Bear witness. Keep Watch.
Build Peace.

Every day, persecution and human rights abuses destroy people’s lives and fuel conflict in the Holy Land. But your presence can help prevent these injustices.

You can deploy to Jerusalem and/or the West Bank, and spend three months living and working alongside both Palestinian families living under military occupation and Israeli human rights defenders.

Throughout, your protective presence as an international observer will be helping to deter and reduce human rights violations in Palestinian communities. The program is based on an internationally recognised model called Accompaniment. And it’s proven to work.

On your return to Australia, you’ll apply your first-hand experience to become an advocate for lasting change. You’ll help to put international pressure on decision makers to comply with humanitarian law and to find long-term solutions to the conflict.

The program, called the Ecumenical Accompaniment Program in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI), is effective because it combines strategic local presence and international pressure. By becoming an Ecumenical Accompanier (EA), you’ll be standing in solidarity with oppressed families. You’ll meet inspirational people from across the globe. And you’ll be part of an international movement of Israeli, Palestinian and international people and organisations building the foundations for a just peace in the Holy Land.

“Its important to show solidarity. We have to give people hope. You can do something, your presence can be very important.”

A former EA, based in Bethlehem.

How do I take part

Learn more

Being an Ecumenical Accompanier is challenging, rewarding, and undeniably vital work. However, the physical and mental demands of being an EA are not for everyone. So, your first step is to download the EAPPI information guide below, which contains all the essential information you will need to know about the program before applying. 

 

Apply

We are not currently accepting applications for the EAPPI program. If you are interested in becoming an EA, please download the brochure to learn more about the program, and we will get in touch when applications open again in late 2023.

ECUMENICAL ACCOMPANIERS SHARE THEIR OBSERVATIONS

There’s no such thing as a typical day as an Ecumenical Accompanier! You’ll be part of a team, serving as a protective presence in vulnerable communities. One thing our past Accompaniers agree on is that it’s a life changing experience.

How did EAPPI start?

Appalled by the pain and injustice they were witnessing in their communities, local church leaders in Palestine and Israel came together to take action.

In 2002 they established the Ecumenical Accompaniment Program in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI). Their vision was a just peace, where all people in Palestine and Israel could live with freedom, dignity and security based on international law and human rights.

Since the program was established, more than 1,800 people from 20+ countries have served as Ecumenical Accompaniers. EAPPI has more human rights monitors on the ground than any other organisation in Palestine and Israel. And we’re making a difference.

By deploying as an Ecumenical Accompanier, you’ll be joining an international Christian network standing in solidarity with people of all faiths. While EAPPI is run by the World Council of Churches, EAPPI is an inclusive program that welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds to apply.

Who runs EAPPI?

EAPPI is a World Council of Churches program, and national chapters worldwide work in partnership with the World Council of Churches to implement it. 

In Australia, EAPPI is managed by Act for Peace (the international humanitarian agency of the National Council of Churches in Australia). 

Download the Guide

Please enter your details below to download the guide.

Learn more about EAPPI

The EAPPI blog shares eyewitness reports, personal stories, photos and videos directly from Ecumenical Accompaniers in Jerusalem and the West Bank.