Ariga: Human Rights and Peace Groups: Women in Black

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Organization: Women in Black
Address: P.O. Box 8083, Jerusalem 91080, Israel
Tel: (+972-2) 672-5293
Fax: (+972-2) 672-5293
Email: gsvirsky@netvision.net.il
Web: http://www.geocities.com/EndTheOccupation/
Fax: (+972-2) 672-5293
Key personnel and Title: everyone is key
Description: The international movement of Women in Black began in Israel in January 1988 with a small group of Israeli women who carried out a simple form of protest: Once a week at the same hour and in the same location – a major traffic intersection – they donned black clothing and raised a black sign in the shape of a hand with white lettering that read “Stop the Occupation”.

The idea spread quickly and spontaneously to other places in Israel. Within months, vigils sprang up throughout Israel. Several months later, "solidarity vigils" began in other countries – initially in the United States and Canada, later in Europe and Australia. Some vigils were primarily Jewish, while in other cities, the groups were mixed Jewish and Palestinian.

Around 1990, Women in Black vigils formed in many countries, and many of these had nothing to do with the Israeli occupation. In Italy, Women in Black protest a range of issues, from the Israeli occupation to the violence of the Mafia and other organized crime. In Germany, Women in Black have protested neo-Nazism, racism against migrant workers, and nuclear arms. Women in Black in Belgrade and Zagreb set a profound example of interethnic cooperation that was an inspiration to their countrywomen and men. And, in India, Women in Black hold vigils that call for an end to the ill treatment of women by religious fundamentalists.

Women in Black has become a movement of women of conscience of all denominations and nationalities who hold vigils to protest violence in their part of the world: war, interethnic conflict, militarism, the arms industry, racism, neo-Nazism, violence against women, violence in the neighborhoods, etc. Each vigil is autonomous, setting its own policy and guidelines, though in all the vigils the women dress in black, symbolizing the tragedy of the victims of violence. What unites us all is our commitment to justice and a world free of violence.

On June 8, 2001, 150 groups of Women in Black from around the world held vigils to protest Israel’s ongoing occupation of the Palestinian territories.

The movement of Women in Black is a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001.

Today's Situation

"The army that will defeat terrorism doesn't wear uniforms, or drive Humvees, or calls in air-strikes. It doesn't have a high command, or high security, or a high budget. The army that can defeat terrorism does battle quietly, clearing minefields and vaccinating children. It undermines military dictatorships and military lobbyists. It subverts sweatshops and special interests.Where people feel powerless, it helps them organize for change, and where people are powerful, it reminds them of their responsibility." ~~~~ Author Unknown ~~~~

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