Women working together for Peace

Hailing from opposite sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Riman Barakat and Peta Jones Pellach represent grassroots movements for non-violent resolution, intercommunal dialogue, and the essential role of women in peacebuilding.

Join The Jewish Independent's General Manager Ilona Lee, who will be in conversation with them about how women are reshaping approaches to conflict resolution, offering an alternative model of cooperation and partnership between Israelis and Palestinians, and and exploring what lessons can be applied in Australia for increased social cohesion.

Rabbi Dr. Peta Jones-Pellach is an Israeli educator, interfaith activist, and senior member of Women Wage Peace. A former academic and rabbinical leader originally from Australia, Peta has long worked at the intersection of Jewish ethics, religious pluralism, and peacemaking. She is a driving force behind women-led initiatives to bring about a negotiated resolution to the conflict, grounded in dignity and inclusion. Her work with Women Wage Peace and cross-border collaborations with Palestinian women reflect her commitment to bridging divides through courageous dialogue and faith-informed activism.

Riman Barakat is a Palestinian peacebuilder and cultural entrepreneur based in East Jerusalem. She is the co-director of FeelBeit, a visionary Israeli-Palestinian cultural centre that uses the arts to foster dialogue and trust. With academic training in international relations and deep roots in civil society, Riman has dedicated her career to creating spaces where shared narratives can emerge. She has represented Palestinian perspectives at global peacebuilding forums and is known for her courageous advocacy for non-violent resistance, mutual recognition, and women’s leadership in conflict transformation.

Ilona Lee is the General Manager of TJI. She has extensive experience working in the NSW health sector, where she established a state-wide Multicultural Health Communication Service. Within the Jewish community, Ilona has been President of a WIZO group, served on the board of Moriah College, the Executive of Jewish Care, on the founding board of NIF Australia, Honorary Secretary of NSW Jewish Board of Deputies and President of The Shalom Institute, where she co-founded the Shalom Gamarada Indigenous Scholarship Program for Indigenous students at UNSW. Ilona is Immediate Past President of COA, and was a former Chair of OzHarvest.