Israel & Palestine
Peace through Economic Justice
 | Quaker peace activism among Palestinians and Jews, Arabs & Israelis has a long history. Working for the rights, freedom and protection of all, Quakers arranged emigration for Jewish families in Nazi Germany beginning in 1938 and assisted them with resettlement in Europe and the United States. In 1948, at request of U.N., Quakers provided relief for displaced Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Palestinian students attend class in a Gaza refugee camp. Photo:AFSC |
The Northeast Ohio AFSC bases its work on the Quaker belief in the sanctity of all life and the power in faith and love to overcome violence and injustice for our Israel & Palestine peace programming. Our projects include:
- Resource Guide on Israel & Palestine
- ZATOUN Fair-Trade Olive Oil Project
- Online Middle East Peace Shop
- Community Events
Resource Guide on Israel & Palestine
In order to facilitate the sharing of information, to promote a deeper understanding of this complex conflict and to coordinate actions locally, nationally and internationally, we have organized a FREE ONLINE Resource Guide on Israel & Palestine. Included in the guide are:
- Links to educational sites and background information on the history of the conflict
- Facts, figures and timelines
- Detailed maps of Israel & Palestine from 1878-present
- AFSC official statements
- Links to local, state, national and international organizations and initiatives that promote efforts intended to support a just and sustainable peace for Palestinians and Israelis alike.
To view our RESOURCE GUIDE on Israel-Palestine, click HERE.
ZATOUN Fair-Trade Olive Oil Project
The AFSC carries and sells ZATOUN fair-trade organic extra virgin olive oil from Palestine to support impoverished Palestinian farmers and to help lay the necessary foundation for a just and lasting peace. Certified fair-trade by the Swiss-based Intstitute for MarketEcology, purchasing fair trade Palestinian olive oil is an easy way for you to directly support Palestinian farmers with fair prices, sustainable agriculture and social accountability.
As part of the project we:
1. Sponsor Olive Oil Tasting Parties - An educational grass-roots activity, these gatherings are intended to raise awareness throughout our local community of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the role that economic justice plays in achieving peace. They also serve to improve the living conditions of Palestinian farmers living under occupation by promoting the sale of the olive oil.
Olive oil tasting parties can be hosted by any one person or group. Parties are excellent ways for you to raise awareness among family, friends, youth, spiritual and/or community groups!
Hosting a party is easy! We provide the
- Olive Oil for sale at the party.
- Information booklets with detailed information on the relationship between economic justice and peace in Palestine & Israel.
- Factsheets to pass out to guests
- Talking points for the host
- "How To" Guide for hosting a party.
2. Sell Olive Oil Individually - By ordering a bottle, you help to
- Raise awareness locally to the plight of those living under Israeli military occupation
- Help to support sustainable agriculture in Palestine
- Help provide fair pay for Palestinian farmers
- Help to improve humanitarian conditions in Occupied Palestine by helping farmers earn their livelihood and
- Support peace through economic justice
3. Support the Zirayat az Zatoun (Visiting the Olives) Program
National AFSC Olive Harvest Delegation to Palestine & Israel!
Each year the AFSC co-sponsors a peace delegation with the Interfaith Peace-Builders to Israel & Palestine during the olive harvest season. The project is designed to bring people together in order to witness first-hand the realities on the ground and to stand in solidarity with Palestinian farmers and Israeli peace activists. By taking part, delegates serve as eyewitnesses to the conflict in the hopes of enriching their work when they return to the United States. For more information, email Jehan at ldavis@afsc.org or call the office at (330) 928-2301.
Online Middle East Peace Shop
In order to further promote peace in Israel & Palestine, we have an online Middle East Peace Shop where individuals and organizations can purchase Zatoun, certified fair-trade Palestinian Olive Oil and the Quaker publication, When the Rain Returns: Towards Justice & Reconciliation in Palestine and Israel. We also carry Eyes Wide Open T-shirts.
Please visit our online peace shop to find out more!
Community Events
As part of the NEO-AFSC's Middle East Peace Programming, we sponsor events that promote dialogue, community education and public awareness. Examples of events include lectures, panel discussions, exhibits, workshops, and other such events.
For information on upcoming events for all Middle East Programs, click HERE.