‘Peace in our time'

To the editor: In answer to Wendy Dembeck’s query about what Women in Black do, I would be pleased to offer some explanation of who we are and why we are doing what we do. Women in Black is a loose-knit, international network of women who stand in silent vigil for peace. The movement was originated by a group of Israeli women in 1988 who stood in silent solidarity with the suffering of Palestinian women and in sympathy with victims of violence on both sides of the Arab Israeli conflict. Since then, the movement has spread across the globe to wherever violence has affected the lives of ordinary people. As a local group, the Warwick Women in Black has limited its activities to silent, prayerful vigils for peace, and marking landmarks in the country’s losses and sufferings. As individuals, some of the women have held fund raisers for Iraqi families in dire need, sent used cell phones to soldiers and all of the other excellent suggestions you made. Two of the women who have stood vigil with us have sent their own children off to the war in Iraq, and one family associated with us has paid the ultimate price of losing a loved family member in that terrible conflict. Our stance is not that of “little theatrics” but of genuine, deep concern and care for the suffering of others. Everyone has his or her story. If you are really interested in why we do what we do, please come over and speak to one of us the next time you see us standing vigil. We would be very glad to listen to you and share ideas for achieving peace in our time. Patricia DeBruhl Warwick Women in Black