 April 2001
American Friends Service Committee Peacework Magazine Patrica Watson, Editor Sara Burke, Assistant Editor Pat Farren, Founding Editor 2161 Massachusetts Ave. Telephone number: Fax number:
pwork@igc.org Peacework has been published monthly since 1972, intended to serve as a source of dependable information to those who strive for peace and justice and are committed to furthering the nonviolent social change necessary to achieve them. Rooted in Quaker values and informed by AFSC experience and initiatives, Peacework offers a forum for organizers, fostering coalition-building and teaching the methods and strategies that work in the global and local community. Peacework seeks to serve as an incubator for social transformation, introducing a younger generation to a deeper analysis of problems and issues, reminding and re-inspiring long-term activists, encouraging the generations to listen to each other, and creating space for the voices of the disenfranchised. Views expressed are those of the authors, not necessarily of the AFSC. |
FOR Middle East Initiative: Interfaith Peacebuilders Program The Fellowship of Reconciliation has launched a new interfaith Middle East program, in response to the renewed violence and destruction and at the request of Palestinian and Israeli organizations to stand with them during this conflict and learn from them as they work for an enduring peace for both peoples. The Program will send regular delegations to live in Palestinian and Israeli homes, learn from peace activists on both sides of the conflict, and experience the situation of Palestinians living under military occupation. Each delegation will also spend at least one day helping to repair a home damaged or destroyed in the recent shelling and bombing attacks. The initial Interfaith Peacebuilders Delegation visited Israel/Palestine in January. FOR is currently recruiting participants for future delegations starting in late May.
WHERE: Most delegations will spend time in East and West Jerusalem, the West Bank, Gaza, and Israel. Time will be available for visits to sacred sites and worship in various religious traditions. Participants will be staying in Palestinian and Israeli homes and working to repair one damaged home. SAFETY: The FOR has been invited to Israel/Palestine by individuals and organizations with whom the FOR has worked for many years. The home stays and logistics have been carefully worked out by Palestinian and Israeli peacemakers who care deeply about our safety. Our hosts believe our presence will actually help reduce the violence. The West Bank and Gaza, however, are in the midst of an armed conflict, and neither our Israeli/Palestinian hosts nor the FOR can guarantee safety. LOGISTICS: Most food, lodging and transportation is covered in the cost of the delegation. Participants must be willing to accept the food and lodging offered by Palestinian and Israeli families. Transportation will usually be in a private van, with occasional public taxis or buses. The food is wonderful, but some authorities recommend against drinking unbottled water. A smoke free environment cannot be guaranteed. LANGUAGE: English is the only required language. Many of the people briefing the delegation will do so in English, while others will speak through interpreters. Bilingual escorts will always travel with the group. Host families may have very limited English. COST: $1700. $500 deposit three weeks before departure: $1200 at orientation. INFORMATION/APPLICATION: <DHostetter@forusa.org>;
FOR, 521 N. Broadway Box 271, Nyack NY 10960; 914/358-4601. 
Previous Article Next Article 
|
|
|