Palestine-Israel

About Iyyad Rayyan, AFSC Iowa Middle East Peace Intern

My name is Iyyad Rayyan from Ramallah-Palestine. I am a middle child among five siblings, which is a typical size for a Palestinian family. Since I was in the 9th grade, I started taking evening English courses to improve my language skills. Going away from home for college was something that I wanted to do since I was in high school.

Struggling in Solidarity - Catholic Workers Return from Palestine

Wednesday, May 15, 2013 - 7:00pm

Jessica Reznicek and Julie Brown will share their first-hand accounts of  the time they spent as international solidarity activists in the occupied West Bank.

Jessica and Julie were sent to Palestine by the Catholic Worker Rachel Corrie Project to be  part of the Michigan Peace Team protective accompaniment project during the month of February.

Through slides and stories they will share stories of the Palestinian people; their courage & their resilience in the face of an oppressive military occupation.

Rabbi Rosen answers questions from Iowans

Rabbi Brant Rosen

Rabbi Brant Rosen speaks at Drake 4-29-13

Rabbi Brant Rosen speaks at Drake University on April 29, 2013. More photos from Rabbi Rosen's talk are available here.

Rabbi Rosen answers questions from Iowans as summarized by Kathleen McQuillen, AFSC Iowa Program Coordinator.

application/pdf iconRabbi Rosen Responds to Questions from Iowans.pdf

A courageous rabbi shares his journey to Palestinian solidarity

Rabbi Brant Rosen

Rabbi Brant Rosen speaks at Drake 4-29-13

Rabbi Brant Rosen speaks at Drake University on April 29, 2013. More photos from Rabbi Rosen's talk are available here.

“The news out of Israel and Gaza today makes me sick to my stomach,” wrote Rabbi Brant Rosen in his December 28, 2008 blog. “No more rationalizations. What Israel has been doing to the people of Gaza is an outrage.”

A parishioner reflects on Israel-Palestine

At the request of other St. Boniface parishioners in Waukee, Iowa, Lisa Bean asked Kathleen McQuillen from AFSC Iowa to make a presentation at the parish about the unrest in Israel/Palestine. The attachment is Lisa’s report from the presentation, her personal reflection on the situation, and resources one might access to learn more about the situation.

 

Lisa Bean presentation on Israel-Palestine

At the request of other St. Boniface parishioners in Waukee, Iowa, Lisa Bean asked Kathleen McQuillen from the American Friends Service Committee to make a presentation at her parish about the unrest in Israel/Palestine. Below is Lisa’s report from the presentation, her personal reflection on the situation, and resources one might access to learn more about the situation.

 

application/pdf iconLisa Bean presentation on Israel-Palestine.pdf

Iowa religious leaders urge bold U.S. initiative for Israeli-Palestinian peace

Following up on an interfaith statement developed among national religious leaders, Iowa Christian Bishops and Muslim faith leaders issued a recent statement encouraging President Obama to take “bold new initiatives” to advance a just peace in Israel and Palestine. This is a most timely push from the faith communities with the President scheduled to travel to Israel and Palestine in March.

AFSC Iowa responds to violence in Gaza

Vigil regarding Israeli siege of Gaza 11-15-12

Vigil regarding Israeli siege of Gaza 11-15-12

Iowans gather on November 15, 2012 outside the Federal Building in Des Moines to protest violence in Gaza.

 “Equal Rights for All” is the message delivered to the Des Moines offices of Senators Charles Grassley and Tom Harkin by a hastily-gathered group of Iowans responding to Israel’s latest attacks on the Israeli-closed city of Gaza. As of November 16, Israel has unleashed more than 100 missiles on the people locked inside Gaza, and Israeli troops are being moved toward the city.

Action to end Israeli military attack on Gaza

Thursday, November 15, 2012 - 4:00pm

With Israel again attacking Gaza it is important that we lift a voice to demand an end to the bombings and an end to the siege.

Call to Action: 

  1. go to the Senators offices to insist US to call for Israel to stop the siege immediately; this is another way of letting our senators know we oppose any resolutions affirming Israel’s actions
  2. hold a public protest outside the Fed. Bldg. to Nollen Plaza.

People around the world are reacting. We should  be too!

Who we are

AFSC is a Quaker organization devoted to service, development, and peace programs throughout the world. Our work is based on the belief in the worth of every person, and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice. Learn more

Where we work

AFSC has office around the world. To see a complete list see the Where We Work page.

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