We love hearing about positive things happening on and off the Island, thanks to Hannah for sharing this news with VB readers. Ed
An Island resident is travelling to the Middle East in February to support Israeli and Palestinian activists in their work to build peace in the region by ending the Israeli occupation of the West Bank. She will be accompanying vulnerable groups, and reporting on the human rights abuses she witnesses.
Acting as an international observer
Hannah Brock, 26, will be living in the West Bank for three months. Her day-to-day tasks could include monitoring check-points, attending peaceful demonstrations and accompanying children on their way to school who have previously been attacked.
The presence of international observers such as Hannah has been proven to reduce the likelihood of these attacks.
Want to shine a light on the daily human rights abuses
Commenting, Hannah said, “As a Quaker, I firmly believe in human rights, and want to take this opportunity to shine a light on the daily human rights abuses that the occupation renders on the lives of people living in the West Bank. This work is important to me because it supports inspiring people, both Israeli and Palestinian, who are working for peace – people who may otherwise feel like the world is ignoring them.”
Ecumenical Accompanier Programme
This year is the tenth anniversary of the Ecumenical Accompanier Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI), the programme that Hannah is working for. The programme is an initiative of The World Council of Churches, who back in 2002 responded to a call from church leaders in Jerusalem to support them with an international presence.
On her return, Hannah will be working to lobby decision-makers about the illegal occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip by Israel, as well as speaking to community and church groups, sharing the stories of the people she has met.
