Israeli Women in Black: end the occupation
[This article appeared in the (northern) autumn issue of Women in Black newsletter, published in Jerusalem.]
Today, as during the last five years, Women in Black continue to demonstrate. Today, more than ever, especially in light of the change of government in Israel, we call for an end to the occupation.
Now that there is a chance for real peace negotiations, we are convinced that the peace solution, to be reached by both sides, must be a just solution for the two peoples.
During this peace process we call on the government to put an end to killing and bloodshed, to the destruction of homes, to expulsions, to administrative arrests, to collective punishment and to extended curfews.
We have had enough of the legitimisation of brutality, the erosion of morality in our society, and the heavy economic price paid by us all.
We, Women in Black, citizens of Israel, have held our weekly protest vigil since the beginning of the Intifada. This protest vigil has grown out of Israeli society and expresses our need to actively and strongly oppose the occupation. The black clothing symbolises the tragedy of both peoples, the Israeli and Palestinian.
We are women of different political convictions, but the call "End the Occupation" unites us. Many of us are of the opinion that the PLO [Palestine Liberation Organisation] is the partner for peace negotiations based on the principle of two states for two peoples. We are united in our belief that our message is powerful and our goal is to achieve a just peace.
The protest vigil of Women in Black takes place every week at the same time throughout Israel. We call on all women to join our persistent, staunch and non-violent protest.