Despite their governments being enemies, Israeli and Iranian women have found common ground. They are protesting together for women’s rights and freedom, showing that some causes unite people across all borders.
What Started It All
The movement began after Mahsa Amini died in police custody in September 2022. The 22-year-old Iranian woman was arrested for wearing her hijab incorrectly, according to police. Her death sparked massive protests across Iran, led mostly by women.
The protests spread worldwide. In Israel, women felt they had to help their Iranian sisters, even though their countries are enemies.
How Israeli Women Showed Support
Israeli women took many actions to support Iranian protesters:
Public Rallies: Thousands of Israelis gathered in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Many were Iranian-born Israelis who still speak Farsi. They held signs in Hebrew, English, and Farsi. They chanted “Women. Life. Freedom” together.
Some Israeli women cut their hair during protests. This copied what Iranian women were doing as a symbol of rebellion.
Music and Art: Israeli singer Liraz Charhi worked with Iranian musicians in secret. She sang songs in Farsi that Iranian protesters used at their rallies. The music became a soundtrack for the freedom movement.
Online Campaigns: Israeli women started the #IsraelisloveIranians campaign. They used social media to show support for Iranian women fighting for their rights.
Government Support: Israeli lawmakers also spoke out. They made it clear they opposed Iran’s government, not the Iranian people.
Iranian Women’s Response
Many Iranian protesters welcomed Israeli support, even though it was dangerous. In Iran, working with Israelis or accepting their help can lead to serious punishment. But the women’s movement was so important that many Iranians were willing to take the risk.
What This Means
The solidarity between Israeli and Iranian women has done more than help the protests. It has shown that ordinary people from enemy countries can work together for shared values.
Israeli singer Rita Yahan-Farouz, who was born in Iran, said: “We have no reason to be enemies. The time will come when we can be in friendship.”
The Bigger Picture
Relations between Israel and Iran remain tense. The two countries have had recent military conflicts. But women’s rights activists from both sides continue to call for peace and freedom.
Iranian feminist groups have spoken against all violence and war. They want to focus on “Woman, Life, Freedom” and believe real change must come from Iranian people themselves.
A Message of Hope
In a region known for conflict, the friendship between Israeli and Iranian women offers hope. Their protests show that the desire for dignity, rights, and freedom can cross any border or political divide.
These women prove that even when governments are enemies, people can still find ways to support each other in the fight for basic human rights.
