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 East Jerusalem or the West Bank, and spend three months living alongside both Palestinian families living under military occupation and Israeli human rights defenders.

Throughout, your unpaid 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 of non-violence called Unarmed Civillian Protection. 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 International 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 protective presence and international pressure. By becoming an Ecumenical Accompanier (EA), you’ll be standing in solidarity with oppressed families, and supporting local civil society organisations in Palestine and Israel who want a just peace. 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. If you are interested, you can find out more by expressing interest and downloading an updated copy of the EAPPI Information Pack. This pack includes key details you need to know before applying, including how the program works, what it’s like to take part, the commitment involved, and FAQs. Register your interest below.

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 an unpaid 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 the World Council of Churches established the Ecumenical Accompaniment Program in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) in response to the call from local churches in Jerusalem. Their shared 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 2,100 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. 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). 

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES FOR EAPPI TODAY?

As the conflict in the Middle East escalates, human rights are threatened more than ever before. While human rights monitors are particularly needed at this time, the EAPPI program seeks to ensure the safety of all its personnel and is regularly monitoring the situation and analysing risks for EAs on the ground. EAPPI Australia has paused deployments during this time. However, we need trained people ready to serve as Ecumenical Accompaniers as soon as this crisis has abated. The next training for Australian EAs is in April 2025.

Express Interest

By expressing interest, you will also receive an updated copy of the EAPPI Information Pack. This pack includes key details you need to know before applying.

Please enter your details below.

Learn more about EAPPI

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