STATEMENT FROM CHILDREN OF PEACE
Regional Conflict
“The unprecedented conflict in Gaza has meant that Children of Peace has had to consider carefully how it can best fulfil its aims. We continue to maintain close ties with people in all parts of the region, and, even at this tragic and traumatic time, try to ensure that different sides, and different viewpoints, are heard.
Some of our projects have had to be suspended, for the time being. We cannot continue to offer bursaries to trainee nurses in Gaza. The Children of Peace school build in Rafah has been suspended. However, when we heard that people were sheltering in that building and had no running water, we decided to support that community by buying and installing two water tanks.
In Israel too, some of our usual affiliate organisations are unable to operate in the current context. However, many continue to do their valuable work. They are fostering friendship between different communities, at a time when tensions are more than usually high, including the Freddie Krivine Initiative, Humans Without Borders, Desert Stars and Rabbis for Human Rights.
With the danger of a wider regional war growing we will continue to build and support all communities affected by conflict and violence.”
As this cruel and bitter war between Israel and Hamas lingers on, the collateral damage is palpable. 40,000 have died in Gaza. Over half are women and children.
A New Friend
A UK national ‘treasure’ joins our esteemed band of Friends.
Gaza Correspondent
Omar al-Najjar looks at the impact of ten months of war on the children.
Israeli Perspective
Rolene, our Israel correspondent on the attacks by Hezbollah.
WHAT WE DO – AND MESSAGES OF SUPPORT
Children of Peace is a non-partisan charity organization for Israeli and Palestinian children, aged 4 – 17, and their communities. Our aim is a shared spirit and well-being through arts, education, health and sports. Working for peace, building trust, friendship and reconciliation. So future generations might live peacefully side-by-side. We don’t take sides.
Shadow Home Secretary of the United Kingdom
"The UK’s longstanding position on the Middle East Peace Process is clear and has not changed: we support a negotiated settlement leading to a safe and secure Israel living alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state; based on 1967 borders with agreed land swaps, Jerusalem as the shared capital of both states, and a just, fair, agreed and realistic settlement for refugees.
The UK shares your commitment to helping build understanding between people on both sides of the conflict, including engaging in people-to-people work to bring together different communities. This includes promoting a more positive portrayal of one another to contribute to building the conditions needed for peace."
"As your organization has recognized, children are often overlooked victims of violent conflict, and too few efforts are focused on their particular needs. Generations of Israeli and Palestinian children have grown up with peace as an elusive dream. Supporting the Israeli-Palestinian peace process requires grassroots reconciliation through the mobilization of non-governmental organizations such as Children of Peace. I wish Children of Peace the best success in all of its endeavors as it continues to grow."
"The Holy Father will remember your intentions in his prayers and he invokes upon you God's blessings of joy and peace."
I commend Children of Peace for their work in this area."
“For those of us who want to see a secure and viable state of Israel alongside a secure and viable state of Palestine, it is clear that projects which help to foster trust between different communities are an important way to encourage peaceful co-existence.
Children of Peace’s work not only helps to break down some of the stereotypes and fears that characterise the conflict in Israel and Palestine, but gives young people the chance to make friends and meet role models who can help them see things from a different perspective.”
Photo credits…
Felicity Kendal, Karan Kapoor. Emily Thornberry, Chris MacAndrew.