News from the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel

The February newsletter is online from the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Israel and Palestine (EAPPI) - http://eappi.oikoumene.org/en/resources/newsletter.html

Here are some samples...

EAPPI Web Pages
EAPPI has a newly remodelled website. Check it out at: http://eappi.org Let us know any feedback you have. We plan to keep it regularly updated with new articles and information. There are news updates, a picture gallery, information about the history of the programme and we plan to add a video gallery too. You can read the latest reports from serving EAs in the “Eyewitnesses” section of news and find ways to support and become involved in EAPPI.

Solidarity demonstration at Erez crossing: ‘End the Siege in Gaza’
On Saturday, 26 January, the EAPPI Group 25, together with the EAPPI Jerusalem staff and staff from the Jerusalem Interchurch Centre, joined the solidarity convoy organized by the Israeli peace organization, Gush Shalom, to the Erez crossing to Gaza. (Simultaneously, at the other end of Gaza, were the remarkable scenes of the fence coming down and Gazans going on mass shopping trips in Egypt.)

The wave of solidarity was impressive! Around 2000 Israelis, Palestinians and Internationals arrived in busses and cars from all over Israel to join the convoy and the demonstration which followed at Erez crossing. The participants were asked to bring basic supplies such as flour, oil, salt and milk powder to be handed over to the long suffering people in Gaza.

At present EAPPI has no presence in Gaza. By participating in the demonstration and delivering some essential supplies, the Palestinian people of Gaza see a sign of care and the offer of hope that they are not forgotten by the Israeli and Palestinian peace movements nor by the international community who were able to accompany them to the crossing in a sign of solidarity and encouragement.

International Church Action for Peace in Palestine and Israel : 4-10 June 2008
With over 450 former Ecumenical Accompaniers back in their home countries in mid 2008, we hope that as many former EAs as possible will be active during the week, with a focal point in touch with them in each country. Current EAs serving in the field will be joining initiatives of local Church communities and Church Related Organizations.

The action week is part of the Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum (a WCC initiative that was launched in June 2007). It is oriented toward peacemaking. The goal is to build a tradition around 4-10 June. The hope is that the week will be a landmark that draws us forward and becomes linked to year-round actions. Watch the EAPPI website for links to the ICAPPI information.

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