Community Building for 1000 Jews & Muslims 2023-25

The last time we met face-to-face was in December of 2019, and since then Midwives of Peace has been meeting online on Zoom. We have held 4 encounters so far - in April, June, September, and at the end of October. The attendance has been surprisingly good, but the same members seem to be present each time. The format, the need for technology, and the need for good and consistent internet service prevent many of our members from attending, which is very sad.

Most of the members continue to work throughout these trying and difficult times and are exposed to the coronavirus on a daily basis. Some of them have been sick, and one of our participants lost a close family member. It is difficult to console them in this way, over the internet, and on the screen, and the level of frustration is high. But it is good to stay in touch and interesting to learn how the public health systems on "both sides" are dealing with the virus.

Because the coronavirus has sort of taken over all of our lives, most of the discussion was on this topic. We tried to go beyond it, but it was pulled back in that direction over and over. So, we talked, we listened, we laughed and we cried. This is similar to what we usually do, but doing it over the internet is a new experience. We are missing the hugs.

We had planned to host another seminar on the topic of sexual violence, as the first was very successful, and there was a request for a continuation, but it will have to wait. In the meantime, we maintain our friendship and our connection in these strange times of disconnection and hope to meet again soon.

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