Hope & hopelessness – What is the current state of civil society in Israel and Palestine?

As peace seems to be farther away than ever, the voices for peace, justice and human rights are now even more important.

For decades the cycle of violence has been deepening in the region and the space for civil society has been shrinking. The 56-year long occupation of Palestine continues to have harmful effects on both Palestinians and Israelis.

The local people are speaking about losing hope but also about resilience and peaceful resistance to the occupation and injustice.

What does occupation mean to both Palestinians and Israelis? How Palestinian, Israeli and international actors keep up hope and build solutions for just peace? What is the role of civil society and churches? What is the significance of international protective presence and solidarity?

Helsinki, Maijansali Hall, Töölönlahdenkatu 4, Oodi Library, Helsinki

17.5. at 17.00-19.00 Hope & hopelessness – What is the current state of civil society in Israel and Palestine

Sally Azar, Pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land
Joel Carmel, Advocacy Coordinator, Breaking the Silence
Antti Tarvainen, Researcher, Foundation of the Finnish Institute in the Middle East
Hanna, EAPPI human rights observer

Event organized by EAPPI Finland and Finn Church Aid. The event is discrimination-free zone. Discriminatory and racist speech or behavior, including antisemitism or islamophobia, will not be accepted. Inquiries: eappi@kirkonulkomaanapu.fi