Ecumenical Accompaniers (EAs) play a key role in efforts pursuing a just peace in Israel and Palestine. EAs provide protective presence to vulnerable communities, monitor and report human rights abuses and support Palestinians and Israelis working together for peace. EAs come from around the world and are part of the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel of the World Council of Churches. When they return home, EAs campaign for a just and peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through an end to the occupation, respect for international law and implementation of UN resolutions.
Presbyterian Clark Scalera served with the EAPPI in Hebron from October to December 2010. Read his blog. Contact Clark by email – he is available and willing to share his experiences.
Learn about:
Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel – U.S.
U.S. Participants in the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel
Blogs from other U.S. Participants in the EAPPI
Presbyterian witness in Israel and Palestine
Statements of the Presbyterian General Assembly about Israel and Palestine
The 219th General Assembly (2010) encouraged Presbyterian participation in the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel of the World Council of Churches. Previous assemblies have affirmed and renewed a commitment to “the promotion and preferential use of nonviolent means for conflict resolution” (Minutes , 1998, Part I, p. 457 ). Accompaniment programs provide one model of nonviolent direct actions to address situations of conflict.
The photo shows a workshop on the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel at the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation. The photo is by Theresa Eungyong Cho.