Applications to join our summer solidarity shifts are currently closed.
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“I encourage everyone to take part of this work and come to live with us and experience our lives. The presence of solidarity groups is not only important to document the occupation violations and stand against them. It is important to build relationships… the people who come will be messengers for us.”
— Tariq, Umm al-Khair
What
We are organizing 10-day shifts of small groups who will bolster the existing local rapid response network of international and Israeli activists doing solidarity presence and accompaniment work in the West Bank.
Note: this is not a typical CJNV program. CJNV staff will be available as resources, connectors and support for you, however each shift will be fairly autonomous and operate within the framework of the local activist network.
For example, you can expect CJNV staff to help you with: coordinating lodging, connecting you with local activist leaders and networks who you will work with to plug you into the work, orienting you to what to expect during your time on-the-ground. But CJNV staff will not be, for instance, preparing a full schedule of activities for your time on-the-ground.
Given all this, there is no program fee required for joining us for these shifts. Nevertheless, if the cost of flights and other potential expenses are burdensome to you, please let us know in your application. There may be donor networks that can support you.
Why
Since October 7th, 16 villages in the West Bank, many in Masafer Yatta in the South Hebron Hills, have been forcibly displaced by violent state-sponsored settler militias, and more are threatened with erasure. The Palestinian families in these villages are enduring violent raids, the destruction of their vehicles and farming equipment, invasion of their homes, prevention from accessing their lands, and threats of murder if they do not abandon their communities.
In the last months, in response to this dire situation in the West Bank, Israeli and international activists have been organizing around-the-clock solidarity presence shifts in these communities. It’s been an impressive and important show of solidarity during this horrific time, and it has had an immediate impact on mitigating the threats these communities have received.
Who
We are committed to creating an environment that is comfortable, safe and supportive for all participating activists, but individuals must decide for themselves if this kind of activity is within their capability. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Time doing solidarity work in the West Bank can be draining and intense. Days can be very hot and long, nights will be cool, and activities will include physical labor. Your time will involve walking on dirt roads and over steep and rocky landscapes. Sleeping and housing conditions will be comfortable, but it is important to note that you will be staying in rural communities with limited electricity and water access, and comfort and amenity standards may be different than what you are used to.
Accessibility
If you have any questions about accessibility that have not been answered here, please reach out to a member of CJNV’s on-the-ground staff: Oriel (oriel@cjnv.org) or Dina (dina@cjnv.org).