Women in Black vigil in support of boycott of Israeli Philharmonic, January, 2007
Women in Black at rallies against Israeli attacks on Lebanon and Gaza, July 2006

Women in Black

Women in Black started in 1988 in Jerusalem, when a group of Jewish Israeli and Palestinian women joined together and began holding weekly silent vigils for peace. Since then, Women In Black in Israel has held weekly vigils in major Israeli cities to protest the illegal Israeli occupation of the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem. They have demonstrated by their presence that Jewish Israelis and Palestinian Arabs can work together, and that while the men at the negotiating tables and in the halls of power seem intent on prolonging the conflict, women -- always the greatest victims in war -- are intent on making peace.

In 2001, Women in Black in Israel and Serbia were nominated for the Nobel Peace prize.

Women in Black--Los Angeles

Women in Black-Los Angeles has been active since 2001. WIB-LA maintains an active e-mail list that distributes news and critical perspectives on conditions and events in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. Since our first vigil in front of the Federal Building in early 2001, we have held numerous candlelight vigils calling for an end to the occupation, providing important opportunities to distribute thousands of pieces of literature and talk with hundreds of people. In addition, we've sponsored or co-sponsored numerous educational events about the Israeli occupation and the role of the US government in supporting it.

Starting in 2003, WIB-LA started working closely with members of the Palestine Aid Society. WIB and PAS have joined together to make a clear statement: "Jews and Arabs United for a Just Middle East Peace," and have come together to form a joint contingent at marches and rallies to protest the U.S. war of aggression against Iraq. Click here to read the WIB/PAS brochure, "Facts on the Occupation and Nonviolent Resistance".

Women in Black/Palestine Aid Society banner at anti-Iraq war demonstration, March 2003.
© Mark Kaswan (2003)

Women in Black--Los Angeles Mission Statement

The mission of Women in Black- Los Angeles is to work for a just and peaceful resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.  We advocate an immediate end to the U.S.-supported Israeli Occupation, the right of Palestinian refugees to return, and full and equal rights for all people who live in the region.

We work to accomplish these goals through public education and advocacy.

© 2003-2008 Women in Black - Los Angeles