by Aida Faris
Background
The Middle East is strategically situated
between the East and the West. It is rich in
oil, and is the cradle of the world's three
largest religions. For these and other
reasons, it has attracted invaders throughout
its history. The persecution exercised by
these invaders left some Middle East
peoples angry, hopeless and ready to react.
History shows that men carry the arms in wars but
women and children are the victims of wars. Only a
small percentage of women enroll in armies or commit violent
acts. A large number of women in the
Middle East are justice and peace advocates.
Women as Bridge Builders
In Lebanon: Many women created their own
associations during the 16-year war (1975–1991) to
feed people who were hungry, clothe those who were
naked and find shelters for people who were
homeless. To contribute to the reconstruction of the
country, it was important to many women to keep
educational institutions open and offer scholarships to
war victims.
In Afghanistan: Untold numbers of women risked
their lives, working alone or in secret groups, to
provide education to young girls in the absence of
schools. They struggled against tyranny and worked
to get their plea to the rest of the world for help. As
the fighting continues in their country, their struggle
for justice and peace continues.
In Iraq: During the current war, numerous Iraqi
women are active in the political arena promoting
peace. On the national level, women are struggling to
have their voices heard—only three women were
nominated to the interim Iraqi Governing Council.
In Palestine/Israel: Palestinian and Israeli women
work together to advocate peace. Neve Shalom/Wahat
Al-Salam is a cooperative village of Jews and
Palestinian Arabs. Here Jews and Arabs share the
same schools for their children and the same
philosophy about peaceful living and alternatives to
violence. In July of 2004, four women from Neve
Shalom/Wahat Al-Salam spent one week at the
Chautauqua Institution in upstate New York,
discussing their lives as friends and peacemakers. In
Jerusalem, Arab women of the Jerusalem Center for
Women, and Israeli women of Bat Shalom, work
together for peace under the name Jerusalem Link.
Biblical/Theological Dimensions
What does Holy Scripture say about peace?
"This God—[God's] way is perfect;
the promise
of the Lord proves true;
[God] is a shield for all who take refuge in [God]"
(2 Sam. 22:31).
"You have heard that it was said 'You shall love
your
neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love
your enemies and pray for those
persecute you" (Matt. 5:43–44).
"And let the peace of Christ rule in
your hearts, to which indeed you
were called in the one body. And
be thankful" (Col. 3:15).
PC(USA)'s Response
The 216th General Assembly (Richmond, Virginia, 2004) voted
to explore divesting from
companies whose actions support
the Israeli occupation of
Palestinian territories and directly
or indirectly harm Israelis or
Palestinians.
What Can PW Do?
- Pray for the safety of Middle
Eastern sisters in Christ, and pray
that they achieve their goals.
- Participate in a vigil with
Women in Black,
an international peace action group.
- Establish solidarity circles that
communicate regularly with
women working for peace in the
Middle East and other areas of
war. Learn
about examples of circles working toward peaceful communications.
- Host
an international
peacemaker at your church or
community gathering. Call (888) 728-7228, x5784.
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