Dressed for Peace: A vision born

It was the summer of 2024 in Berlin. As I stepped out of the swimming pool, my eyes caught sight of a young woman in her early twenties. She was wearing a black T-shirt with a simple yet powerful message: Peace—Salam—Shalom, written in English, Hebrew, and Arabic.

It was a time of deep turmoil. The Israel-Hamas war, ignited by Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, had dragged on for nine months at that time. Tens of thousands had lost their lives in Israel and Gaza. Hundreds of thousands had been displaced, and there was no ceasefire and hostage deal in sight. Additional fronts with Hezbollah, the Houtties and Iran were also casing lost of lives and destruction. 

Meanwhile, the war between Russia and Ukraine raged on for over two years, claiming countless victims. Conflicts in Darfur and Sudan escalated, while women’s rights in Afghanistan and Iran were rapidly eroding. Around the world, the far right was gaining power, deepening divisions and hostility.

I felt a profound sense of despair. The world seemed consumed by sides, flags, and nationalism—leaving little room for complexity, dialogue, or genuine calls for peace. I felt like only a few share my belief that peace was not just an ideal but a necessity.

And then, I saw her. This young woman, standing naturally in a shirt that allowed Hebrew and Arabic to exist side by side—if only in print. It was a small gesture, yet it carried immense weight. In a time of polarization, she made space for coexistence, even if only on fabric.

I walked up to her and thanked her. For wearing it. For the courage to do so. For reminding me that peace still had a voice, even in the smallest of ways.

I left the pool that day with something I hadn’t felt in a long time: hope. A vision began to form—one where fashion could become a powerful statement for peace. Where dressing up could be more than personal style—it could be an act of intention and advocacy.

Dressing for peace is standing for peace. Together. Everywhere.