Nick Papadopulos spent spring 2024 as an ecumenical accompanier (EA) in Palestine and Israel and will share his experiences. EAs from the UK are coordinated by Quakers and are there to support peace activists on both sides and to moderate friction and offer protection.
The Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) was founded in response to a call from the Heads of Churches in Jerusalem. Their vision is a future in which the military occupation of Palestine (the West Bank, including Gaza and East Jerusalem ) has ended and both Palestinians and Israelis enjoy a just peace with freedom, dignity and security based on international law.
Since 2002, over 1,500 international volunteers from 22 countries have served as EAs. In the UK and Ireland their work is coordinated by British Quakers on behalf of 16 churches and NGOs.
Accompaniers have four stated tasks:
• to offer protection through nonviolent presence;
• to monitor and report violations of human rights and international humanitarian law;
• to support Israeli and Palestinian peace activists;
• to undertake advocacy work including public speaking
We have heard about the work of the EAs previously, and welcome this update in view of the current situation in Gaza.
If you wish to donate, please go to https://www.quaker.org.uk/our-work/eappi
Free entry with retiring cash collection.
Organiser: Chichester Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)