Israel-Palestine

We are collecting stories from Palestinians whose lives are affected by the current conflict. We will continue to add more voices as our staff and partners in the region are able to collect and share more.

Learn more about AFSC's response to the crisis in Gaza.

Gaza Home Repair Project 2009

After the fighting in Gaza in 2008, AFSC worked with Gaza residents to repair their homes.

As the violence escalates in Gaza and Israel, we are compelled to lift our voice in support of nonviolence and human rights for all. We speak on behalf of our Palestinian and Israeli colleagues who wish to live in dignity and free from fear. We speak from our Quaker values and our experience working in the Middle East and worldwide.

Gaza Attack Generic Image

The attack, code named “Pillar of Defense”, began 14 November with the assassination of Hamas’ Gaza Military Commander Ahmed Jabari and coordinated attacks on 20 alleged Hamas targets throughout Gaza.  These attacks have been followed by the continued shelling and bombardment of Gaza from the air, land, and sea.  Gaza is home to 1.6 million Palestinians of whom fifty per cent are children under the age of 18.

Moriel Rothman

Moriel Rothman, 23, Israeli refuser

My name is Moriel Zachariah Rothman. I am 23 years old and live in Jerusalem. I lived for most of my life in the United States, but I was born in Jerusalem (and am Jewish) and have thus been an Israeli citizen since birth. As such, I am, like [most] other Israeli Jews, expected to serve in the IDF. I moved back to Jerusalem last year, and I recently received a draft notice from the IDF. After much thinking, wrestling and searching, and drawing inspiration from my community and from many who have made the same choice before me, I have decided to refuse to serve in the army.

Mural at Lincoln High School Peace Garden

Image Available on Flickr

The siege and blockade of Gaza has cut off its residents from the outside world for more than five years. So when a call went out asking AFSC staff to send messages of solidarity to colleagues and participants in the Palestine Youth Program, many jumped at the chance.