[WCUSP] A message of solidarity

[Odile Hugonot Haber]

Dear Gila and all Women in Black Jerusalem--



Congratulation on 20 years of ceaseless struggle for peace and
justice.  We stand with you in our spirit to express our solidarity
and immeasurable appreciation for pursuing the dream of a world that
works for all of us with harmony, peace, justice, security and human
rights.  Your silent, yet profound vigil for 20 years, manifested not
only the desire of Women in Black for sustainable peace, democracy and
gender equality for Palestinian and people living in Israel , but also
manifested the resistance for the undeclared war on women by the
forces of patriarchy, religious extremism and militarism

Our world desperately needs the agency of women and in particular
feminist Avant-Guard  women to heal the injuries that religious
violence, political violence and economic violence  have inflicted on
the people in our human family.  Democracy in thin air has created
despair on the ground,  militarization has tormented and crippled our
communities, terror and violence of religious extremism has created
the culture of fear and insecurity.  It is in this unhealthy climate
that the light of your struggle, perseverance, hope and love is so
much needed.



The struggle of organizations such as Women in Black is particularly
inspiring for women in the war zones of south and west Asia such as
women in Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine and Iran.  Women whose their
land is occupied or constantly being threat to be occupied,  are
inspired by your peace and justice work.   Thank You.



In solidarity and peace,



Elahe Amani

Chair, Coalition of Women from Asia and the Middle East