“Nonviolence can affect more than the heart and change people from the worst versions of themselves to a better one. I have seen people change.”
Those were the inspiring words of Amira Musallam, who spoke with us together with Mel Duncan this past Thursday in Voices from the West Bank: Stories of Resistance and Protection. Amira is a Palestinian Christian peace advocate, while Mel is the co-founder of Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP), a world leader in unarmed civilian protection.
We discussed the urgent issue of Israeli settler land theft in the West Bank and the critical need for Unarmed Civilian Protectors (UCPs) in the West Bank and Gaza. UCPs have been effective in driving peace work internationally in many different contexts. Amira and Mel shared a report and summary assessment of the need and utility of UCPs in Palestine.
We need to spread the word to the people in our networks and to our elected officials that UCPs are a necessary intervention. We are encouraging people to educate others about the need for the U.S. Government to fund UCPs in Palestine.
As Mel Duncan said, “The U.S Government is sending 100 soldiers to Israel, we should be sending 100 Unarmed Civilian Protectors instead!”
Amira wanted to share the photos and videos that document what is happening on their land so that we can raise awareness for others.
The Kisiya family needs support after they have had their homes and family restaurant destroyed and dispossessed repeatedly by Israeli settlers. To help them in their struggle to reclaim their land, you can learn more and donate here.
If you want to get in touch with Amira or Mel to talk more about how you can support greater implementation of UCPs in Palestine, reach out to us and we can connect you.
Huge thanks to Amira and Mel for coming and sharing their stories with us. If we all do our part to amplify the message that they have shared, we can start to make a difference in righting some of the injustices occurring in Palestine.
