This award follows the success of the center's Peacemakers in Action initiative, which annually recognizes grassroots religious peacemakers – men or women - from conflict areas around the world.  The Women’s Peace Initiative was created to bring increased attention specifically to the important work being done by religious women peacemakers in the Middle East and North Africa.

The award was presented Monday, Oct. 22, by the three holders of the Bosnian Presidency (Haris Silajdzic, Zeljko Komsic and Nebojsa Radmanovic), at a press conference and dinner with dignitaries, ambassadors, local government officials, scholars, NGO practitioners and other civil society representatives. The evening of 22 October will also include a private meeting between the Bosnian Presidency and all of the Peacemakers, as well as a celebratory dinner.

Following the ceremony, there will be a week long series of events where Tanenbaum’s Peacemakers will come together to learn new techniques that have worked for the establishment of Peace in different regions.  The Executive Director of Tanenbum, Joyce Dubensky stated, "the Retreat is one of the few forums, if not the only one, in which religious peacemaker practitioners are focused on using religion to directly confront violent conflict. Religion is a powerful force - just look at the horror and destruction done in its name. At Tanenbaum, we work to harness that force for peace, reconciliation and understanding and to do so through action, not just talk."
 
It is our fervent hope that this prestigious award will support and encourage Najeeba and Osnat in their own efforts while inspiring others to follow in your footsteps.