Ecumenical Accompaniment

The Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) provides protection by presence, supports Israeli and Palestinian peace activists and advocates for an end to the occupation.

The volunteers EAPPI sends to Israel and the Occupied Territories (Ecumenical Accompaniers – EAs) monitor and report violations of human rights and international and humanitarian law and, on their return from the field, do public speaking and other advocacy.

The work of EAs

EAs stand at checkpoints that dissect the West Bank, and at gates at the ‘separation barrier’, to try to reduce the harassment or abuse of Palestinian civilians or to help them gain access to their land. They also provide protection to vulnerable communities at risk of violence from Israeli hardline settlers.

EA Ann Wright at a checkpoint with lecturers trying to get to Nablus University. They have correct IDs and permits, but two are still refused passage. Credit: EAPPI/Thomas Meier

“We make a difference in small but important ways – helping individuals who had problems with permits, listening to people’s stories and frustrations, showing the soldiers that the international community is there to monitor them and report on their actions and behaviour.” EA Paul Mukerji.

What local partners say

“The occupation is a heavy burden on Israelis, draining our physical and moral resources, keeping the Israeli political arena in a constant state of instability. So when you call for an end to the occupation, you are equally offering a ray of hope to Israelis.”
Spokesman of Yesh Gvul, Israeli peace organization.

“The settlers used to harass us all the time – but now we have the EAs here, and it’s much quieter.”
A resident of Yanoun, a village threatened by hardline settlers living nearby.

"These are very hard times in Palestine. We have been working for a long time to end the occupation without any political gains. Fear and loss surround us making us feel isolated, marginalized and disempowered. Death and loss rearrange our priorities, and teach us how much we need each other.”
Jean Zaru, Clerk of Ramallah Monthly Meeting.

Movement restrictions

EA David Mowat (a Quaker at Central Bristol Meeting) was at the Gilo checkpoint in Bethlehem when he met a man who had been detained for over 10 hours in an Israeli army vehicle, because he had not got the right permit to enter East Jerusalem. “I just wanted to see my relatives,” he told David.

EA David Mowat tries to negotiate with soldiers the release of men at Gilo checkpoint. Credit: EAPPI/David le Grand

In 2004 the International Court of Justice gave an advisory opinion, which stated that the ‘separation barrier’ built on occupied land is illegal and it violates the Palestinians’ right to freedom of movement as well as their right to health, education and work. Palestinians have to apply for permits form the Israeli authorities to cross the checkpoints and gates and many are refused them.

According to the United Nations there are over 500 physical obstacles restricting the movement of Palestinians from one town or village to the next within the West Bank. Israel has imposed these restrictions in order to protect Israeli settlers who have been settled in the West Bank against international humanitarian law.

Incidents witnessed by EAs are reported to their governments, United Nations agencies and Israeli and Palestinian human rights organizations.

“Thank you for sending me the details of this distressing incident. We like to have as full a picture as possible for when we go to lobby the Israeli government on movement and access issues. The area around Jerusalem is of particular concern and your reports are much appreciated.”
British Consulate official in East Jerusalem

Get involved

• Visit the EAPPI website, www.quaker.org.uk/eappi to learn more about this project
• Sign up for Journal Letters from the Ecumenical Accompaniers
• Invite an EA to come and speak to your meeting or group
• Enquire about becoming an Ecumenical Accompanier

Contact

The EAPPI Coordinator
QPSW
Friends House
173 Euston Road
London NW1 2BJ
020 7663 1144
eappi@quaker.org.uk

Quaker Peace & Social Witness works with, and on behalf of, the Religious Society of Friends in Britain to translate our faith into action. As Quakers we are impelled by our faith to make our lives an active witness for peace and justice. Our historic testimonies to equality, justice, peace, simplicity and truth challenge us to alleviate suffering and seek positive social change.

This programme is an initiative of the World Council of Churches, which co-ordinates the programme internationally. It came as a response to a call by the Heads of Churches in Jerusalem. In Britain and Ireland, it is managed by QPSW.

June 2009