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Solutions
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Lets start with some good news:
Countless people from dozens of organizations are dedicated to finding the way to lasting peace, reconciliation, healing and dignity for all involved in the Middle East conflict.
Below are examples of groups, projects, campaigns and stories of efforts that offer hope and a way to get involved to those of us working to overcome hate in our hearts and around the world. |
People are working on many fronts:
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An organization working to overcome the pain on both sides
Just Vision is a nonprofit organization that informs local and international audiences about under-documented Palestinian and Israeli joint civilian efforts to resolve the conflict nonviolently. Just Vision brings the stories, life experiences and diverse perspectives of Palestinian and Israeli peacebuilders into classrooms and communities.
Encounter Point is an 85-minute feature documentary film that follows a former Israeli settler, a Palestinian ex-prisoner, a bereaved Israeli mother and a wounded Palestinian bereaved brother who risk their lives and public standing to promote a nonviolent end to the conflict. Their journeys lead them to the unlikeliest places to confront hatred within their communities. The film explores what drives them and thousands of other like-minded civilians to overcome anger and grief to work for grassroots solutions. It is a film about the everyday leaders in our midst.
For 2 years, the Just Vision crew followed the stories of ordinary people who feel driven to work for an end to bloodshed and occupation in favor of peace. We traveled from Tel Mond to Tulkarem, from Hebron to Haifa documenting the courageous, painful and moving stories of regular people who refuse to sit back as the conflict escalates. These civic leaders navigate suicide bombings and checkpoints to confront militancy on both sides, the wounded and apathetic masses. Encounter Point's World Premiere was at the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival. The Canadian premiere was at Hot Docs, and the West Coast premiere was at the San Francisco International Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award for Best Documentary. Encounter Point has subsequently won the 2006 Audience Award for Best Documentary at the Rencontres Film Festival in Montreal, the Best Musical Score Award at the Bend Film Festival and the 2006 Spirit of Freedom Award at the Bahamas Film Festival. It has screened in Dubai, Jerusalem, Jenin, Gaza, Ramallah, Amman, Sderot and more than 200 cities worldwide. It appeared on CBC in Canada as well as on Al Arabiya, one of the largest Arabic satellite stations in the world as well as on TV in Brazil, Poland, Korea, Australia and beyond. For DVD inquiries, contact: dvd @ justvision dot org For screening inquiries, contact: screenings @ justvision dot org JUST VISION Tel.: (202) 232 6821 The Human Codes of Tolerance and Respect Project
The World Security Network Foundation (WSN) is researching, developing and promoting universal and practical “Human Codes of Tolerance and Respect” for families, educators, religious leaders, journalists, and politicians – the five affinity groups who have most influence on promoting tolerance and respect towards other ethnic groups and religions. Islam denounces terrorism (Harun Yahya) - YouTube
This film, produced by the Science Research Foundation, a Harun Yahya institution, presents the Muslim response to and denunciation of terrorism. Beginning with the event of September 11, the film explains that all kinds of violence against civilians are crimes against humanity and grave sins in religious terms. It is also stressed that terrorism is an inherent feature of secular ideologies like communism, fascism and racism. In contrast, all theistic religions - Islam, Christianity and Judaism - are opposed to terrorism and their ultimate goal is to bring peace and brotherhood to mankind. 2003-11-15 15:16:34 Tomorrow's Youth Organization
TYO is an American, non-governmental organization that works in disadvantaged areas of the Middle East. One of TYO's programs: Peace and Conflict Resolution Education for early Childhood development Program Dates: January 2011 – April 2012 The Peace and Conflict Education curriculum was designed to build the capacity of Palestinian teachers and administrators to incorporate age-appropriate curricula into early childhood development (ECD) programs operated by non-governmental organizations in and around Ramallah and East Jerusalem. The focus on ECD was selected because there is an abundance of research that demonstrates both the long-term developmental and mental health consequences of early exposure to trauma and violence. Research has also demonstrated the resilience of young children living under these circumstances when there is a framework of both familial and social support and an educational and developmental foundation that includes teaching children social and emotional skills grounded in principles of justice, tolerance, and “fair play.” Over three years, a coalition of actors led by Meridian International developed a draft Palestinian Preschool Peace and Conflict Resolution Curriculum, based on evidence-based practices and developed training materials for teachers selected from those ECD sites and conducted training of the teachers. TYO was selected as a pilot location and over the course of three semesters Core Program teachers received tailored training and integrated this unique curriculum into their classrooms programming. Through the pilot program the coalition was able to further develop the age- and culturally-appropriate curriculum on Peace and Conflict Resolution to include a) modules on family involvement, community involvement, and health; and b) adapt the curriculum for children with disabilities. Going forward, TYO will continue to use the Palestinian Preschool Peace and Conflict Resolution Curriculum in its Core Program Classrooms. U.S.-Islamic World Forum
Brookings Institute The U.S.-Islamic World Forum is designed to bring together leaders in the realms of politics, business, media, academia, and civil society from across the Islamic world (including Muslim communities in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East) and the United States. The forum seeks to serve as both a convening body and catalyst for positive action. Compassion: an Urgent Global imperative
Saban Center for Middle East Policy Brookings Institute Karen Armstrong. November 2012 
Example:
Seeds of Peace Seeds of Peace: Middle East Programs
Seeds of Peace began by bringing together 46 Israelis, Palestinians, and Egyptians in 1993. Now, two decades later, over 3,000 young leaders and several hundred educators from the Middle East have graduated from our International Camp, including delegates from Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and Yemen. Seeds of Peace now works primarily with young Egyptian, Israeli, Jordanian, and Palestinian leaders. The program begins at our International Camp and continues with year-round local programs focused on the capacities leaders need most to be effective peace-builders. Seeds of Peace offers more targeted programs and advanced skills training as alumni move into their university years and begin their careers, leveraging their unique relationships, understanding, and skills to shift the landscape of conflict and peace in the Middle East. 
Thirty-nine new Palestinian and Israeli dialogue facilitators graduated on June 6 2014 from Seeds of Peace’s professional training courses.
I've Never Seen the Israel / Palestine Conflict Illustrated More Uniquely Than This
From www.filmsforaction.org 3 minutes | The story shared by Israel and Palestine has been told in several stunning films, but I don't think I've ever seen it told like this. Nina Paley created this (extremely brief) animated history of the land that was at one time called Israel, Palestine, Canaan and the Levant. She even created this viewer's guide to make sense of what's happening. (Want to dive in deeper? Check out these excellent films.) 
The Top 10 Documentaries about the Israel / Palestine Conflict
Tim Hjersted · No issue may be more contentious or more misunderstood than the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Hatred, fear, religion, politics, propaganda, media misinformation, and decades of cyclical violence has made understanding the roots of this conflict (not to mention... 
Example
Abraham's Vision Abraham’s Vision is a non-profit organization based in Redwood City, CA that focuses on conflict transformation among Jewish, Muslim, Israeli, and Palestinian youth regarding the Palestinian/Israeli conflict. Abraham’s Vision was founded in 2003 with the intent of creating a safe, transformative space for exploring both group and individual identities of those directly affected by the Palestinian/Israeli conflict.
In Gaza, A Young Woman's Resistance To Hamas And Israel Comes In Music
From www.ibtimes.com - August 5, 2014 Mariam Abuamer is 21, doesn't look like anybody around her, and wants out of Gaza. To cope with war, she has music. Israeli pianist Daniel Barenboim takes Palestinian citizenship
From www.haaretz.com - August 6, 2014 Vocal critic of Israeli policies says his rare status could serve a model for peace between Israel, PA.
Open Letter by 50 Israeli Army Reservists on Why They Refuse to Shoot at Palestinians in Gaza
From www.alternet.org - July 25, 2014 50 reservists come forward about their opposition to the Israeli military apparatus, the war in Gaza and the conscription law. 
A Palestinian’s journey from stone-throwing to conflict resolution
From www.csmonitor.com - December 19, 2014 Aziz Abu Sarah became embittered as a kid during the first Palestinian intifada but had an extraordinary transformation – in Hebrew class. 
Australian Jews Speak Out Against 'Slaughter Of Innocents'
From newmatilda.com - August 12, 2014 More than 150 Jewish Australians have signed an open letter urging their fellow Jews to “end the silence” over the “slaughter of innocents” in Gaza by Israel. The letter, organised by Vivienne Porzsolt of ‘Jews against the Occupation’, calls on all Australian Jews to take a public stand against the “brutal occupation of the Palestinians by Israel”, which is “being done in our name”. In a written statement accompanying the letter, Porzsolt said many Australian Jews were appalled by the actions of Israel. |
Parents Circle - Families Forum (PCFF) is a grassroots organization of bereaved Palestinians and Israelis. The PCFF promotes reconciliation as an alternative to hatred and revenge.
It is, as far as we know, a world precedent that bereaved families, victims from both sides, embark on a joint reconciliation mission while the conflict is still active. Consisting of several hundreds of bereaved families, half Palestinian and half Israeli, The Families Forum has played a crucial role since its inception in 1995, in spearheading a reconciliation process between Israelis and Palestinians. The Forum members have all lost immediate family members due to the violence in the region.
KCP- is a non-profit organization working successfully since 2004 in educating Israeli and Palestinian kids to live in Peace. Their mission is the strengthening of the human spirit that is within each and every child. KCP teach children to find their inner voices and make conscious decisions that will put an end to the circle of violence for themselves and for future generations.
Through the KCP programs, kids and teenagers are successfully planting the seeds of tolerance and human dignity to achieve peace. There is nothing more powerful, for a child that was raised to hate his neighbor, than discovering that all children in spite of their language, background, culture and religion are first of all children, with feelings, desires, dreams and hopes. And see the possibility and ability of building a life and future together. 
Breaking the Silence is an organization of veteran combatants who have served in the Israeli military since the start of the Second Intifada and have taken it upon themselves to expose the Israeli public to the reality of everyday life in the Occupied Territories. We endeavor to stimulate public debate about the price paid for a reality in which young soldiers face a civilian population on a daily basis, and are engaged in the control of that population’s everyday life.
Soldiers who serve in the Territories witness and participate in military actions which change them immensely. Cases of abuse towards Palestinians, looting, and destruction of property have been the norm for years, but are still explained as extreme and unique cases. Our testimonies portray a different, and much grimmer picture in which deterioration of moral standards finds expression in the character of orders and the rules of engagement, and are justified in the name of Israel's security. While this reality is known to Israeli soldiers and commanders, Israeli society continues to turn a blind eye, and to deny that what is done in its name. Discharged soldiers returning to civilian life discover the gap between the reality they encountered in the Territories, and the silence about this reality they encounter at home. In order to become civilians again, soldiers are forced to ignore what they have seen and done. We strive to make heard the voices of these soldiers, pushing Israeli society to face the reality whose creation it has enabled. We collect and publish testimonies from soldiers who, like us, have served in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem since September 2000, and hold lectures, house meetings, and other public events which bring to light the reality in the Territories through the voice of former combatants. We also conduct tours in Hebron and the South Hebron Hills region, with the aim of giving the Israeli public access to the reality which exists minutes from their own homes, yet is rarely portrayed in the media. Founded in March 2004 by a group of soldiers who served in Hebron, Breaking the Silence has since acquired a special standing in the eyes of the Israeli public and in the media, as it is unique in giving voice to the experience of soldiers. To date, the organization has collected more than 700 testimonies from soldiers who represent all strata of Israeli society and cover nearly all units that operate in the Territories. All the testimonies we publish are meticulously researched, and all facts are cross-checked with additional eye-witnesses and/or the archives of other human rights organizations also active in the field. Every soldier who gives a testimony to Breaking the Silence knows the aims of the organization and the interview. Most soldiers choose to remain anonymous, due to various pressures from official military persons and society at large. Our first priority is to the soldiers who choose to testify to the public about their service. Breaking the Silence Full Book link
[Occupation of the Territories -- Israeli Soldier Testimonies 2000-2010] 
2014: Recent Crisis
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Last of Warsaw Ghetto Survivors Calls for Rebellion Against Israeli Occupation Tikun-Olam Tikun Olam-תיקון עולם
From www.richardsilverstein.com - July 19, 2014 On Yom Ha-Shoah, one of the few remaining living survivors of the Warsaw Ghetto, Chavka Fulman-Raban, delivered a fierce denunciation of evil and injustice |
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6 Holocaust Survivors Who Fight Against Israel's Treatment of Palestinians
From www.alternet.org - August 8, 2014
The lesson of the Holocaust should be "never again" for anyone, including Palestinians.
From www.alternet.org - August 8, 2014
The lesson of the Holocaust should be "never again" for anyone, including Palestinians.
Christian, Muslim and Jewish faith groups demand US stop arming Israel
From electronicintifada.net - August 1, 2014
“Right now in Gaza, every Palestinian is literally struggling to stay alive,” faith groups say.
From electronicintifada.net - August 1, 2014
“Right now in Gaza, every Palestinian is literally struggling to stay alive,” faith groups say.
An open letter for the people in Gaza by Doctors & Scientists
From windowintopalestine.blogspot.fr- July 31, 2014
A group of western doctors and scientists addressed a message to the world on the ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip describing it as “a ruthless assault of unlimited duration, extent, and intensity”:We are doctors and scientists, who spend...
From windowintopalestine.blogspot.fr- July 31, 2014
A group of western doctors and scientists addressed a message to the world on the ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip describing it as “a ruthless assault of unlimited duration, extent, and intensity”:We are doctors and scientists, who spend...
Breaking the cycle of violence: technology can bring hope for peace
From www.theguardian.com - July 21, 2014
Helena Puig Larrauri on the development projects can use technology to promote peace in Israel, Palestine and other places caught in conflict. Great article on how technology can be used in peacebuilding.
From www.theguardian.com - July 21, 2014
Helena Puig Larrauri on the development projects can use technology to promote peace in Israel, Palestine and other places caught in conflict. Great article on how technology can be used in peacebuilding.
Reappraisal defuses strong emotional responses to Israel-Palestine conflict
From www.psypost.org - February 14, 2013
New research suggests that reappraisal may even be effective in changing people’s emotional responses in the context of one of the most intractable conflicts worldwide: the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
From www.psypost.org - February 14, 2013
New research suggests that reappraisal may even be effective in changing people’s emotional responses in the context of one of the most intractable conflicts worldwide: the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Empathizing w/ Gaza does NOT make me anti-Semitic, nor pro-Hamas or anti-Israel. It makes me human.
From www.dailykos.com - July 27, 2014
Originally published in Tikkun Daily
On the ground in Gaza, Israel's war against Hamas has been devastating . Online and in the public sphere, a different sort of war has been taking place – a ...
From www.dailykos.com - July 27, 2014
Originally published in Tikkun Daily
On the ground in Gaza, Israel's war against Hamas has been devastating . Online and in the public sphere, a different sort of war has been taking place – a ...
Not in Our Name - Taking Back Judaism From Israel
From www.truth-out.org - August 5, 2014
I am not alone in this pain, people around the world are horrified at the terror Israel is inflicting on the people of Gaza.
From www.truth-out.org - August 5, 2014
I am not alone in this pain, people around the world are horrified at the terror Israel is inflicting on the people of Gaza.
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Recommended Links From Just Vision
The following organizations work in the field of peacebuilding and nonviolence within Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, or both. We encourage you to do further research; there are many ways to support Israelis and Palestinians working for positive change. Please visit Just Vision's Visionaries for interviews with dozens of individuals working in many of the organizations listed below. Adam Institute Peace, democracy, civic education and conflict resolution for Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel. All For Peace Radio The first jointly run Palestinian-Israeli radio station. It produces news, feature and music programs in Arabic, Hebrew and English. Alternative Information Center A joint Palestinian-Israeli political advocacy organization and source for information on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Anarchists Against the Wall An Israeli organization that supports Palestinians' nonviolent struggle against the Separation Barrier. Arab-Hebrew Theatre A theatre company based in Jaffa, Israel, that produces and performs plays in Arabic and Hebrew. Arava Institute for Environmental Studies An environmental education and research center at Kibbutz Ketura in Israel’s Arava Desert. Students include Jordanians, Palestinians, Israelis, and North Americans. Arik Institute for Reconciliation, Tolerance and Peace Works for reconciliation and tolerance, and headed by the founder and former director of the Parents Circle-Bereaved Families Forum. Artists Without Walls A group of Israeli and Palestinian artists and musicians organizing joint exhibitions aimed at promoting understanding. Association for Civil Rights in Israel Works to protect human rights and civil rights in Israel and the territories under Israel's control. Bat Shalom An Israeli feminist organization working for peace and social justice. Behind the Wall A Palestinian organization working mostly with youth to assess the consequences of the Separation Barrier for Palestinian communities. Beit Arabiya Center for Peace Salim and Arabiya Shawamreh's home in Anata in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Their home has been demolished by the Israeli army multiple times and has become a meeting center and symbol of nonviolent resistance. See ICAHD's article: http://www.icahd.org/eng/articles.asp?menu=6&submenu=5&story=32 Bethlehem Peace Center Promotes peace, democracy, diversity and religious tolerance through activities and programs for locals and tourists. The center also displays Palestinian art and culture. Bimkom A group of urban planners and architects working toward "strengthening the connection between human rights and spatial planning." Their work is focused within Israel and East Jerusalem. Bitter Lemons A website that presents Israeli and Palestinian viewpoints, primarily on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and peace process. It is co-produced and edited by a Palestinian and an Israeli. Black Laundry An Israeli group of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders, and others working for social justice and against the occupation. Bridges Israeli-Palestinian Public Health Magazine A jointly managed and edited Israeli-Palestinian magazine devoted to public health and peace issues. B'Tselem, Israeli Ctr for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories An Israeli organization working to protect human rights and change Israeli policy in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Building Bridges for Peace A summer camp in the US for Israeli, Palestinian and American young women to learn leadership and communication skills, promote peace, and women's empowerment. Building Bridges also runs follow-up programs for Israeli and Palestinian participants at home. Bustan, Sustainable Community Action for Land and People Promotes environmental justice and sustainability with a focus primarily on land and human rights issues in Israel’s Negev desert. Center for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation Promotes nonviolence in Palestinian society through training programs for individuals and organizations in conflict transformation, mediation, communication, peace and democracy building, and human rights. Its also brings together Israelis and Palestinians to discuss issues of violence in the region. Center for Jewish-Arab Economic Development Promotes economic cooperation and empowerment on the premise that "Jewish-Arab economic cooperation in Israel is essential for peace, prosperity and economic stability in Israel and the region at large." Children of Abraham, Hebron An Israeli group that focuses on the effects of occupation on the city of Hebron through tours in the city and meetings with its Palestinian residents. Contact:bneiavraham@gmail.com Citizens' Accord Forum Between Jews and Arabs in Israel An Israeli organization working to "bridge the gaps between Israel's Jewish and Arab communities, and strive to implement systematic changes to improve the status of Israel's Arab citizens." Coalition of Women for Peace An umbrella organization over nine Israeli women's organizations working for peace, equal rights for all Israeli citizens, an end to the occupation and the establishment of a Palestinian state. Combatants for Peace A group of Israeli and Palestinian former combatants working together to stop all forms of violence, end the occupation and establish a Palestinian state. Creativity for Peace A program that brings adolescent Palestinian and Israeli girls to New Mexico for a summer program that teaches leadership and communication skills and promotes reconciliation. Creativity for Peace also runs follow up programs for participants upon their return home. Crossing Borders A Palestinian-Israeli-Jordanian youth magazine published in English. Economic Cooperation Foundation An Israeli organization aimed at supporting Israeli-Palestinian cooperation in the political, economic, and civil society spheres. EcoPeace/Friends of the Earth Middle East An environmental organization with offices in Amman, Bethlehem and Tel Aviv that brings together Jordanian, Palestinian, and Israeli environmentalists to "protect our shared environmental heritage" and create the "necessary conditions for lasting peace in our region.” Face to Face/Faith to Faith A US-based program of religious study, leadership and peace-building program for Christian, Muslim, and Jewish teenagers from different conflict regions, including Israel and Palestine. Faculty for Israeli-Palestinian Peace A network of Palestinian, Israeli, and international faculty, with an affiliated international student network, working to end the occupation and create a just peace. Folklore of the Other An art and education program that promotes tolerance between Israel’s diverse communities. Gaza Community Mental Health Program Provides mental health services, including therapy, training and research, to women, children, and victims of human rights violations. The program aims to promote community-wide mental health on the basis of "justice, humanity, and respect for human rights." Geneva Initiative Campaigns in Israeli and Palestinian society and globally in favor of returning to negotiations for a two-state solution. It follows the Geneva Accord's blueprint for peace. Gisha An Israeli legal organization working to protect Palestinians' freedom of movement. Givat Haviva An institute in Israel that promotes equality for all Israeli citizens and peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors. Gush Shalom An Israeli peace movement calling for the creation of a Palestinian state. Hamoked, Center for the Defense of the Individual An Israeli organization that assists Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories whose rights are violated by Israeli policies. Hand in Hand An organization that founded and runs multi-cultural schools in Israel (in Jerusalem, the Galilee and Wadi Ara) where Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel are taught in Arabic and Hebrew. Hands of Peace A US-based program that promotes "long term peaceful coexistence among Jewish-Israelis, Arab-Israelis, and West Bank Palestinians by bringing young people from the Middle East together with American teens in an interfaith setting." Hashd The Palestinian office of the People's Campaign for Peace and Democracy, an organization that promotes a set of principles for Israeli-Palestinian peace based on a two-state solution. Hewar Center For Peace and Development Based in Qalqilya, the center provides training in conflict resolution and capacity building for Palestinian NGOs working in the field of nonviolence. It also arranges dialogues between Israeli and Palestinian adults and students in a variety of settings, including summers camps and conferences. Holy Land Trust An organization based in Bethlehem that promotes nonviolent resistance to the occupation and civil society building. Hope Flowers School A school in El Khader near Bethlehem for students aged 4-13 that focuses on peace and democracy education. House of Hope International Peace Center Founded by a Palestinian citizen of Israel who is the author of several books on reconciliation and the traditional Palestinian dispute resolution method called sulha. See this article in Restorative Justice Online: http://www.restorativejustice.org/articlesdb/articles/4457 Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions A group "originally established to oppose and resist Israeli demolition of Palestinian houses in the Occupied Territories." Its activities now include resistance to land expropriation, settlement expansion, by-pass road construction, policies of closure and separation and the uprooting of Palestinian farmers' trees. Interfaith Encounter Association Promotes peace through interfaith dialogue and cross-cultural study, based on the belief that "rather than being a cause of the problem, religion can and should be a source of the solution for conflicts that exist in the region and beyond." International Peace and Cooperation Center A Palestinian organization working to "develop proactive initiatives which support the social, cultural, political, and economic processes essential to a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous future for the Palestinian people." International Women's Peace Service An international women's organization working in the village of Hares in the Occupied Palestinian Territories to support nonviolent resistance to the occupation and Separation Barrier and to document and intervene in human rights abuses. Interreligious Coordinating Council in Israel An umbrella organization over many inter-religious organizations working with Israelis and Palestinians to "harness the teachings and values of the three monotheistic religions and transform religion into a source of reconciliation and coexistence." Ir Amim An Israeli legal organization working for Palestinians' rights principally in and around Jerusalem. Israeli-Palestinian Science Organization Promotes dialogue and interaction between Israeli and Palestinian scholars and scientists. Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Information The joint Palestinian-Israeli public policy think-tank, known as IPCRI. It is "devoted to developing practical solutions for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict" based on a "two states for two peoples" solution. Jerusalem Center for Women A Palestinian organization for the advancement of women, peace and human rights. Jerusalem Intercultural Center Organizes activities and dialogue groups for residents of East and West Jerusalem. Jerusalem International YMCA A cultural and recreational community center that promotes interfaith and inter-group understanding. The building houses and Arab-Jewish kindergarten, and a theater, library, restaurant, hotel, fitness center and conference center. Jerusalem Link A joint venture of the Palestinian Jerusalem Center for Women and the Israeli organization Bat Shalom, its goals are securing peace and a Palestinian state, and promoting women's participation in the peace process. Jerusalem Peacemakers A network of Palestinian and Israeli interfaith peace-builders. Just Vision Based in Jerusalem, Washington, DC and New York, Just Vision encourages broader participation in grassroots peace building by creating and disseminating media and educational resources about Palestinian and Israeli joint peace and nonviolent efforts. Kufia, the Palestinian Organization for Culture and Development A non-profit organization that promotes cultural understanding and reconciliation between peoples, with an emphasis on youth and children. Kufia focuses on the psychological health of the Palestinian people and combats fanaticism in society. Language Connections An online program whereby Israeli and Palestinian students make virtual connections through web-based communication in English. Library on Wheels for Nonviolence and Peace Visits villages in the West Bank to lend books to Palestinian children, provide school supplies, and put on puppet and video shows promoting cooperation and nonviolence. Also provides teachers and parents with literature promoting nonviolence and peace. Machsom Watch A group of Israeli women who regularly observe Israeli military checkpoints to monitor human rights abuses. MEND (Middle East Nonviolence and Democracy) Palestinian organization promoting nonviolence and democracy. Middleway Conducts dialogue and silent, meditative walks in Israeli and Palestinian areas with Israeli and Palestinian participants. The activities "combine spirituality with peace activism." Mifkad The Israeli office of the People's Campaign for Peace and Democracy, an organization that promotes a set of principles for Israeli-Palestinian peace based on a two-state solution. Nablus Youth Federation Works for youth, women and children's empowerment, and facilitates connections between Palestinian and international youth, and Israeli-Palestinian dialogue. Negev Institute for Strategies of Peace and Development Offers leadership training and support for small businesses and organizations in conflict resolution, education and democracy. Neve Shalom/Wahat Al Salam A mixed village in Israel, "jointly established by Jewish and Palestinian Arab citizens of Israel, that is engaged in educational work for peace, equality and understanding between the two peoples." Houses the School for Peace, a facilitation training program in Israel. New Profile A movement to de-emphasize the military in Israeli society and prioritize a civilian as opposed to military profile of Israeli citizens. NIR School of the Heart A program in which Israeli and Palestinian cardiology students study medicine together. Olive Tree Movement Provides humanitarian aid for Palestinians, including transportation and translation for Palestinians needing treatment in Israeli hospitals. One Voice A grassroots movement to involve Israelis and Palestinians as active participants in a peace process. Open House in Ramle A center primarily dedicated to coexistence between the Jewish and Palestinian residents of Ramle in Israel. Oz V'Shalom-Netivot Shalom A religious Jewish, Zionist peace movement advocating the establishment of a Palestinian state and equal rights for Palestinian citizens of Israel. Palestine-Israel Journal A quarterly publication produced by Israelis and Palestinians and focusing on issues related to the conflict and its resolution. Palestinian Center for Alternative Solutions Develops peace education material in Arabic, and engages in mediation and conflict resolution between Palestinians and Israelis. Palestinian Center for Rapprochement Between People Promotes civic engagement through community service, action for peace, justice, and reconciliation, and advocacy for Palestinian rights. Palestinian Human Rights Monitoring Group Documents human rights violations committed against Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem, including those committed both by Israel and by the Palestinian Authority. Panorama A Palestinian organization based in Jerusalem working to strengthen civil society. Parents Circle-Bereaved Families Forum A joint organization of Israeli and Palestinian bereaved families working together for reconciliation and an end to violence. Peace and Democracy Forum Works within Palestinian society to promote peace, democracy and nonviolence in the political, social, and economic realms, and to encourage support for a negotiated end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Peace Child Israel Promotes coexistence for Israeli and Palestinian youth through theater and the arts. Peace Now Israeli peace movement, whose activities include organizing public demonstrations, petitions and events, and distributing educational materials. Visit Americans for Peace Now for more information. Peace Research Institute in the Middle East (PRIME) Palestinian and Israeli educators and academics promoting peace-building through research and education, and developing educational resources for teaching Israeli and Palestinian narratives. People's Voice An initiative of Mifkad and Hashd in which people on both sides of the conflict sign on to a statement of principles based on a two-state solution. People's Peace Fund An initiative that channels funding to grassroots peace initiatives between Israelis and Palestinians, as well as providing some infrastructural support. Peres Center for Peace An umbrella organization that provides support for a variety of Israeli-Palestinian peace initiatives. Visit the Peace NGOs website for these initiatives. Physicians for Human Rights Israel Works for human rights particularly relating to health issues in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Public Committee Against Torture in Israel Monitors and raises awareness about the use of torture in interrogations in Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Rabbis for Human Rights An Israeli rabbinic organization "giving voice to the Jewish tradition of human rights" and working for human rights of all Israeli citizens and for Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Sadaka-Reut A Palestinian and Jewish youth movement within Israel. Seeds of Peace A US-based program for teenagers from several conflict regions throughout the world, with follow up programs for Israeli and Palestinian participants in their home areas. Shatil An initiative of the New Israel Fund established in 1982 to strengthen civil society and to promote democracy, tolerance and social justice in Israel. Sulha Peace Project A gathering of Israelis and Palestinians to promote reconciliation, named for the traditional Palestinian dispute resolution ceremony of sulha. Ta'ayush A "grassroots movement of Arabs and Jews" in Israel working for equality for all Israeli citizens and with Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories to resist the occupation. The Way/Al Tariq An umbrella organization over many Palestinian nonviolence initiatives. Wi'am, Palestinian Conflict Resolution Center Works within Palestinian society to resolve conflicts and disputes nonviolently using sulha, a traditional reconciliation practice, combined with western forms of conflict resolution. Windows Brings Palestinians and Israelis together with special groups for women and youth. Windows' youth publish a bilingual magazine in Hebrew and Arabic. Windows also engages in humanitarian aid work. Women in Black A network of women protesting Israel's occupation of the Palestinian Territories. Yesh Din An Israeli organization that opposes the violation of Palestinian human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Yesh Gvul An Israeli peace group supporting soldiers who refuse to participate in the Occupation. Young Israeli Forum for Cooperation An empowerment program aimed at supporting young Israeli leaders who seek to "take an active role in shaping Israel's future and, specifically, its relations with its Palestinian and European neighbors." Zochrot An Israeli group raising awareness about the Palestinian Nakba, or catastrophe, of 1948. |
Interfaith Dialog and Friendship Links
Israeli-Palestinian Joint Organizations
(Recommended by Abraham's Vision)
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