Blossoms on the Olive Tree : Israeli and Palestinian Women Working for Peace

"Blossoms on the Olive Tree" is an account of the work that Israeli and Palestinian women are doing to educate themselves and their societies about militarisation, human rights, women's rights, and the democratic process.

The book highlights women on both sides of the political divide who reach out to each other, engage in bi-national dialogue, and challenge ongoing violence.

Despite severe societal restraints in carving out political space for themselves, women in both societies have devised creative opportunities.

Powers documents the women's working committees attached to Palestinian political parties and the creativity of Israeli women striving to "civil-ize" their society.

Ironically, it is their marginalisation that offers women space to engage in their peace-building efforts.

The book ends with a clarion call for the implementation of UN Resolution 1325, which requires the presences of women at the highest levels of peace negotiations.

Women, with their commitment to reconciliation and healing, bring a significant vision to the enterprise of peace-building, and Powers suggests that it's high time they be taken seriously.