Palestinian and Israeli Mothers Walk Barefoot in Rome to Call for Peace

On March 24, 2026, Palestinian and Israeli mothers united in Rome for a 'Barefoot Walk: Mothers' Call for Peace,' traversing the city from the Ara Pacis to the Terrazza del Pincio.

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The symbolic march was led by Palestinian activist Reem Al-Hajajreh and Israeli activist Yael Admi, both candidates for the Nobel Peace Prize, who walked barefoot alongside each other.

Al Jazeera

This powerful demonstration of unity occurred amid ongoing conflict between their communities.

The event marked the fifth anniversary of their initial meeting and represents a continuation of their joint efforts to bridge divides.

The march was open to all citizens and organizations, inviting broader participation in their peace advocacy.

The barefoot walk carried deep symbolic meaning, representing vulnerability, humility, and shared humanity across cultural and political divides.

The mothers expressed their collective frustration with the cycle of violence, declaring 'Oggi diciamo basta, tutto questo deve finire' (Today we say enough, this must all end).

ANSA

They emphasized that their children deserve better than 'uccidere o essere uccisi' (to kill or be killed).

This emotional appeal highlighted the personal cost of conflict on families on both sides.

They framed peace not as an abstract political concept but as a fundamental necessity for survival and well-being of their communities and children.

Beyond emotional appeals, the mothers articulated specific political demands centered on ending the violence and ensuring women's meaningful participation in peace processes.

“In testa al corteo le due leader del movimento che riunisce decine di migliaia di donne e madri dei due paesi, la palestinese Reem Al-Hajajreh di Women of the Sun e l’israeliana Yael Admi di Women Wage Peace, che hanno dichiarato: “Per generazioni le nostre comunità sono state lacerate da violenza e paura”

askanews

Their call directly referenced UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.

They emphasized that 'negoziati di pace devono proseguire e devono includere le donne' (peace negotiations must continue and must include women).

This demand reflects both a practical approach to conflict resolution and recognition of women's unique perspectives in peacebuilding.

The movement's strategic timing, including a planned meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican the following day, demonstrates commitment to engaging with both religious and political leadership.

The Rome event represents the launch of a global movement with clear international strategy.

The initiative is backed by Vital Voices, an international NGO promoting women's leadership globally.

Mediterranews

Vital Voices President and CEO Alyse Nelson declared their pride in 'un movimento che abbatte confini e divisioni per unirsi di fronte al dolore provocato da conflitti e violenza'.

Future 'Barefoot Walks' are planned for cities worldwide, strategically timed to coincide with major international summits.

This includes the G7 in France in June, aiming to deliver direct messages to world leaders about peace negotiations and women's participation.

The emotional and personal dimension of the mothers' call was powerfully expressed through artistic expression and shared humanity.

“Le attiviste Yael Admi e Reem Al-Hajajreh cammineranno scalze dall'Ara Pacis alla Terrazza del Pincio per chiedere la fine della violenza e la protezione dei bambini colpiti dal conflitto”

TPI

The march concluded with a cappella performance by activist and singer MILCK, who performed an original song.

TPI

Her performance gave voice to 'il desiderio universale di tutte madri che i loro figli possano crescere al sicuro, sentendosi supportati e liberi dalla paura'.

This artistic element transformed the political protest into a universal human appeal.

It transcended the specific Israeli-Palestinian context to speak to fundamental maternal concerns for children's safety and future.