Women in Black standing in Bellport, Long Island, New York, 2009. Their Mission Statement:
Women in Black stand in silent vigil to protest war an d human rights abuses all over the world. Mere words cannot express the tragedy that wars and hatred bring. We invite women to stand with us. Reflect about themselves and women who have been raped, tortured or killed in concentration camps, women who have disappeared, whose loved ones have disappeared or have been killed, whose homes have been demolished. We wear black as a symbol of sorrow for all victims of war, for the destruction of people, nature and the fabric of life.
Women in Black is an international peace network. WIB is not an organization, but a means of mobilization and a formula for action. WIB vigils were started in Israel in 1988 by women protesting against Israel's Occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. WIB vigils developed in Italy, Spain, Germany, England, Azerbaijan, Columbia and in FR Yugoslavia. Women in Belgrade have stood weekly vigils since 1991 to protest war and the Serbian regime's policies of nationalist aggression. WIB groups have formed in many cities in the United States since September 11th. Women in Black New York has been holding vigils in solidarity throughout the world since 1993. Women in Black Bellport has been holding their vigils every Saturday from 11:00 AM since March 2003. Please wear black, if possible. Children and Men Welcome.
Women in Black, Melbourne, Australia will have its monthly vigil this Saturday from 12-1 in front of the old GPO. One of our members, Hellen, has asked us to add the following commitments to our mission statement:
Women in Black make these promises for the New Year.
We promise to expose the lies that demonize those who discuss nonviolent ways to end the Israeli occupation.
We promise to uphold the human rights reports of the attack on Gaza--the "UN's Goldstone Report" and "Breaking the Silence."
We promise to stand in solidarity with Israeli and Palestinian activists who face jail for their anti-occupation work--with the Shministim, with Mohammed Othman, wiht Kobi Snitz, with Ezra Nawi.
As we receive messages from Women in Black groups around the world, our belief in the power of grassroots progressive movements strengthens. And we have no choice but to speak, question,protest, vigil--to put into the human air women's voices demanding respect for the fullness of life.
