November 8 - 22, 2008

Olive Harvest Delegation

Co-Sponsored with the American Friends Service Committee

This delegation, co-sponsored by the American Friends Service Committee, will provide an opportunity to participate in the Palestinian olive harvest season — generally a time of great community activism, where people of all ages from Palestine, Israeli peace and justice groups, and international groups join farmers as they reap their harvest. It is international support that makes the harvest possible in many cases. You will hear from Palestinian farmers and learn of the importance of agriculture to the Palestinian economy and culture. As with other delegations, you will also meet additional Israelis and Palestinians working for peace and justice.

To learn more about the standard components of all delegations, click here.

Delegation Leaders:

Jennifer Bing-Canar is the National coordinator of the Middle East Peacebuilding Program for the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), a Quaker organization founded in 1917. Jennifer’s involvement in Middle East issues began in 1982, when she lived and traveled in Israel and Palestine and researched the Israeli peace movement. She later volunteered as a teacher for three years at the Palestinian Quaker schools in Ramallah and worked doing human rights documentation with Save the Children during the first Palestinian intifada or uprising.  Since 1989, Jennifer has worked for the American Friends Service Committee in their Middle East program. She has organized hundreds of speaking tours, conferences, advocacy campaigns, exhibits, and workshops on Israel, Palestine, and Iraq.  Jennifer also produced two documentary films on the Arab-American community in Chicago.

To learn more about the standard components of all delegations, click here.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until early September, 2008. Apply early to reserve and lock in lower airfares.

Click Below to Download Applications:

Application as Word file

Application as PDF file

General Information about All Delegations

Your participation as an eyewitness to the situation in Israel/Palestine will enrich your understanding of the conflict and empower your work back in the United States.

This delegation provides an excellent opportunity to meet with ‘ordinary’ Israelis and Palestinians, and people and organizations working for peace and justice. As a delegate you will confront and analyze the US role in the conflict and wrestle with ways to translate your experience to others when you return home. You will be an eyewitness to the situation—and your understanding of the conflict will be enriched and transformed.

On the delegation. . .
No other delegation program matches our attention to detail. Each trip features unique meetings with those at the forefront of Palestinian and Israeli peacebuilding. You will also:
• Attend one-day pre-departure orientation in Washington DC.
• Travel in the West Bank & Israel.
• Travel with experienced delegation leaders & professional local guides.

• See how the continuing Israeli occupation of Palestinian land & the current cycle of violence affect Palestinians & Israelis.
• Learn from Palestinians about their nonviolent resistance to the occupation.
• Learn from Israeli peace activists about their work for a just end to the occupation.
• Visit selected religious and cultural sites.
• See how the Separation Wall impacts Palestinian communities & livelihoods.
• Visit and/or stay in Palestinian & Israeli homes.
• Dialogue with Israelis & Palestinians who have a variety of cultural, religious, & political perspectives.
• Examine the US role in the conflict.

After your return. . .
IFPB's unique follow-up program is an innovative addition to standard delegation programming. Our expert staff provides:
• One-on-one engagement on media outreach efforts in your local community
• Professional support for your speaking events, media work and other efforts within your community
• Action alerts and additional means for continued activism
• Educational resources on the conflict
• Sustained contact with delegation alums

Since 2001, Interfaith Peace-Builders has taken 26 delegations and over 350 people to Israel/Palestine.  Our delegates have returned to North America and engaged local, regional, and national communities by speaking, writing, and organizing to educate others about their experiences

We ask delegates to make the following commitments:
• Commitment to educating people in your local community about the occupation and your experience.
• Commitment to nonviolence on the trip.
• An open mind and active, compassionate listening.

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