Biographies

Yael Braudo-Bahat, Co-director, Women Wage Peace

Yael Braudo-Bahat is an Israeli peace activist, academic, and the current co-director of Women Wage Peace.

After a bachelor's degree in law and accounting, Braudo-Bahat gained her master's in law, with a thesis on the law around breastfeeding. She gained a PhD in law from Tel Aviv University, specializing in family law, feminism and legal history. Her PhD thesis focused on Israeli women's organizations in Israel's first few decades, and their activity in securing property rights for women.

Braudo-Bahet has been an external lecturer at Tel Aviv University, and deputy editor of the journal Theoretical Inquiries in Law. From 2017 until 2018, Braudo-Bahat was a visiting professor in Israel studies at York University in Canada.

Braudo-Bahat and fellow peace activist Vivian Silver founded Women Wage Peace together in 2014. The organization has over 50,000 members. Stressing the importance of women in the peace process, the WWP seeks a negotiated political resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Since 2021 it has collaborated with a Palestinian sister movement, Women of the Sun. By February 2023, Braudo-Bahat was the organization's co-director. As a member of Women Wage Peace, Braudo-Bahat has criticized government policies that restrict the entrance of Palestinian activists into Israel, and the continued 2023 Israel-Hamas war. Braudo-Bahat has been interviewed by ABC News, France 24, and NPR's Here & Now about the peace movement's response to the 2023 Israel-Hamas war. Silver, cited by Braudo-Bahat as a mentor at Women Wage Peace to whom she owed much, was killed by Hamas in their attack on Israel on 7 October 2023.

Reem Al-Hajajreh, Founder and Director, Women of the Sun

Reem Al- Hajajreh, a devoted mother of three residing in Deheisha Camp in Bethlehem City, holds a distinguished position as the Co-founder and Director of Women of the Sun. Recognized as one of the most influential women by Time Magazine worldwide, Reem exemplifies exemplary leadership, overseeing the strategic planning and implementation of the organization’s services and projects. Her responsibilities extend to problem-solving, program evaluation, budget approval, and representation at charitable programs and community services.

Reem is a fervent advocate for women’s empowerment and peace. She believes in the pivotal role women play in fostering justice, peace, and security, yet acknowledges their marginalization in formal peace processes. With a profound commitment to inclusivity, Reem emphasizes the urgent need for women’s involvement in peacebuilding efforts, ensuring their contributions are acknowledged and valued.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Social Work from Al-Quds Open University, Reem brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her leadership role. Her exceptional communication skills, coupled with strong leadership qualities, underscore her dedication to advancing gender equality and social justice.

Reem’s qualifications and extensive experience in leadership and executive administration are testament to her unwavering commitment to empowering women and building a more equitable society.

Sponsorship of an event does not constitute institutional endorsement of external speakers or views presented.