Wisam Ziadeh was born and raised in Shu’fat, a Palestinian Arab neighborhood in East Jerusalem. She studied English Literature and Journalism at Bethlehem University. A mother of two, she holds an Israeli ID, while her husband and children have Israeli passports, navigating the complexities of identity and mobility in the region.
For over a decade, Wisam has been dedicated to peace-building and cross-border initiatives. In 2010, she worked at the Peace Works Foundation as the Project Manager of the International Education Program in the West Bank. She is a leader and advocate for social justice, peace, and gender equity, with expertise in program development, management, peace-building, and gender programs.
Wisam is an alumna of the U.S. Consulate’s exchange program, having participated in Women’s Role in Peace and Security program in the United States in 2019. She has developed several programs focused on women’s empowerment and community development and has represented Palestine in numerous international conferences on women’s rights and empowerment. In 2015, she led Women’s Empowerment Projects, contributing to joint efforts to promote peace and end the conflict both locally and internationally.
In 2022, she founded Takadom for Peace, where she serves as CEO. Through Takadom, Wisam focuses on youth and women’s empowerment, advocating for a just and comprehensive peace. The organization equips young leaders with practical and scientific skills, fosters dialogue and critical thinking, and enables them to represent themselves and their communities effectively. Takadom prioritizes societal change, particularly for marginalized groups, by expanding awareness and promoting the role of women in social transformation.
Being a Palestinian woman and mother comes with significant societal restrictions, limiting mobility and access to opportunities. Despite these challenges, Wisam continues to push for change, ensuring that Palestinian voices—especially those of women and youth—are heard. Her passion for peace-building has also influenced her daughter, who has participated in international peace programs alongside Palestinian and Israeli students. Facing similar societal pressures, her daughter remains committed to advocating for a peaceful and just future.
Through her work, Wisam remains dedicated to fostering hope, constructive dialogue, and a better future for the next generation.