On Wednesday 27 March you are cordially invited to the third lecture in the Palestine Education Initiative’s ‘Palestine Lectures Series’, entitled Welcome To Hebron – Bearing Witness: The Ecumenical Accompaniers Programme with speaker Anne Deighan.

When: 6:30pm, Wednesday 27 March
Where: The Irish Aid Volunteering & Information Centre, 27-31 Upper O’Connell, St. Dublin 1.

Description:

Divided in two and occupied by Israel’s most militant settlers, the Palestinian population of Hebron has endured insufferable harassment and violence for years. Failed by the Israeli occupation authorities whose duty it is to protect all civilians, Palestinians have instead appealed to international peace and human rights advocates for protection. One such group is the Ecumenical Accompaniers Programme for Palestine and Israel (EAPPI). Volunteer Anne Deighan invites you then to come and learn what the situation on the ground is; to find out about the work of EAPPI and why it is important you should support it.

There will also be opportunities for questions and discussion.

About the speaker:

Anne Deigha’s presentation will be based on an incident that occurred during her placement in the West Bank which highlights, amongst other issues, the two-tiered approach to justice and what life is like for Palestinians living under occupation.  The title of her talk comes from a familiar cry she heard from many Palestinians she met.  An Israeli peace worker told her that if you want to find out what hell is like before you die then go visit Hebron!  She says she was never quite sure if they both meant the same thing…

Anne worked as an Ecumenical Accompanier (EA) in Hebron from 1st September – 1st December 2012.  The Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme for Palestine and Israel (EAPPI), established by the World Council of Churches following an appeal for help from Christian church leaders in Jerusalem, has been operating in the West Bank for 10 years.  It is managed in the UK & Ireland by Quaker Peace & Social Witness (QPSW).

Approximately 180 people from UK & Ireland are EA’s. The mission of EAPPI is to accompany Palestinians & Israelis in their non-violent actions and advocacy efforts to end the occupation. Tasks include providing protective presence to vulnerable communities and monitor and report human rights abuses.