Take Action to stop violence in the Middle East: Travel to Israel and Palestine This Summer
Last month Interfaith Peace-Builders (IFPB) reported on the crackdown on human rights defenders, activists working for justice, and other nonviolent leaders in Israel and Palestine.
Now, when leaders and activists are most threatened, it is also a vital time to visit the West Bank and Israel. Interfaith Peace-Builders is organizing two delegations this summer: The first is a May delegation led by Anna Baltzer and Cathy Sultan. A second delegation is planned for July by Jacob Pace and Miryam Rashid.
Since 2000, Interfaith Peace-Builders has sent over 500 people (students, educators, working professionals, activists, retirees) on 32 fact-finding delegations to Israel and Palestine. IFPB started the program when Israelis and Palestinians first invited them into their homes, offices, and places of worship to learn from them about their lives and their work for justice.
Today, IFPB delegations continue as a testament to the transformative power of learning directly from Israelis and Palestinians and those living in region. You are invited to travel with IFPB this summer to learn more, gain skills for advocacy on this issue, meet with individuals directly impacted and network with others working in Israel and Palestine.
May 2010 Delegation: Voices of the Peacemakers — From Roots to Reconciliation
May 23- June 5, 2010 — Delegation Leaders: Anna Baltzer and Cathy Sultan
This delegation, co-sponsored by IFPB and the National Peace Foundation, will explore Palestinian and Israeli efforts to achieve peace and a resolution to their conflict based on justice. The delegation will feature meetings with Palestinian and Israeli peacemakers — leaders of civil society groups, grassroots organizers, religious leaders and more. Given the current situation in the West Bank, the delegation will focus on learning about the current challenges facing nonviolent activists resisting occupation. May also marks the annual commemoration of Israel's independence and the Palestinian Nakba (Catastrophe) and the birth of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Join in this unique opportunity to learn about the current situation. The on-the-ground experience will enrich your understanding of the conflict as you meet courageous Israelis and Palestinians working for peace and justice.
DEADLINE TO APPLY: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until late March. Spaces are already filling up. Apply soon to reserve your space!
July 2010 Delegation: Tomorrow's Leaders — Youth Realities and Peacebuilding Initiatives in Palestine and Israel
July 24 — August 6, 2010 — Delegation Leaders: Jacob Pace and Miryam Rashid
This delegation is co-sponsored by IFPB and the AFSC-Great Lakes Region. Two thirds of the Palestinian population and one third of the Israeli population are under the age of 25. More than just numbers, youth in Israel-Palestine play important roles in community development, lead nonviolent struggles for justice, and work together across national lines towards reconciliation. They are also among the conflict's most tragic victims.
This delegation will explore issues relevant to young people in the region, including efforts to educate and empower future generations working towards a just resolution to the conflict. Our itinerary will feature meetings with Palestinian and Israeli youth and youth workers as well as leaders of civil society groups, grassroots organizers, religious leaders and more.
DEADLINE TO APPLY: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until late May. Spaces are already filling up, so apply soon to reserve your space!
For those who cannot travel this summer, IFPB will have a November 2010 Delegation. We also are already planning for 2011 delegations. To express interest in future delegations, send an email to office@ifpb.org
Visit the IFPB website (delegation section) to learn more about delegations, including cost, and possibilities for financial aid.
IFPB, founded in 2001 as a project of FOR, became an independent nonprofit organization in 2006.
