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The Contribution of Women to Peace and Reconciliation

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A successful dialogue could be meaningful <strong>and</strong> effective, mainly as they<br />

were carried out in times <strong>of</strong> a non-violent atmosphere, which were rare<br />

moments. <strong>The</strong> “spoilers” <strong>of</strong> peace, in this context, triumphed.<br />

Both sides were subjected <strong>to</strong> the willingness <strong>of</strong> the Israeli security<br />

establishment, in providing permits for the Palestinian participants, while<br />

the Palestinian decision makers used their power <strong>to</strong> “bless” certain<br />

groups <strong>to</strong> meet with Israelis, or <strong>to</strong> condemn other groups, who were in<br />

opposition <strong>to</strong> President Arafat.<br />

Yet, long years <strong>of</strong> dialogue between the two sides have produced many<br />

personal relationship <strong>and</strong> trust. Joint meetings were resourceful. It was<br />

an opportunity <strong>to</strong> exchange sentiments, deliver messages, provide analysis,<br />

<strong>and</strong> learn about each other’s society directly <strong>and</strong> authentically.<br />

But these rare occasions <strong>and</strong> trust building did not hold much when<br />

things on the ground got violent. We could still meet informally, talk over<br />

the phone, exchange e-mails – but the friendly personal trust did not s<strong>of</strong>ten<br />

the content <strong>of</strong> the conversation.<br />

197

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