For decades, the journey toward peace in the Middle East has primarily unfolded in the corridors of power, influenced by political leaders, diplomats, and security officials. Yet, there’s a quieter, often overlooked force for reconciliation that’s steadily coming to light: women of faith who are choosing dialogue over division. When Muslim and Jewish women take the reins of the conversation, the opportunities for peace stretch beyond political agendas and delve into the realm of shared human experiences.

A recent interfaith summit in Cyprus highlighted the transformative power of such engagement. Organized by the initiative Talking Peace, this gathering brought together influential Muslim and Jewish female leaders from various parts of the world. The aim was both straightforward and ambitious to create a welcoming space where women could speak openly, confront extremist views, and seek out paths to coexistence, free from the constraints that often come with formal diplomatic environments.

According to the summit’s organizer, author and peace advocate Tom Wegner, the meeting represented more than a routine conference. It was, in his words, a moment that could help reshape voices in the Middle East and beyond. What made the encounter particularly significant was the willingness of participants from communities that are often portrayed as irreconcilably divided to sit together and seek common ground.

“To my Muslim sisters from around the world who answered my call and stood up despite immense personal risks, across vast geographical and cultural distances, to tell Israeli women that antisemitism does not represent them and that they are true partners in the fight against it: Dr. Anila Ali, Soraya M. Deen, Manel Msalmi, and Salima Al Musalima: Thank you for your courage. Your stand against antisemitism, often at great personal cost, is the foundation upon which a lasting Abrahamic partnership will be built.” Tom Wegner.

“To my Muslim sisters from around the world who answered my call and stood up despite immense personal risks, across vast geographical and cultural distances, to tell Israeli women that antisemitism does not represent them and that they are true partners in the fight against it: Dr. Anila Ali, Soraya M. Deen, Manel Msalmi, and Salima Al Musalima: Thank you for your courage. Your stand against antisemitism, often at great personal cost, is the foundation upon which a lasting Abrahamic partnership will be built.” Tom Wegner.

A truly remarkable aspect of the summit was the candid discussions between Muslim leaders who categorically rejected extremism and Israeli voices from the country’s rich religious and social tapestry. These dialogues often go unnoticed in the headlines, but they are exactly the types of interactions that can slowly change perceptions and cultivate trust.

Manel Msalmi, Founder & President European Association for the Defense of Minorities, a· human rights expert described the summit as an essential chance for female leaders to come together beyond political and cultural barriers. She emphasized that the voices of Muslim and Jewish women have been largely missing from the peace process, despite both communities having faced profound suffering due to extremist violence.

Msalmi noted that the ideology behind many extremist movements has targeted not only Israelis and Jews but also countless Muslim societies — from the repression of women and minorities in places such as Iran and Afghanistan to the devastation witnessed across parts of the Arab world. In this context, women who have experienced the consequences of extremism firsthand possess a powerful moral authority to challenge it.

Despite often being victims of the same extremist ideology, Muslim and Arab women have largely been excluded from the peace process in the Middle East, particularly in discussions surrounding the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, said Manel Msalmi. “Bringing women into dialogue is therefore essential. Both Jewish and Muslim women have been targeted by extremist groups, yet they share the same aspiration: a safer and more hopeful future for their countries, their communities and the generations to come.” Msalmi further noted that listening to the stories of these courageous women and sharing the burden of the losses they have endured is both deeply moving and enlightening. “It reveals that even in the midst of profound tragedy, there remains a light at the end of the tunnel — and that light is often carried by women determined to promote understanding and reconciliation,” she said.

Despite often being victims of the same extremist ideology, Muslim and Arab women have largely been excluded from the peace process in the Middle East, particularly in discussions surrounding the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, said Manel Msalmi. “Bringing women into dialogue is therefore essential. Both Jewish and Muslim women have been targeted by extremist groups, yet they share the same aspiration: a safer and more hopeful future for their countries, their communities and the generations to come.”

Msalmi further noted that listening to the stories of these courageous women and sharing the burden of the losses they have endured is both deeply moving and enlightening. “It reveals that even in the midst of profound tragedy, there remains a light at the end of the tunnel — and that light is often carried by women determined to promote understanding and reconciliation,” she said.

Highlighting the role of female leadership in countering hate and extremism, Msalmi said the courage of Muslim women who stand against antisemitism and speak the truth within their communities is particularly inspiring. She pointed to leaders such as Anila Ali, Soraya Deen and Salima Almuslima, alongside Arab-Israeli activist Samah Sakran, as examples of women helping to advance dialogue and understanding. According to her, their efforts demonstrate that Muslim and Arab women are not only part of the conversation but also an essential pillar of an emerging Abrahamic movement promoting coexistence and justice.

“There is strong reason to believe in the power of women to counter extremism, hatred and discrimination,” Msalmi added. “Through resilience, strength and solidarity, women can play a decisive role in fostering sustainable development and peace. When courageous female leaders come together, barriers begin to fall and bridges begin to form.” Manel Msalmi.

“There is strong reason to believe in the power of women to counter extremism, hatred and discrimination,” Msalmi added. “Through resilience, strength and solidarity, women can play a decisive role in fostering sustainable development and peace. When courageous female leaders come together, barriers begin to fall and bridges begin to form.” Manel Msalmi.

For many participants, the summit also highlighted a reality rarely reflected in mainstream narratives: Muslim and Jewish women frequently share the same aspirations — security for their families, dignity for their communities, and a stable future for their children. Their dialogue therefore moves beyond political rhetoric and touches the deeper human dimensions of reconciliation.

Among the participants was Pakistani-American scholar and community leader Dr. Anila Ali, who emphasized the importance of building bridges between communities often divided by misinformation and hostility. Reflecting on the experience, she spoke of the significance of meeting Jewish and Muslim women leaders from Israel and engaging directly with emerging voices such as Israeli Muslim community figure Samah Sakran. Moments like these, she noted, remind participants that dialogue is not an abstract concept but a living process built through human relationships.

The courage displayed by many Muslim women who publicly stand against antisemitism — often at considerable personal risk — was also widely acknowledged during the discussions. Their willingness to challenge hatred within their own communities demonstrates a form of moral leadership that traditional diplomacy often struggles to cultivate.

Just as important is the message these initiatives send to the younger generations in the region. In a political environment where identity is often weaponized, the image of Muslim and Jewish women joining forces for peace creates a strong counter-narrative. It highlights that faith traditions can be sources of shared ethical values for coexistence, rather than just division.

The broader significance of these conversations should not be underestimated. Peace processes are seldom sustained by political agreements alone; they also require social trust and cultural acceptance. Women who are active in communities, educational institutions, and civil society networks are uniquely equipped to build that trust over time.

The Cyprus summit may not command the same global attention as high-level diplomatic negotiations, but its implications are nonetheless profound. By creating space for Muslim and Jewish women to speak openly and build partnerships, initiatives like Talking Peace, the Abrahamic Movement, and the American Muslim Multifaith Women Empowerment Council are gradually expanding the architecture of peacebuilding.

These initiatives are about more than just conversation; they play a crucial role in reinforcing the broader framework of regional normalization represented by the Abraham Accords. While these accords have paved the way for diplomatic relations between Israel and various Arab nations, their lasting impact hinges on fostering deeper connections and trust among communities.

Interfaith gatherings that unite Muslim and Jewish women leaders are key to building that foundation. By encouraging grassroots discussions, challenging extremist views, and highlighting shared values from the Abrahamic traditions, these summits can transform the spirit of the Abraham Accords from mere political agreements into authentic partnerships between people. This, in turn, can inspire wider regional involvement and enhance the chances for a more inclusive and lasting peace in the Middle East.

The road to stability in the Middle East remains long and complex. However, one important lesson from gatherings like this is that authentic dialogue often starts far away from the official negotiation tables. It begins when individuals opt for courage instead of fear and choose collaboration over suspicion.

When Muslim and Jewish women lead the path to peace, they do more than challenge entrenched divisions — they remind the world that reconciliation is not only possible, but already quietly underway.

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)