Israel-Palestine: Resources for Engagement

Alex McDonald (When They Speak Israel: A Guide to Clarity in Conversations About Israel) joins us from Houston to discuss how to become more comfortable and capable of having productive conversations with Israel supporters who ask “Do you believe Israel has a right to exist? Are you fearful of being accused of anti-Semitism?” Bring experiences and fears to the discussion and learn ways to gain strength and confidence while connecting with the other side, build relationships with your conversation partners and potentially create space for learning. Presentation, Q&A, and a practice session. Recorded August 6, 2024, at Castleton, VT.

FCNL’s General Secretary Bridget Moix and Hassan El-Tayyab, legislative director for Middle East policy, visited Israel and Palestine in January 2024. In this presentation they share their experiences and discuss FCNL's work.

We continue to learn about the current situation and history of Palestine and Israel, through the experiences of people who know and love the people and place. On November 12, 2023, Steve Chase (formerly of Putney, VT, Friends Meeting) presented his reflections and observations from his summer trip to Israel and Palestine. Steve is the author of the Pendle Hill Pamphlet, Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions? A Quaker Zionist Rethinks Palestinian Rights. The visit was a FUM “living letters” trip led by Max and Jane Carter. Max and Jane are both members of North Carolina Fellowship of Friends.

Max Carter of North Carolina Fellowship of Friends has traveled in the region for more than 40 years. In this presentation he brings his wisdom, insights, and views to us. 

Friend Jean Zaru is a Palestinian from Ramallah Friends Meeting. In 2019, she sent this video message to Annual Sessions.

Jewish, Palestinian, and Quaker voices come together to explore the question "Why do Quakers care about Israel Palestine?"

A recording of the January 14, 2022, program featuring Leila Farsakh, editor, Rethinking Palestine Statehood, and Jeff Halper, Decolonizing Israel, Liberating Palestine

Chris Jorgenson (Cambridge, MA, Friends Meeting) traveled twice to the region, most recently in early 2020 to volunteer at the Ramallah Friends School.

Carole Rein (North Shore, MA, Friends Meeting) explored the region in 2018 and has spoken about her experiences to numerous Quaker meetings in New England.