Panel discussion in Helsinki 17.5.2024: Hope & hopelessness – What is the current state of civil society in Israel and Palestine?
Join us to hear from Palestinian and Israeli civil society actors visiting Finland on how they work for just peace and human rights.
- Panel discussion: Hope & hopelessness – What is the current state of civil society in Israel and Palestine?
- Friday 17.5.2024 at 17.00-19.00
- Maijansali Hall, Töölönlahdenkatu 4, Oodi Library, Helsinki
As peace seems to be farther away than ever, the voices for peace, justice and human rights are now even more important.
For decades the cycle of violence has been deepening in the region. The 56-year long occupation of Palestine continues to have harmful effects on both Palestinians and Israelis.
The space for civil society has been shrinking at an alarming pace. The peaceful resistance that has continued and developed for decades, is now perhaps more repressed than ever.
The local people are speaking about losing hope but also about resilience and peaceful resistance to the occupation and injustice.
How Palestinian, Israeli and international actors keep up hope and build solutions for just peace? What is the role of civil society and how civil society actors continue their work? What is the significance of international protective presence and solidarity?
Panelists
Joel Carmel, Advocacy Coordinator, Breaking the Silence
Breaking the Silence is an Israeli NGO of veteran soldiers working to end the occupation. Joel grew up in the UK and after immigrating to Israel at age 18 was drafted to the IDF. Joel broke his silence and provided testimony about his personal experience as a soldier in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Sally Azar, Pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land
Sally Azar is the first Palestinian woman to be ordained as pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. She studied theology in Beirut and did Master’s Degree in intercultural theology in Germany. Sally Azar serves both the Arabic and English congregations in Jerusalem.
Antti Tarvainen, Researcher, Foundation of the Finnish Institute in the Middle East
Antti Tarvainen is a researcher at the Foundation of the Finnish Institute in the Middle East. In his research, Antti examines the role and impact of the global innovation economy on the political situation in Israel/Palestine.
Hanna, EAPPI human rights observer
Hanna participated in the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) and lived in the Jordan Valley for three months in 2023. She continues to follow up on the state of human rights and the international humanitarian law in the area.
You are welcome to distribute this message and invite. The event is free and open for everyone.
The event organized by EAPPI Finland and Finn Church Aid. Inquiries: eappi@kirkonulkomaanapu.fi.
The event is a discrimination-free zone. Discriminatory and racist speech or behavior, including antisemitism or islamophobia, will not be accepted.