Annotated North American List
(DRAFT) ANNOTATED LIST OF NORTH AMERICAN GROUPS AND RESOURCES FOR PALESTINE
I intentionally did not include local groups in this version as I continue to collect information on these (there are literally hundreds). I also did not include some national groups if their goals do not support basic and inalienable rights supported by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The websites of these 42 national groups provide more information about what they do. Yet, and obviously, this draft is incomplete. Please send other information including links to other national groups not mentioned here (and also local groups) to qumsi001@hotmail.com so that we can continue to build and update it
Academic For Justice http://www.AcademicsForJustice.org
A network of nearly 500 academics who support divestments and boycotts from Israel and Israeli academic institutions until Israel complies with International law and basic human rights (including right of return to refugees). Also engages in protection of academic freedoms from attacks aimed at silencing any discussion of Palestinian human rights and Israeli apartheid policies.
Ad-Hoc Coalition for justice in the Middle East http://www.mideastjustice.org/
America-Mideast Educational and Training Services http://amideast.org/
A private, nonprofit organization that strengthens mutual understanding and cooperation between Americans and the peoples of the Middle East and North Africa. This is done through field offices, educational projects, etc.
American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee http://www.adc.org
Works in various spheres of life to defend the interests of people of Arab descent. Particularly strong in civil rights issues.
American Association of Palestinian Equal Rights http://www.americansforpalestine.org
A pro-Palestine, pro-peace public advocacy group in the nation’s capital.
The American Association for Palestinian Equal Rights Foundation (AAPER Foundation) http://www.aaper.org is the non-profit educational arm of this group
American Council on Middle East Policy
New lobby arm for human rights and US public interest thus challenging AIPAC's hold/distortion of US foreign policy.
American Educational Trust and the Wash Report on Middle East Affairs http://wrmea.org
Distributer of books and resources. They publish the best and most informative monthly magazine on the subject (news, commentary, announcements etc). It is suggested that people donate subscriptions to decision makers, public libraries, universities, and other institutions.
American Friends Service Committee http://www.afsc.org/
This is perhaps one of the oldest groups supportive of Palestinian rights in the US. In 1948, AFSC provided aid to Palestinian refugees even before UNRWA was established. They continue to be pivotal in networking and support around the US.
(The) American Palesine Public Affairs Forum http://www.appaf.org
(The) American Task Force on Palestine http://americantaskforce.org
“advocating the national security interests of the United States in establishing an independent and viable Palestinian state..” Supports a two state solution and active US government involvement.
Americans Against Hate http://americansagainsthate.net/
Americans for Middle East Understanding, publishers of The Link http://www.ameu.org/
American Muslims for Palestine http:/www.AMPalestine.org
Arab American Institute http://aaiusa.org
“to encourage Arab-American participation in electoral politics..”
Association of Arab-American University Graduates and Arab Studies Quarterly http://www.emich.edu/asquarterly/
AAUG publishes the excellent Arab Studies Quarterly. AAUG could be revitalized as it used to be much more active in organizing conferences, getting books published etc.
Association of Palestine Public Affairs Forum http://www.appaf.org
Mission: 1) Promote a just and equitable solution to the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict in accordance with the United Nations Resolution UN -194 and UNSCR 242 and 338. 2) Support democratic Palestinian institutions; and 3) Build business, cultural and educational exchanges between the United States and Palestine.
Boycott Israeli Goods http://www.BoycottIsraeliGoods.org
Promotre boycotts and divestment from Israeli companies and US companies that invest in Israel.
Cactus 48 http://www.cactus48.com/
Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) http://cpt.org
CPT send delegations to provide non-violent observation and protection to Palestinian civilians. Their presence in some areas like Hebron was critical (absent international protections, ISM and CPT provide such services).
Citizens For Fair Legislation http://cflweb.org/
This is a good group to get affiliated with and get timely alerts on pending public policy issues. The website provides easy tools to write to elected officials.
Council For the National Interest http://www.cnionline.org/
A grassroot political action organization working on peace in the Middle East. Excellent educational and outreach efforts.
Council on American Islamic Relations http://www.cair-net.org
Grassroot civil rights and advocacy group. This is the largest civil rights group focused on Muslims in North America.
Deir Yassin Remembered http://www.deiryassin.org
Electronic Intifada http://electronicintifada.net/
This is one of the best websites for timely information on current news and analysis. Also issues occasional action alerts on topics of interest
Every Church A Peace Church http://www.ecapc.org
Fellowship of Reconciliation http://forusa.org
” envision a world of justice, peace, and freedom. It is a revolutionary vision of a beloved community where differences are respected, conflicts are addressed nonviolently, oppressive structures are dismantled, and where people live in harmony with the earth, nurtured by diverse spiritual traditions that foster compassion, solidarity, and reconciliation.”
(The) Foundation for Middle East Peace http://www.fmep.org/
"a nonprofit organization dedicated to informing Americans about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and assisting in a peaceful solution that brings security for both peoples. The FMEP publishes the Report on Israeli Settlement in the Occupied Territories, as well as analysis and commentary, maps, charts, and other resources."
Friends of Sabeel, North America http://fosna.org
This group holds regional meetings that are the most effective tool for reaching out to mainstream America especially church communities.
Global Exchange http://www.globalexchange.org
If Americans Knew http://www.ifamericansknew.org/
When this group was estyablished by journalist Alison Wier, it engaged immediately in monitoring coverage of Palestine/Israel in the American media. Through sound statistical and objective analysis, the group shows with dramatic graphs and figures why the US public is being shielded from the truth. Excellent resources both on the internet and as brochures , cards, and pamphlets are produced and distributed.
Interfaith Council for Peace in the Middle East http://www.middleeastinterfaith.org/
(The) Institute for Palestine Studies http://www.palestine-studies.org
The Institute for Palestine Studies is the only institute in the world exclusively devoted to documentation, research, analysis, and publication on Palestinian affairs and the Arab-Israeli conflict. IPS publishes four journals (Journal of Palestine Studies, Majallat al-Dirasat al-Filastiniyah, Revue d'etudes palestiniennes, Jerusalem Quarterly File) as well as original books and reprints in English and Arabic. IPS was established in 1963 in Beirut as a private, independent, non-profit Arab institute unaffiliated with any political organization or government, and now also has offices in Washington, Ramallah, and Paris.
International Solidarity Movement http://www.palsolidarity.org/
Needing no introduction, this is the group that brought hundreds (perhaps now thousands) of North Americans to engage in non-violent direct action in support of Palestinian non-violent resistance.
(The) Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions- USA http://www.icahd.org/eng
The US campaign for ICAHD had picked up steam and there are lots of fundraising and educational projects around the US including media work.
(The) Jerusalem Fund and The Palestine Center http://www.thejerusalemfund.org/
Situated in Washington DC, this center provided the best institute in DC doing research and publishing material on Palestine. Its conferences are always well attended (capacity crowds) and well-publicized.
Jewish Voice for Peace http://www.JewishVoiceForPeace.org
Jews Against the Occupation http://www.jatonyc.org/
While this groups seems to be mostly in and around the New York area, they seem to have members around the country and presence at most national and international events
Mennonite Central Committee http://www.mcc.org/
Relief, development, and peace agency of Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches in the United States and Canada. MCC has worked in Palestine for over fifty years, providing relief aid and development assistance. Arriving in 1949 to provide material assistance to Palestinian refugees driven from their homes in 1948, MCC stayed to work alongside Palestinians in their search for freedom and dignity. Since the Israeli occupation began in 1967, MCC has also focused on how to promote reconciliation between Palestinians and Israelis on the solid foundation of justice. Today MCC works in partnership with several Palestinian and Israeli organizations, which promote sustainable development, strive for justice and peace, and strengthen the witness of the Palestinian church. For more information, check out:
http://www.mcc.org/palestine/
Middle East Children's Alliance http://www.mecaforpeace.org/
Takes groups on tours in Palestine, provides education in the US, and provides direct aid.
(The) Middle East Research and Information Project
http://www.merip.org/
Mostly informational articles and resources with a published print and web based magazine
(The) Muslim Public Affairs Council http://www.mpac.org
(The) National Council of Arab Americans http://www.arab-american.net/
“aims to be a unifying framework for the Arab-American community across gender, racial, religious and socio-economic backgrounds through multi-level political empowerment, chapter-based grassroots democratic mobilization and accountability, and need-based service programs.”
Palestine Children Relief Fund http://www.pcrf.net
Formed to “address the medical and humanitarian crisis facing Palestinian youths in the Middle East. It has since expanded to help suffering children from other Middle Eastern nations, based only on their medical needs.” Brought hundreds of children for treatments.
Palestine Israel Educational Project
An "initiative of educators and activists based in New York City, created to engage students in critical thinking about the culture, history and current living conditions of Palestinians and Israelis. PEP's objectives include the development of creative, interactive lesson plans and activities in formal and informal educational settings, the compilation of a free-access virtual resource library, and the creation of a well-trained, dynamic team of PEP facilitators. Through this project we are employing popular education methods to empower ourselves and youth as educators and as active members of our communities."
Palestine Freedom Project (PFP)
Excellent educational tools and resources. Include speakers' bureau, support with school and other educational material etc.
Palestine Media Watch http://pmwatch.org
Includes a network of media monitors and activists who have already made significant inroads in mainstream media. This is perhaps the largest network of media activists on the Palestine issue in the US.
Palestine Online Store http://www.palestineonlinestore.com/
While this is mostly selling books, paraphernalia and other items related to Palestine, its presence and tabling at many functions around the US provides excellent educational outreach. The manager is also active in political affairs and has helped behind the scenes in many ideas for advancing peace with justice.
Palestine Remembered http://www.palestineremembered.com
This is perhaps the best site out there for history of Palestine and documentation resource on all aspects of Palestine as it was before and after the Nakba. But it also allows networking between refugees, displaced people and other Palestinians who come from the more than 500 depopulated villages and towns.
Palestine Right to Return Coalition http://Al-Awda.org
Began in 2000 with campaigns to defend and promote the right of refugees hosting large rallies in 2000-2002 and annual conventions. Differences over tactics/strategy exist (e.g. between chapters in CT, WI, DC, Toronto and those in NY, CA, and Vancouver).
(The) Palestinian American Congress http://www.pac-national.org/
Established to assist the Palestinian American community in coordinating and organizing its political, educational, cultural and social affairs. Has 21 chapters.
Partners for Peace http://partnersforpeace.org
Major projects include highlighting the nonviolent efforts of Palestinians, Israelis, and citizens of other nations to end the occupation of Palestinian territories, organizing the "Jerusalem Women Speak: Three Women, Three Faiths, One Shared Vision" speaking tour, and advocacy with the media.
The Rebuilding Alliance http://RebuildingAlliance.org
Helps rebuild Palestinian homes demolished by Israel. Education and outreach on Israel policies of home demolitions, demographic engineering etc.
Search for Justice http://www.searchforjustice.org
This groups aims to improve American media coverage of the Arab-Israeli conflict by disseminating information about the issue and by urging journalists to cover the conflict accurately and to support a just peace in their editorials.
Suspend US Aid to Israel Now http://www.sustaincampaign.org
Advocacy against continued aid to Israel which violates International law, human righst (and even US Law, e.g. on use of military equipment to harm civilians).
Trans-Arab Research Institute http://www.tari.org/
A primarily educational institution that provided for dialogue, training, and building other groups.
United For Justice with Peace http://justicewithpeace.org/
Greater Boston area group that does work on issues of Palestine, Iraq etc.
United Palestinian Appeal http://www.helpupa.com
Provides humanitarian aid to Palestinians primarily in the Occupied areas of the West Bank and Gaza
(The) US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation http://www.endtheoccupation.org
This is a coalition of over 230 groups interested in US foreign policy with regards to Israel/Palestine. This year adopted a focused campaign on Caterpillar (supplies bulldozers that destroy Palestinian homes, businesses, and farmland).
We Refuse to Be Enemies (CT) http://www.we-refuse.org/
Christians, Muslims, Jews and others in partnership for human rights.
(The) Wheels of Justice Network http://justicewheels.org
This is likely the most effective grass root outreach effort on issues of Iraq and Palestine. A decorated bus brings eyewitness accounts to occupations. It has already traveled nearly 200,000 miles been to 48 states and presented at hundreds of events (including over 1000 events at high schools, colleges, and universities
Women in Black http://womeninblack.org/
“a world-wide network of women committed to peace with justice and actively opposed to injustice, war, militarism and other forms of violence. As women experiencing these things in different ways in different regions of the world, we support each other’s movements. An important focus is challenging the militarist policies of our own governments.”
Women's International League for Peace and Freedom http://www.wilpf.org
WILPF envisions a transformed world at peace, where there is racial, social, and economic justice for all people everywhere - a world in which: The needs of all people are met in a fair and equitable manner, All people equally participate in making the decisions that affect them; The interconnected web of life is acknowledged and celebrated in diverse ways and communities; and Human societies are designed and organized for sustainable existence.
Voices for Creative Non-Violence http://www.vcnv.org
A group led by voices in the wilderness founders like Kathy Kelly (VITW was disbanded after being fined for taking medicine and food to Iraq under sanctions). |