led by diplomats in distant rooms, these women are building peace from the ground up—through empathy, dialogue, and resilience. They do not pretend to have a quick solution. What they do insist on is a seat at the table, as outlined in the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on the role of women in peace and security. 

That seat is still largely missing. As M.H. explained, “Nobody asks us what we feel, what we want. But we are the ones holding our communities together.” She spoke of overcoming resistance within her own society: “Many women are still told politics isn’t their place. But we are changing minds. We show them peace is not weakness. It’s strength.” 

Women of the Sun includes women from across the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza, while Women Wage Peace has been active across Israel for more than a decade. Both groups face significant repression—from local authorities, societal norms, and lack of media coverage. Nirit noted: “Even though 70% of Israelis oppose returning to war, you won’t see that in the media. We are considered traitors by many.” 

And yet, their persistence is working. Israeli lawmakers now recognise Women Wage Peace as a consistent voice in the Knesset (Parliament), and the movement has even proposed a law requiring all diplomatic options to be exhausted before going to war. “Today, it takes just five people in government to decide on war,” Nirit said. “But it takes 80 to decide on peace.” 

The Mother’s Call: Building a shared narrative 

Their most powerful joint initiative to date is The Mother’s Call—a platform and petition developed over nine months of careful dialogue. “Every word had to be weighed,” M.H. explained. “We had to find a language that respected both our narratives. It was difficult, but it’s our protocol now. It’s how we want to speak to each other—and to the world.” 

The declaration calls on political leaders to return to negotiations, to include women in peace talks, and to commit to a future shaped by dignity and mutual recognition. “We are not asking people to be pro-Israel or pro-Palestine,” said Nirit. “We are asking them to be pro-peace.” 

The call has already been endorsed by Pope Francis and actress Meryl Streep, and the goal is to collect four million signatures—symbolising the number of mothers in the region. “Because when you speak as a mother,” M.H. said, “you’re not talking politics. You’re talking about protecting your children’s future.” 

Why the world must listen? 

Both women emphasised how essential international support has become. Local visibility and funding is limited. Peace activists are under constant threat. “Even posting something simple on social media can lead to arrest,” said M.H.. “We have more recognition internationally than in our own countries.” 

Their message to the world is clear: it’s time to move beyond statements of concern. They call for concrete political support, economic empowerment for women, protection for female activists, and greater visibility for Palestinian women’s voices. “This is not a request for charity,” recalled M.H.. “It’s a demand for justice, dignity, and a seat at the table.” 

In June 2025, a high-level hearing on women and peacebuilding is planned at the European Parliament in Brussels. 

These are not just events. They are opportunities to stand with women who are choosing peace, day after day. 

A Final Word 

Before we ended our call, I asked both women what gives them hope. 

M.H, didn’t hesitate: “My children. I cannot stay in bed and hope things will change. I have to get up—for them.” 

Nirit added, “Women of the world must join forces. The men have had their chance—and they’ve chosen war. Now it’s time for a new way. And we can lead it.” 

In a world overshadowed by cynicism and violence, these voices remind us that hope is not a luxury. It’s a lifeline. And peace is not a dream. It’s a decision. 

Editor`s note: Dear readers, you can find more information at official websites www.mothers-call.org and www.womensun.org.

Please find official website of Dorothee Fischer at www.legadosharpefischer.eu.