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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.
A former EA, based in Bethlehem.
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. We expect applications to open in October 2024, with a pre-deployment training in April 2025 ahead of deployments planned for winter 2025.
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.
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.
EAPPI is a World Council of Churches program, and national chapters worldwide work in partnership with the World Council of Churches to implement it.Â
In Australia, EAPPI is managed by Act for Peace (the international humanitarian agency of the National Council of Churches in Australia).Â
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.
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The WCC shares eyewitness reports, personal stories, photos and videos directly from Ecumenical Accompaniers in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.
Act for Peace acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
© Copyright Act for Peace Ltd ABN 86 619 970 188
Act for Peace acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
© Copyright 2021, Act for Peace Ltd ABN 86 619 970 188
