As journalists and Palestinian activists warn of a “Gazafication” of the West Bank, where widespread violence and ethnic cleansing are worsening, communities fear they are running out of options. But now, one community at risk of forced displacement.
Al Muarrajat, in the South Jordan Valley about 10 kilometres from the ancient city of Jericho, is reaching out directly to the people of Nelson. We invite you to be part of our community’s response.
On Thursday, June 26, there will be a gathering at the Nelson United Church, to learn more about the threats facing the community of Al Muarrajat. There will also be a brief presentation of a pilot project beginning in the community, where an experienced and professionally trained team of unarmed civilian protectors will be deployed, starting this month. And most importantly, there will be an invitation for people to join a global solidarity network to directly support the people of Al Muarrajat.
Nelson's Randy Janzen, who has just returned from the West Bank, worked on the planning of the project.
“We are implementing a nonviolent response to the crisis, which includes not only strategies on the ground, but also the development of a global network of supporters, to build a relationship with the people of Al Muarrajat, and stand with them as we help them to stay on their land,” Janzen said.
The project, organized in response to an invitation from the people of Al Muarrajat, is called Unarmed Civilian Protection in Palestine (UCPiP) and will run a six-month pilot project, to evaluate best practices, in a context that is becoming more dangerous. Based on the project’s evaluation, the hope is to expand the service to other communities. This project is co-ordinated with the help of Palestinian NGOs such as Holy Land Trust, and Israeli groups such as Rabbis for Human Rights.
In order for the international protectors to work effectively, we need a global network of people who are watching closely so that if any violence happens, we will be ready to initiate an organized response to pressure our politicians to take action.
The event will be held at Nelson United Church, June 26 at 7 p.m. Admission is $15 (cash or e-transfer), with proceeds going to the project.
Bessie Wapp, a Nelson performer who is well-known for supporting social justice through her music, will be performing. There will be a short presentation describing the project, and the showing of a video, created by the people of Al Muarrajat, sending their greetings to Nelson. There will also be photos and postcard writing, all of which will be sent to the community, to show them that they are not forgotten.
