Despite the January 21 ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, a recent article shows that tensions between the Jewish and Arab populations in Israel continue to worsen.  The three week war brought out the sharp differences between the two populations regarding foreign policy toward Palestine.  While the Arab minority expressed sympathy with the Palestinians, the Jewish community worried about relatives in the reserves.  Many who have lived peacefully find themselves face to face with the conflict.  The article provides one such example: a mother who sends her child to a Jewish-Arab school striving for harmony revealed, “For the first time, I felt like I don’t belong here.”  Although rebuilding a common ground will be difficult after the attacks, Vital Voices believes that bringing the two communities together is the key to reconciliation and peace.

The Initiative for Women Leaders Building Peace and Prosperity works towards that goal.  In 2005, working with Israeli partner Shatil, Vital Voices brought eight Arab and Jewish women leaders from community building and peacemaking initiatives in Israel to Northern Ireland to meet with Protestant and Catholic women.  The Irish leaders shared their experiences with the Israeli women, shedding light on the transformative power women possess in a conflict-ridden society.  Vital Voices now seeks to empower young women leaders in Israel with peace building tools.  Together, Jewish- and Arab-Israeli women will develop plans to help their community and build a supportive network for ongoing development.

Sadly, the conflict has devastated many lives and families.  Women of all communities can come together and build peace and prosperity to ensure future stability.