History and Goals

History

The Palestinian-Israeli conflict is one of the most complicated and intractable issues of our time. It has produced both wars and armed struggles in the last sixty years. The latest, the Al-Aqsa Intifada, began in 2000. The major issues that have been root causes of modern conflict are apparent in the Palestinian/Israeli struggle: self-determination, refugees, state security, colonialism, terrorism, land disputes, the struggle for democracy, anti-semitism, religious claims, racism, and disputes over international law. Since the US has been the dominant international actor in the conflict, its citizens need to understand various positions that shape the situation. The best way to begin to comprehend the complexity of the situation is to visit the region and encounter perspectives that are not readily accessible in the United States.

The Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR) began Interfaith Peace-Builders in November 2000, a month and a half into the Al Aqsa Intifada. The Palestinian Center for Rapprochement Between People (PCR) in Beit Sahour, Palestine, and the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICAHD) in West Jerusalem, Israel invited FOR to send an interfaith delegation to Israel/Palestine to explore the possibility of organizing regular delegations. Their reasons for requesting such a program were (1) to help repair homes which hade been damaged or destroyed in the war, (2) to learn first-hand about the conflict through staying in homes and meeting with Palestinian and Israeli activists and organizations involved in work for peace, human rights, and an end of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza (3) to learn how the conflict has influenced the greater region such as Lebanon and Jordan and (4) to educate the public on their experience when the delegation returns to the United States.

FOR has worked for many years with the Palestinian Center for Rapprochement Between People. In 1995, FOR awarded the Leo & Frieda Pfeffer Peace Prize to PCR for their work in promoting dialogue between Palestinians and Israelis since 1988. The Israeli Committee Against House Demolition has worked for several years to raise awareness in Israel and the U.S. about the destruction of Palestinian homes in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem and often lobbies the Israeli government for policy changes and to re-build destroyed homes. In addition to these partners, Interfaith Peace-Builders draws on a wide range of organizational connections to support and work with the delegations.

Goals

1. Examining the effects of United States foreign policy on the continuing conflict:

The events of September 11 and the war against terrorism have placed US policy in the Middle East under increased scrutiny. Israel and Palestine is the crux for its Middle East policy and needs a close re-examination. It is vital for US citizens to visit Israel/Palestine, examine first hand the effects of our policy on the Palestinian and Israeli people, and raise crucial questions about that policy. How active should the US be in trying to solve the conflict? Can it be an "honest broker?" What needs to be done about Jerusalem? The settlements? A Palestinian state? The return of the refugees?

2. Educating the public and influencing foreign policy upon returning home:

A deepened personal understanding of the conflict is important, but it does not change the situation by itself. Our partner organizations in Palestine/Israel want us to have an impact on US public and foreign policy. This continuing work after the delegation is the most vital component of our program in trying to reach a just, peaceable solution to the conflict. We ask delegates to make a commitment to informing others when they return, in order to increase public awareness and advocacy in the US. The goal is to persuade others to take action, which will affect US public policy and funding as it relates to violence in the region. Ways to increase public awareness included speaking engagements, discussion groups, teach-ins, video or slide presentations, educational efforts in local organizations, writing Op-Ed pieces, media interviews, contacting congressional representatives, etc. IFPB will assist this follow-up work with organizational contacts, further information about the conflict, updates on our work and the work of our partners in the region, speakers, US policy and funding suggestions etc.

3. Acting in solidarity with those struggling nonviolently for a sustainable peace:

The last two years of violent conflict has had a devastating effect on the hopes and expectations of peace among both Israelis and Palestinians. The numbers of Israelis and Palestinians still working for peace and justice through nonviolent means have been shrinking, as both societies have become increasingly divided, internally and against each other. We cannot overstate the importance of expressing solidarity with organizations whom continue to struggle nonviolently for a sustainable peace against the odds. Whenever an international delegation goes to Israel/Palestine to support these groups, they are energized and grateful to receive the encouragement and to know that they are not alone in their struggles.

4. Bringing an interfaith witness to Israel/Palestine:

Many tours visit the region every year because of its religious, historical, and geopolitical significance. Many of these groups are constructed along religious divides, as it is difficult to pay balanced respect to all faiths represented in the area. The fact that the Interfaith Peace-Builders delegations consist of many different faiths adds an important dimension to our work with organizations in the region, to the delegation's internal dynamics, and to the witness that we present when we return to the US.