The Government of Catalonia has awarded Reem Hajajara, Director of Women of the Sun, and Yael Adami, co-founder of the Israeli movement Women Wage Peace, the International Prize of the President of Catalonia, in recognition of their joint and unwavering efforts toward reconciliation, dialogue, and building a shared future of peace in the Middle East.
The prize is awarded annually to individuals who have made a significant contribution to culture, science, or human values. This year, Reem and Yael were honored for their collaboration through the Mothers’ Call initiative, led by Israeli and Palestinian women who cross borders to call for an end to violence and the resumption of negotiations as the only path toward ensuring the security and dignity of both peoples.
The award was announced on Catalan television through a special program filmed with Reem and Yael two weeks before the ceremony. In previous years, the prestigious prize has been awarded to prominent figures including Desmond Tutu, Jane Goodall, Haruki Murakami, Jimmy Carter, Amos Oz, Sari Nusseibeh, Karl Popper, and others.
Reem and Yael were invited to three days of meetings and tours across Catalonia, culminating in an impressive and festive ceremony at the Presidential Palace, presided over by the President of Catalonia, who presented them with the award as head of the jury.
Before the ceremony, Reem and Yael were honored to attend an intimate lunch with the President, providing an opportunity to meet personally and exchange views on their work for peace. The President shared that the decision to select Reem and Yael had been unanimous, following consideration of a long list of candidates. He also signed the Mothers’ Call and expressed his hope that the financial grant and publicity accompanying the award would further strengthen their work, offering his support and assistance in the future in any way possible.
During the three-day visit, Reem and Yael met with three former presidents, serving ministers, members of parliament, representatives of academia from universities across Catalonia, and civil society movements working for human rights and peace. They expressed strong support and appreciation for the Mothers’ Call and engaged in in-depth discussions about ways to strengthen the initiative by combining efforts and amplifying the voices of women who seek peace.
Throughout the visit, reporters and photographers accompanied the meetings, while several interviews were conducted with local media and social media platforms, including television and newspapers. The award ceremony was broadcast in its entirety on Catalan state television.
