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Interfaith Peace-Builders and American Friends Service Committee Delegation Arrives in Israel/Palestine

This delegation is traveling concurrently with
IFPB's African Heritage Delegation > > >

July 18, 2011 - Interfaith Peace-Builders (IFPB) and the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) are pleased to announce that our 24 member delegation to Israel/Palestine arrived at Ben-Gurion airport Monday morning and is now safely in Jerusalem.s contribute pieces to these reports.

Reports and Photos from IFPB's 37th Delegation (July 2011):

Delegation 37 Announcement
Report 1: Lines Green and Red
Report 2: Standing in a Picture
Report 3: Over/Looking Gaza
Report 4: The Other Side of the Wall
Report 5: The Prospect of a Great Gift: Final Reflections from IFPB’s Summer Delegations

The purpose of this delegation, the 37th to make the trip since 2001, is to educate North Americans about the region and deepen their understanding of its conflicts.

This delegation will explore issues relevant to young people in Palestine/Israel, including efforts to educate and empower future generations working towards a just resolution to the conflict.  Our itinerary features meetings with Palestinian and Israeli youth and youth workers as well as leaders of civil society groups, grassroots organizers, religious leaders and more.

Two thirds of the Palestinian population and one third of the Israeli population are under the age of 25.  More than just numbers, youth in Israel/Palestine play important roles in community development, lead nonviolent struggles for justice, and work together across national lines towards reconciliation.  They are also among the conflict’s most tragic victims. 

Participants on this delegation have the unique opportunity to hear directly from Palestinian and Israeli youth and adults regarding their hopes for peace and the role of the US government in promoting a resolution to the conflict.

A photo of the delegates at orientation in Washington, DC.

The delegation includes the following people:

Mohammed Abu Nimer (not pictured) - Falls Church, Virginia
Kazim Ali (not pictured) - Oberlin, Ohio
Ferdaouis Bagga - Washington, DC
Brigitte Beauzamy (not pictured) - Paris, France
Matthew Berkman (not pictured) - Brooklyn, New York
Rand Clark - Santa Barbara, California
Salmaa Elshanshory - Washington, DC
Manal Fakhoury - Ocala, Florida
Malak Fakhoury - Ocala, Florida
Laila Fakhoury - Ocala, Florida
Riadh Fakhoury - Ocala, Florida
Julie Galle - Annandale, Virginia
Joe Getzoff - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Kathleen Huerter - Omaha, Nebraska
JA Hull - Chalfont, Pennsylvania
Brittany Jacoby - Silver Spring, Maryland
Paulette Lee (not pictured) - Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Ali Obertubbesing (not pictured) - Washington, DC
Nata Orisma - Washington, DC
Emily Siegel - Washington, DC
Dylah Werbner - New York, New York
Randy Wilson - Middletown, Ohio
Christy Wise - Washington, DC
Jozi Zwerdling (not pictured) - Silver Spring, Maryland

Interfaith Peace-Builders and the American Friends Service Committee believe in the power of eye-witness experience and transformation. Given the opportunity to speak directly with Israelis and Palestinians, delegates return to the United States better informed, more energized, and with a deeper understanding of the possibilities for true justice in the Middle East.

Upon their return to the United States, delegates will share their experiences with the public, the media, and their political representatives.

Media interested in interviewing the participants when they return, and groups wanting information about speaking engagements, should contact Interfaith Peace-Builders at or 202.244.0821.