Women fight for peace amid the chaos in Israel and Gaza following the Hamas attack.

The situation in Israel and Gaza has reached new levels of despair and chaos, especially following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which left a trail of death and destruction in its wake. However, amidst this war storm, voices calling for peace emerge, voices that are mostly female and challenge the prevailing narratives of violence and conflict. Among them is Idit, a clown disguised as a police officer who, through her humor and empathy, seeks to restore a bit of humanity in a heartbreaking context.

Idit is a symbol of the women who, despite the pain and loss, are committed to fighting for peace. In her public interventions, she not only offers laughter and paper hearts to those around her, but also becomes a bridge between different communities, reminding everyone that, beyond divisions, there is a shared desire for peace. Her character, Hashoteret Az-Oolay, has become a familiar figure at demonstrations and protests, where her presence radiates a message of love and unity, even in moments of tension.

The loss of Vivian Silver, one of the historical peace activists in the region, has had a profound impact on female activism. Her murder on the same day as the Hamas attack underscores the fragility of peace efforts and the urgent need for women from both communities to unite. Silver had been one of the founders of Women Wage Peace, an organization that seeks to promote dialogue and cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians. The death of figures like her makes many feel that the bridges built in the past are now at risk of collapsing.

Despite these losses, women like Kefaia Aiaite, who identifies as an Arab Muslim born in Israel, continue to work tirelessly to maintain links between communities. Aiaite, a member of Women Wage Peace, insists that it is crucial not to sever the connection with Muslims in Gaza, as both peoples share the same land and, in many cases, familial ties. Her approach to peace is based on empathy and understanding between cultures, something she considers essential for building a shared future.

Aiaite's grassroots activism manifests in various initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of her community. From facilitating access to basic services to promoting understanding between different groups, her work is an example of how women can lead change from the ground up, often in contrast to the inertia of political decisions that dominate the power structure.

The situation is no less complex for the co-directors of Combatants for Peace, Rana Salman and Eszter Koranyi, who face the difficult task of continuing to promote collaboration between Israelis and Palestinians in an increasingly violent climate. Their organization, which has evolved since its founding, now seeks an inclusive approach advocating for non-violence and shared humanity. Despite current tensions, they maintain hope for the possibility of constructive dialogue and the importance of keeping peace initiatives alive.

Both activists recognize that October 7 marked a turning point, a moment when mutual trust was profoundly affected. However, they are determined to work together to rebuild that trust, despite the pain they feel for the human losses on both sides of the conflict. Their determination to continue their work despite adversities is a testament to the resilient spirit of women seeking peace.

Idit, for her part, reflects a different approach, one that is more based on personal actions and closeness to the pain of others. Through her hugs and gestures of compassion, she attempts to alleviate the heavy emotional burden that many carry. Her experience following the attack led her to act quickly, providing support to those who had been displaced and affected by the violence. In her view, every small act of kindness matters and can be a step toward healing.

The story of these women is a reminder that, even in the darkest moments, the light of hope can shine through collective efforts. They are determined not to let fear and violence define the future of the region. Despite the divisions that seem insurmountable, they know that dialogue and empathy are the most powerful tools in their arsenal, and they are willing to use them in the pursuit of a deeper understanding between peoples.

At a time when the conflict is intensifying and public policies seem to focus more on defense than on reconciliation, these women represent a voice that should not be ignored. They are a beacon of hope in a sea of uncertainty, reminding us that peace is not merely the absence of war but the active presence of justice, dialogue, and humanity. Their struggle is for a future where laughter and love can replace weeping and hatred, and it is a struggle that deserves to be seen and supported.