The Contribution of Women to Peace and Reconciliation

tionalistic sentiment, and were in search of universalism, as part of their
feminist beliefs. They found, while meeting with Palestinian women, a
set of ideas and beliefs different from nationalism. Palestinian women
spoke from a collective loyalty as Palestinian nationalists, and were not
apologetic about holding such beliefs.
At the very first meeting between the two sides, while introducing ourselves,
the difference in representation was demonstrated. Israeli
women came to the meetings as individuals; Palestinian women would
state their political and party affiliation. Israeli women were outside the
circles of decision-making, Palestinian women had stronger connections
to the institutions of power.
What have you done today, sister, to end the occupation?
Palestinian women hoped that Israeli women would mobilize support
against the occupation within Israel, and that they would acknowledge
the asymmetry of power defining their relationship. In other words, Pal -
estinian women wanted Israeli women to acknowledge the existing
power relations, the fact that Israeli women are part of the structure of
the oppressive occupying power, which gives them privileges.
The majority of Israeli women were and are not ready to accept this assumption.
They have a self-perception of being part of an underprivi -
leged group within their own society, without access to power, or the
ability to change policy.
Israeli women felt the need to meet the other women on an individual
basis, to create not mainly political alliances, but rather social ones. For
most of the Israeli women who were not involved in political action, the
joint ventures were rare opportunity to meet face to face with Palestinian
women. These women believed that first they had to build and
establish personal relationships and trust, address their common destiny
as women, and share their experiences as women in patriarchal societies.
Israeli women were not keen to open up the political side of the
occupation. Many times, Israeli women felt offended.
Israeli women hope that through an intimate dialogue, women on both
sides will be able to overcome the political tension, and create some
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