"We know all too well the price of violence, by governments or citizens and we refuse to let them continue. We demand that settler violence be held accountable. We will continue to visit Palestinian villages and show our support until the violence stops.”
Recent surges in settler violence have brought invasions of Palestinian homes, destruction of Palestinian property, fear and even injury. Much of the settler violence has been without reproach or accountability.
Settler violence in the West Bank is a longstanding part of Palestinian daily life. But, the situation has worsened in recent months and has created an atmosphere of intimidation, terror and destruction.
Bereaved Palestinian members called an emergency meeting with their Israeli counterparts. They reported an intense level of fear for their safety, the safety of their colleagues and staff members.
Bereaved Israelis acknowledged the deteriorating situation. They expressed their solidarity with their Palestinian counterparts and the victims of settler violence.
In response, the Parents Circle has launched a Solidarity Campaign.
There is a strong presence of Israelis and Palestinians standing together who will not permit such violent acts.
Aiding Masafer Yatta
Bereaved Israeli and Palestinian members of the Parents Circle delivered humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the Masafer Yatta area.
It comes at a crucial time, as the Israeli army seeks to forcibly evacuate more than 14 Palestinian villages in the area.
Standing with Silwan
On December 24th, 2022, 60 Palestinian and Israeli members held a solidarity visit in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan. We met with Farhi Abu Diab, a central activist in the struggle to protect the people of Silwan from threatened mass eviction. Building permits have been requested and denied for the past 40 years.
Olive Harvest in at-Tuwani
In October 2021 and 2022, dozens of bereaved Palestinian and Israeli members of the Parents Circle participated in a solidarity activity in the Palestinian village of at-Tuwani in the south Hebron Hills. PCFF members aided local farmers in harvesting olives.
Solidarity in Khan al-Ahmar
On Saturday, September 3rd, 2022, about 100 members of the Parents Circle – Families Forum and program alumni arrived to express their support and solidarity with the residents of Khan al-Ahmar, who are living under the threat of by the sword of home demolitions and deportation.
Standing with Bardala
Bereaved Israeli and Palestinian members of the Parents Circle and our program alumni showed their solidarity with the residents of Bardala, a Palestinian community in the Jordan Valley facing displacement due to water and land confiscation from the Israeli army and nearby settlements.
The Struggle in Sheikh Jarrah
On Christmas Day, 50 activists from the Parents Circle – Families Forum travelled to the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in East Jerusalem to demonstrate solidarity with the struggle of the 600 Palestinians living there. The Israeli government has increased pressure to evict families from their homes in the neighborhood.
Visit to Wadi Fukin
On October 27th, Parents Circle members visited the West Bank village of Wadi Fukin, near Bethlehem. They heard from residents about daily life in the village and about the problems they face from settlers. The village is surrounded by Israeli settlements.
Supply Truck to Tubas
Following the initial visit to Tubas, Parents Circle members distributed aid materials to the villagers, with the help of the “Sabaya al-Khair” organization. PCFF co-Directors, Osama Abu Ayyash and Yuval Rahamim, have also pledged to use PCFF’s media channels to raise global awareness of the attacks on the villagers.
Make a contribution today to support the peacebuilding work of bereaved Israeli & Palestinian families standing in solidarity with Palestinian communities affected by settler violence
American Friends of the Parents Circle
4 E 95th St 5C
New York, NY 10128
American Friends of the Parents Circle
4 E 95th St 5C
New York, NY 10128
Photo credit for following photos: Manal al-Ja’bari, B’Tselem (https://www.btselem.org/photoblog/202010_settlers_raid_on_kh_al_mufaqarah_sept_2021)
