A Delegation of Israeli Ultra-Orthodox Female Public Figures visit Belfast and London, 8th – 12th December

Forward Thinking facilitated a delegation of Israeli Ultra-Orthodox high profile women in a visit to Belfast and London, where meetings were held with politicians, diplomats, academics, religious and community leaders, former combatants and victims of violence from both the Unionist and Republican communities. Participants of the delegation included women who are well-known and influential in both the Ultra-Orthodox community and more widely in Israel.  This visit marked a crucial step for the Ultra-Orthodox community in Israel, as it provided a space for delegates to discuss and understand the mistakes, achievements and lessons of the Northern Ireland Peace Process. In doing so, hard questions were raised concerning their role and the role of their community within the pursuit of a durable peace agreement in the Middle East. This is the first time that such high profile Ultra-Orthodox women have participated in such a venture.