By Siiri Bigalke for The Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development
June marked the third month of a new track in our Women’s Faith and Ecology project. This initiative brings together women of Jerusalem to find commonality through shared respect and responsibility for a healthy environment. In the past, the Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development (ICSD) oriented the Women’s Project towards intensive seminars with Jewish, Muslim, and Christian women to learn about women’s empowerment and environmental ethics through their respective religions. Following the success of these seminars, ICSD decided to implement monthly gatherings to convert education into action. As of March 2014, women from East and West Jerusalem (areas that are divided by ethnicity and religion) have been gathering to identify their common skills and environmental challenges and explore opportunities to make new relationships and environmental change.
While the previous two meetings focused on gardening and community agriculture, our June gathering featured an embroidery project led by Aida from Abu Tor in East Jerusalem that highlighted a traditional Palestinian style. The women’s handwork knitted itself into a discussion about recycled artwork, waste in Jerusalem, and how to convert such art projects into ecological tools like reusable bags. Other ideas generated for future meetings included outdoor hikes in the Jerusalem area, learning how to compost, and visiting local environmental businesses. While each meeting serves to expose these women to sustainable initiatives in Jerusalem, we are finding that laying foundations of relationship building, trust, skills sharing, and a welcoming space is just as invaluable as the ecology aspect of the program. While all are eager to dive into broader green projects, these relationships are new and delicate, especially in light of the violent cloud hanging over Jerusalem in recent days.
And despite all this hostility, or perhaps because of it, this small group of committed women is continuing to grow in numbers and dedication. If you are interested in joining the group, please contact Siiri Bigalke at sbigalke@interfaithsustain.com or Hiba Dawud at hdawud@interfaithsustain.com.
