Updates-A Story of Realistic Hope

Job Opening: Operations Manager

Operations Manager

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Job Title: Operations Manager
Organization: Nonviolence International
Employment Type: Full-Time with Benefits
Start Date: 2025

Location: Washington DC Area (required)

Job Type: Virtual/Work from home

Position Overview:
Nonviolence International (NVI) seeks a dedicated and detail-oriented Operations Manager to oversee and enhance the organization’s operations, ensuring smooth day-to-day management. The Operations Manager will play a pivotal role in supporting our mission by managing fiscal sponsorships,  interns, communication platforms and bookkeeping,  NVI currently runs without a physical office. Weekly visits to a PO Box in the upper Northwest DC is necessary. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to the promotion and implementation of nonviolence practices worldwide. 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Fiscal Sponsorship Management

  • Oversee agreements and relationships with fiscally sponsored projects.
  • Ensure compliance with financial and reporting requirements.
  • Provide administrative support to fiscally sponsored partners, fostering collaboration.

2. Financial Management

  • Manage budgets, accounts, and financial reporting for the organization.
  • Coordinate with NVI accountant, consultants, as well as the Executive Team as needed.
  • Bookkeeping.

3. Intern and Volunteer Management

  • Recruit, train, and supervise interns, ensuring their experience aligns with NVI’s goals.
  • Provide guidance and mentorship to interns, fostering professional development.
  • Coordinate intern schedules and assignments, ensuring effective team support.

4. Communication and Website Management

  • Manage and update the organization’s website and social media platforms.
  • Draft and disseminate newsletters, press releases, and other communications.
  • Ensure consistent and compelling branding and messaging across channels.

5. General Administrative Support and Management

  • Maintain organizational records and ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
  • Support the Executive Director and other staff members with administrative needs.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in business administration, nonprofit management, humanities or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
  • Relevant experience in administrative management, preferably in a nonprofit setting.
  • Proficiency in financial management, including budget development and reporting.
  • Strong organizational and multitasking skills with attention to detail.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Experience with website management, social media, and digital communications.
  • Familiarity with intern recruitment and supervision.
  • Commitment to the principles of nonviolence and social justice.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience managing fiscal sponsorship agreements.
  • Familiarity with database management, particularly in nonprofit contexts.
  • Bookkeeping
  • Knowledge of event planning and program coordination.
  • Arabic and/or foreign language fluency.
  • A passion for nonviolent activism.

Benefits and Compensation:

  • Competitive salary based on experience.
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and paid time off.
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development within a mission-driven organization.
  • Salary Range:  $47K to $57K

How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume, cover letter, and two references to Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume, cover letter, and two references on Idealist.org where the job announcement is posted. Application deadline of Jan 15, 2025.

Nonviolence International is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workplace. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Event "Understanding Hamas: Why it Matters"

Understanding Hamas and Why It Matters

Nonviolence International (USA) is co-sponsoring the book talk about Understanding Hamas, with Abdul Aziz Said Chair and Professor Mohammed Abu-Nimer at American University on Feb 10th at 7pm.


Helena Cobban is a writer and researcher on international affairs who lives in Washington DC. In 1984, Cambridge U.P. published her seminal study The Palestinian Liberation Organisation. Three of her six other sole-authored books dealt with political and strategic developments in the Arab-Israeli theater, the rest with more global matters. For 17 years she contributed a regular column on global issues to The Christian Science Monitor and Al-Hayat (London). In 2010 she founded Just World Books, which has published ground-breaking titles by Palestinian, Zionism-questioning Jewish, and other authors; and in 2016 she was a co-founder of Just World Educational, which she now serves as president. Her current main writing platform is Globalities.org. In late 2024 she co-authored a book titled Understanding Hamas: And Why It Matters with Rami Khouri to shed light on Hamas from cultural, historical, political, and sociological perspectives.

Jonathan Kuttab, will serve as a discussant. He is a co-founder of Nonviolence International. A well-known international human rights attorney, Kuttab has established himself as a prominent speaker on nonviolence. He is also a co-founder of the Palestinian human rights group Al-Haq, President of the Board of the Bethlehem Bible College, and Executive Director of the Friends of Sabeel North America. He is the author of many articles and books including Beyond the Two-State Solution and The Truth Shall Set You Free.

The event will be held at the Abramson Family Founders Room at the School of International Service Building in Washington DC and open to the public. Copies of the book will be available for sale and signing. The event will be livestreamed and recorded on www.youtube.com/nonviolence.

UNARMED CIVILIAN PROTECTION: LATEST UPDATES FROM PALESTINE


          SAMI AWAD IS VISITING WASHINGTON D.C WHERE HE IS SPEAKING ABOUT UNARMORED CIVILIAN PROTECTION IN PALESTINE

                           

💻 Online: bit.ly/Settlerviolence Here is the virtual link for the Teach-In.

                                         


💻 Online: http://bit.ly/STJN-SpecialEvent  Here is the link for his talk!

 

Jonathan Kuttab "The Other Hostages"

It was truly amazing to see the joy and celebration surrounding the release of three Israeli hostages, who were released this week as part of a prisoner exchange/ceasefire agreement. They appeared to be well-fed and in good condition, though I am sure the psychological scars of their captivity will be with them for a long time.

But, what of the Palestinian prisoners?

90 of them, all women and children, were released the same day. But, we did not see them in mainstream media outlets, or know of their ordeals and the agony they experienced, or witness the celebrations of their families. In fact, Israel prohibited any public celebrations (or expressions of joy) to be made within its borders for their release. The police even visited the East Jerusalem families of released prisoners specifically to remind them of this law. The Israeli narrative is that Palestinian prisoners are “terrorists and hardened Hamas criminals,” who will probably just be hunted down and rearrested or assassinated once Israel gets back all of its hostages—as some Israeli officials have declared in the Hebrew news media.

From the Palestinian perspective: there are about 13,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees in Israeli jails who are just as worthy of our concern and also merit our sympathy, and whose families will rejoice at their long awaited release. More and more Palestinians are arrested, continuously, including the medical staff of hospitals in Gaza and ordinary Palestinians in the West Bank. In fact, Israel just arrested 60 additional Palestinians, who were all the male worshipers in a Qalqilia mosque, the very same day as the release of the three Israeli hostages. It was as if they wanted to compensate for the 90 Palestinian hostages they released that day.

3,000 of the Palestinian prisoners (hostages is a more appropriate term) are “administrative detainees,” meaning they have not been charged with any crime nor will they be put on trial for anything. Among the Palestinians released last Sunday was Khalida Jarrar, a Palestinian Member of Parliament, who upon her release appeared like a ghost, her hair gone completely white and her figure like a skeleton. She reports having been in solitary confinement for 150 days prior to her release. In fact, all the Palestinians released appear visibly weak, having lost about 30-40lbs on average, and are reporting serious abuses like beatings, deliberate starvation, and gross mistreatment. The Israeli Minister of Police, Itamar Ben Gvir, has proudly reported that since October 7 he made sure to increase the suffering of Palestinian prisoners and proactively worsen their conditions. He significantly reduced their food rations, their hot water and their ability to exercise. He confiscated books, papers, and other personal effects, along with hygiene supplies and other “privileges.” He cut off access to their families as well as the Red Cross, doubled their already crowded per room occupancy, and established a regime of beatings, punishments, and daily humiliations.

In addition to the “administrative detainees,” another 10,000 or so are serving various sentences after being tried in Israeli military courts. My own experience as an attorney, echoed by Palestinian, Israeli, and international human rights organizations, is that these military courts are a total sham. With a conviction rate of 99%, verdicts are based almost exclusively on signed confessions extracted from the Palestinian defendant or other Palestinian “witnesses” under conditions of coercion and torture.

I am thrilled to report that Mohammad Halabi is slated to be released during Phase 1 of the agreement. You can read the details of his case here and here.

Mohammad Halabi, who was arrested six years ago, was the Director of World Vision International (WVI) in Gaza. He was falsely accused of funneling World Vision development aid to Hamas, diverting aid money and importing building materials to Hamas, via the Rafah Crossing, to build tunnels. The charges were ridiculous on their face, as the amounts alleged exceeded the World Vision budget and because WVI did not import any steel rods or other such “dual-use” materials as claimed. Two international audits confirmed that no money was missing or unaccounted for. Halabi insisted on his innocence, refusing to accept any deal that would allow him to return home in exchange for a confession. His lawyers (hobbled by secrecy requirements and threats) fought for his release over the course of 160 hearings before the judgement was finally delivered, sentencing him to 11 years in jail. The appeal is still pending. He could not receive any justice in Israeli courts, but he is now slated to be released as part of the ceasefire/hostage exchange deal. 

The truth is that every single Palestinian home in the West Bank and Gaza has had a member or close relative h at one time or another. Ever subject to arbitrary detention at any time. The primary goal of Hamas in taking hostages on October 7 was the release of captives. The taking of civilian hostages (as opposed to armed fighters) is a violation of international law, as well as basic morality. Yet, many Palestinians feel there is no hope for the release of their loved ones except through some political surrender or by obtaining some leverage through the capturing of Israelis and exchanging them for their own imprisoned hostages.

We rejoice with those whose relatives are released, and also for the return of the remains of those who have been killed to their loved ones for proper burial (Israel holds the remains of hundreds of martyred Palestinians, which it refuses to deliver to their families). Hopefully, they will be returned in Phase III of the current agreement.

As we rejoice in this partial victory for all, let us remember with empathy and humanity all who are captive in this ongoing tragedy. We call for the release of all prisoners and hostages and, in the meantime, demand for their humane treatment until the day of their liberation.

Peace,

Jonathan Kuttab, Co-Founder

The arrest of the activist Andrey X.

On the evening of December 12, Andrey was arrested in Tel Aviv by individuals who introduced themselves as police officers and was taken to a police station in Sderot. These people were in civilian clothing and driving an unmarked car; they did not present any identification. Andrey was arrested for placing a “Free Palestine” sticker at a lookout where Israelis gather to watch the genocide. The location has been used to observe the bombings for over a decade. He is currently being charged with vandalism and disturbing public order as since 2021 the spot also serves as a memorial for soldiers killed in 2014.
The next mourning  morning, a court ruled that Andrey should be released on bail; however, after the police filed an appeal, he will remain detained until Sunday. Stay tuned for updates.


Winter Solidarity Visit: 19-Day Program in the West Bank

Dates: December 19, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Organized By: Rabbis for Human Rights and Solidarity of Nations – Achvat Amim
Application Deadline: November 18, 2024, 11:59 PM ESTThe Winter Solidarity Visit is an intensive 19-day program aimed at fostering meaningful connections and support for Palestinian communities facing increasing displacement due to settler and state violence in the West Bank. This transformative initiative blends education, volunteerism, and direct action, offering participants an opportunity to learn, engage, and act for justice and human rights.Program Highlights:
  • Community Engagement: Work alongside Palestinian farmers, shepherds, and activists to gain a deeper understanding of their lived realities under occupation.
  • Educational Workshops: Learn from human rights experts, international law specialists, and grassroots organizers.
  • Solidarity Actions: Participate in hands-on activities supporting vulnerable communities, showcasing solidarity through presence and action.
  • Interfaith Learning: Explore Jewish traditions and cultural history in the context of justice, equity, and peace.
Who Can Apply?
This program welcomes students, educators, activists, and anyone committed to justice and equality. Whether you're traveling internationally or residing locally, you'll join a diverse group living communally and working together for co-resistance.Mission and Vision:
Rabbis for Human Rights and Achvat Amim aim to combat violence, racism, and inequality, emphasizing the values of justice and peace central to Judaism. Participants will connect with long-standing partnerships to empower communities and drive change through collaborative and adaptive efforts.Why Join?
  • Contribute to the growing movement for nonviolent resistance.
  • Gain firsthand insights into the occupation and its impacts.
  • Build lasting relationships with those working toward a just future.
For more details or to apply, visit Rabbis for Human Rights or Achvat Amim.



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Andrey X: A Voice for Solidarity and Justice in Palestine

Unarmed civilian protection is about courage, solidarity, and the power of nonviolence to resist oppression. Among those embodying these principles is Andrey X, a Russian Jewish journalist and activist who has become a steadfast ally in Palestine.

Fleeing potential persecution in Russia, Andrey arrived in Israel with the hope of freedom and safety. Yet, he quickly turned his attention to the injustices in the occupied Palestinian territories. With a journalist's keen eye and an activist's unwavering commitment, Andrey immersed himself in the struggles of Palestinian communities, particularly in the West Bank.

Operating in areas like the village of At-Tuwani, Andrey documents and resists the daily challenges faced by Palestinians, including settler violence, military harassment, and systemic displacement. His reports and protective presence not only shine a light on these injustices but also serve as a shield for vulnerable communities, embodying the essence of unarmed civilian protection.

Andrey's activism is a powerful reminder of the role international allies can play in supporting nonviolent resistance. By amplifying the voices of those under occupation and standing alongside them, he demonstrates how individuals, regardless of background, can contribute to the global pursuit of justice and peace.

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CJNV Volunteers Support Palestinian Farmers During Olive Harvest Amid Settler Attacks



The olive harvest  in the Palestinian village of Burin in the West Bank
In recent days, CJNV (Center for Jewish Nonviolence) has been actively supporting Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest in the West Bank. During the harvest in Burin, masked settlers, armed with sticks, descended from the nearby Givat Ronen outpost and disrupted the harvest. They stole seven tarps and the olives on them, while throwing rocks at the families and international volunteers present. Despite this aggression, no one was injured. CJNV volunteers remain committed, ensuring the safety of Palestinian families and documenting these violent acts.
In another incident near Masafer Yatta, soldiers arrived while Palestinians were picking olives. Fortunately, the farmers managed to leave the area safely without any injuries, thanks to the support of international volunteers.
CJNV continues its efforts to protect Palestinian communities and document settler violence during this critical olive harvest season.
Source: CJNV updates on social media tweet on X

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Palestinian woman shot and killed by Israeli occupation forces’ bullets while picking olives in Jenin

 

JENIN, October 17, 2024 (WAFA) A 60-year-old woman was shot and killed by Israeli occupation forces in the village of Faqqu'a, northeast of Jenin, on Thursday.

The director of the Red Crescent Society in Jenin, Mahmoud al-Saadi, said that the society's crews transferred a 60-year-old woman who was killed after being shot in the chest with live ammunition to the hospital

The woman was shot by Israeli occupation forces while she was picking olives with her family in the area near the separation and expansion wall built on the lands of the village of Faqqu'a.

The olive harvest season in the West Bank this year is witnessing repeated attacks by settlers and occupation forces, such as burning and cutting down olive trees, stealing the crop, and preventing farmers from reaching their lands.

This morning, colonists opened fire on participants in an event organized by the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission to help farmers from the village of Kafr al-Labad, east of Tulkarm, pick olives from their lands.

UN experts said yesterday that farmers in the occupied West Bank are facing the most dangerous olive season ever this year.

They added that Palestinian farmers are subjected to intimidation, restricted access to land, severe harassment and attacks by armed settlers. They considered that restricting the olive harvest season, destroying orchards and blocking access to water sources are attempts by Israel to expand its illegal settlements. source

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US military veteran arrested by Israeli forces in occupied West Bank

Michael Jacobsen was accompanying a Palestinian farmer in Masafer Yatta when he was arrested and threatened with imprisonment

17th of OCT. 2024: A United States military veteran was arrested by Israeli forces while accompanying a Palestinian farmer in a village in the West Bank, according to the International Solidarity Movement (ISM).

Michael Jacobsen was in the Palestinian village of Masafer Yatta in the Hebron governorate when he and other activists as well as Palestinian land owners were approached by Israeli soldiers on Thursday morning.

The ISM said the farmer Jacobsen was accompanying was facing "daily harassment, attacks, and invasions of his private land by Israeli settlers and occupation forces".

The soldiers demanded their identification and later Israeli police were called, who arrested Jacobsen and took him into custody at an interrogation centre.

Police told the US citizen's lawyer that Jacobsen was “endangering the public due to provocation of disturbances” and accused him of entering the country illegally because they suspected him of supporting the Palestinian-led Boycott, Sanctions, and Divestment (BDS) movement.

He was threatened with "imprisonment and deportation if he did not leave the country immediately", according to the ISM, and he chose instead to leave for Jordan.

The news of Jacobsen's arrest in the occupied West Bank comes as Israeli forces have on multiple occasions targeted American and other international activists in the area who assist Palestinians in protesting against Israeli settler encroachment.

Israeli settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank has soared since the beginning of Israel's war on Gaza last October.

In June, the United Nations reported that Israeli security forces and Israeli settlers have killed more than 500 Palestinians in the West Bank since the war began.

The United Nations high commissioner for human rights, Volker Turk, said in a report that the cases of these killings showed "consistent violations of international human rights law on the use of force by the ISF (Israeli security forces) through unnecessary and disproportionate use of lethal force and an increase in apparently planned targeted killings".

In August, Israeli forces shot American citizen Amado Sison in the leg while he was at a demonstration held in Beita, a Palestinian village near the occupied West Bank town of Nablus.

Then, nearly one month later in September, Turkish and American national Aysenur Ezgi Eygi was shot dead by Israeli forces in a demonstration in the same village of Beita.source

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In Memory of Ziad Abu Helil: A Pillar of Peaceful Resistance and Tribal Leadership



On October 7, 2024, Ziad Abu Helil, a prominent Palestinian leader and peace activist, was killed following a brutal raid by Israeli forces on his home in Dura, south of Hebron. Ziad, affectionately known as the "Icon of Resistance," was a key figure in advocating for Palestinian rights through peaceful means while also standing as a symbol of tribal integrity and conflict resolution in his community. His legacy will continue to inspire those committed to justice and peace.

Ziad's contributions to Palestinian society and beyond were manifold. As the tribal elder (Mukhtar) of Dura, he worked tirelessly to mediate and resolve conflicts within his community, playing a vital role in maintaining social cohesion. His peaceful approach extended beyond local concerns as he engaged actively in nonviolent resistance against the Israeli occupation. He was present in various peaceful protest actions, including in the village of Al-Araqib in the Naqab Desert and the Bab Al-Shams encampment near Jerusalem. His steadfastness made him a symbol of resistance, courage, and unity.

Ziad’s famous phrase, “بيهمش" (It doesn’t matter), uttered when confronted by Israeli soldiers accusing Palestinian children of throwing stones, embodied his unflinching resolve. He continually advocated for the rights of Palestinians to peacefully resist oppression, even in the face of violence and injustice.

His last public action—a demonstration to retrieve the bodies of Palestinian women held by Israeli forces—was a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice. His leadership in this protest, despite threats and arrests, successfully pressured Israeli authorities to reconsider their policies.

Nonviolence International honors the memory of Ziad Abu Helil as an exemplar of nonviolent resistance. His leadership, courage, and dedication to his people are a reminder of the power of peaceful action in the face of immense adversity.source

 

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The Flotilla ships currently being prevented from leaving port by the Turkish Port Authorities



On September 12, Freedom Flotilla has announced that the demonstration to release the Flotilla ships currently being prevented from leaving port by the Turkish Port Authorities, continues in Istanbul. and they are calling for help;


We need your help in getting international media to cover this historic protest and help put pressure on the government to release the ships, ensuring we can sail towards Gaza.


HOW TO HELP:

1. Call, email, and/or demonstrate at Turkish embassies and consulates and demand that the Freedom Flotilla ships be released and allowed to deliver aid to Gaza immediately.

2. Tag mainstream accounts in this post or when you share our photos to your stories.

3. Message the social media page of the Ministry of Transport and Foreign Affairs @tcdisisleri & @uabakanligi on IG and on X

4. Share our videos using the hashtags #WeWillSail and #LetThemSail tagging @tcdisisleri and @uabakanligi

#WeWillSail #LetThemSail #TheFreedomFlotilla #FFC #Istanbul #Turkiye #Turkey #mavimarmara



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Aysenur Ezgi Eygi Killed While Peacefully Protecting Palestinians

Nonviolence International has long supported third-party nonviolent action around the world and in Palestine/Israel through training, research, fiscal sponsorship, and advocacy.  NVI strongly encourages well-meaning visitors, delegations, and organized solidarity accompaniment and co-resistance to go to Palestine/Israel. This page highlights some of the many activities by courageous international people and groups in Palestine/Israel who seek to protect civilians and human rights.

On September 3, 2024, Aysenur Ezgi Eygi traveled to the occupied West Bank to join the unarmed civilian protection (UCP) group, the International Solidarity Movement (ISM)/Faz3a. According to her family, she felt a deep responsibility to stand with Palestinian civilians facing ongoing repression and violence, particularly from settlers. On September 6, 2024, while attending a peaceful protest in Beita, Eygi was tragically shot in the head by an Israeli soldier. Source.

 

A photo of Aysenur Eygi during her graduation.

Aysenur Ezgi Eygi was born on July 27, 1998, in Turkey and raised in Seattle, Washington. She graduated from Seattle Central College in 2022 with an Associate’s degree in Art and completed her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures at the University of Washington in June 2024. She was actively involved in pro-Palestinian activism and was considering pursuing graduate studies in Near Eastern archaeology.

Nonviolence International, an organization dedicated to promoting nonviolent resistance and human rights, strongly condemns the killing of Eygi. We express deep outrage at the violent suppression of peaceful protests towards both Palestinians and internationals. This tragic incident underscores the dangers faced by activists advocating for basic human and civil rights in the occupied territories. Nonviolence International reaffirms its commitment to supporting peaceful activism and standing in solidarity with those resisting oppression.

Please call on the United Nations, Turkey, and the United States of America to launch independent investigations and to take measures to protect everyone.

To support our partners involved in UCP in Palestine, please visit the following:

https://www.nonviolenceinternational.net/ucpnp_partner

https://www.nonviolenceinternational.net/ffc_freedom_flotilla_coalition

https://www.nonviolenceinternational.net/cjnv_partner

ISM Palestine

Faz3a

 

 

Christmas Eve Vigils for a Lasting Ceasefire!


Our Call to Action

This is an invitation to all faiths, non-believers, and nationalities to join or organize peaceful, loving candlelight vigils on Christmas Eve to call for a lasting ceasefire and reparations in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, & Israel. We cannot celebrate the birth of Jesus, an apostle of peace, in Bethlehem, as if the people of his home place and neighboring communities in the region were not bearing a catastrophe of violence, war, subjugation, and suffering. We can’t celebrate the Christmas spirit of Santa Claus’s generosity to the children of the world as if Israeli and Palestinian children were not waiting for the return of their parents who are held captive to return home and the surviving children of Gaza were not living through hell on earth. 

We will gather to embrace in our hearts the humanity of all people in the region, mourning all those who have died and suffered, with a commitment to upholding international law and rejecting war including a shared condemnation of any and all war crimes by any party.  

  • We say never again to the bombing of hospitals, schools, homes, mosques, & churches. 
  • We say never again to the murder of civilians, doctors, journalists, humanitarian relief workers, UN employees, poets, teachers, and children.
  • We say never again towards genocide for anyone.

We call on the United Nations, United States of America, and all governments, to immediately cease military aid to all parties and use every diplomatic, legal, and financial lever to secure such a peaceful, democratic, and just resolution for the conflicts in and among these countries. 

We call on the world to repair that which we helped destroy. We must surpass the funds that were mis-used for killing to be used now for repair and peace. 

#CeasefireForChristmas #Peace&RepairForChristmas #peace&goodwilltoall

Please organize or attend a vigil in your community. See a toolkit here for more information.


Christmas Eve Vigils for 

Permanent Ceasefire & Repair:
In Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, and Syria!

24-27 December 2024


27 -Dec. / Shepherdstown West Virginia USA

 

 

24-December 2024 /Washington DC


On Christmas Eve, Nonviolence International, alongside many groups and communities worldwide, organized vigils to honor the lives and humanity of those affected by ongoing conflicts in Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, and Syria.

In Washington, DC, 40 individuals gathered to light candles, share prayers, and reflect on the pressing need for peace and justice in the region. This gathering was part of a global movement inviting people of all faiths, beliefs, and nationalities to come together in solidarity.

The vigils aimed to center the catastrophic violence, war, and suffering endured by people in the Middle East—particularly in the birthplace of Jesus, Bethlehem. Participants rejected the notion of celebrating Christmas while ignoring the harsh realities faced by families and children in Gaza, the West Bank, and beyond.

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2023 Vigils for Ceasefire in Gaza, Dec. 24 & Jan. 6 (2024), Orthodox Christmas Eve In USA

January 6 2024 Photo

Washington DC

Report from Glenn Cratty in Manchester Center, Vermont

We had a vigil with 9 people and went well but forgot to get pictures. But a car full of young Palestinian American women stopped and gave us all cups of hot chocolate. So I was really glad we were there. The group decided to vigil there weekly on Sundays 12:30 to 1:30 starting next week.

 

December 24th, 2023

World Wide Christmas Eve Vigils for a Ceasefire conducted in at least 18 cities co-sponsored by Nonviolence International, Friends of Sabeel North American, Forall.org, Palestinian Christian Alliance for Peace, Isaiah Project.

 Christmas Eve, Dec 24th in Washington DC USA in front of the White House

&

Rolande Baker with citizens in Tuscon, Arizona USA

Cheryl Angel with other Lakota activists in Rapid City, South Dakota

Kai Newkirk in Pheonix, Arizona USA

& Video from Phoenix Arizona USA

& Instagram posting from Ashville North Carolina, USA.

& also from Oakland California. USA

Other cities included:

Asheville, NC

Bemidji, MN

Traverse City, MI

Greenbelt, MD:

Philadelphia, PA:

Salt Lake City, UT

Longmont, CO:

Silverdale, WA

Palo Alto, CA:

Berkeley, CA:

Albuquerque, NM:

Baltimore, MD:

Hayward, CA:

 


NVI fiscally sponsors groups that work to help Gazans. Please support them.

If you want to hear news and views directly from Gaza, please check the website and social media sites of  We Are Not Numbers.

US Boats to Gaza is a member of the global Freedom Flotilla Coalition. They seek to bring humanitarian aid by sea to Gaza and break the siege. Learn more about their important work below. 

Here are some photos from the big recent Washington, DC event for Palestinian humanity that was part of much larger global effort.


We are thrilled that Ahmed Alnaouq's powerful voice was included in the Washington Post.

Here is his excerpt and a link (behind a paywall) to the full article, which includes other perspectives - several not rooted in personal experience or basic human compassion for the suffering of others. When militarists are welcomed into the mainstream press, the media doesn't feel a need to provide "balance." But, for some reason, the few times that Palestinian voices are heard, they present another perspective that often negates Palestinian humanity. 

The slaughter must end

Ahmed Alnaouq: Last week, Israel bombed my family home in Gaza, killing my father, as well as two brothers, three sisters and all of their children, in an instant. One friend described their bodies as “bags of meat” — an arm here, a leg there.

I write to you in mourning. Even now, we Palestinians are not granted the luxury to grieve. Instead, we are burdened with the responsibility to talk, to communicate the extent of our suffering and the injustice wielded against us.

So, first, I must say this: We demand an immediate cease-fire. We demand a lifting of the Israeli siege of Gaza and the restoration of electricity, fuel, water and food. And we demand unimpeded humanitarian access in line with international law.

Today, the word “genocide” is being widely used. I can’t think of another word that captures the magnitude of what Israel, a nuclear-armed military power, continues to unleash on a captive population of children and refugees. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said the quiet part out loud: “Gaza won’t return to what it was before,” he said. “We will eliminate everything.”

But we Palestinians already knew what Gallant had in mind. Corralled in Gaza for the past 17 years, burdened with mass unemployment and poverty — even before white phosphorus filled the skies, or before we lay crushed beneath the rubble — we could not breathe. We were held captive like prisoners who had never committed a crime or shot down when we attempted to peacefully protest our incarceration.

Our 1 million children have never traveled outside Israel’s militarized cage and know nothing but the buzz of drones in the sky tracking their every move.

In the past week, I have lost everything. But I do not seek revenge. There is no “military solution” here, only a collective responsibility to finally grant Palestinians what they have demanded for decades, what they are owed: justice, freedom and their very basic rights as human beings.

Ahmed Alnaouq is the head of We Are Not Numbers, which pairs Palestinian writers with mentors overseas.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/11/02/gaza-ceasefire-civilian-military-humanitarian/

Click here to donate to support NVI's fiscally sponsored partner WANN.


Ahmed was also featured in this recent New York Times piece

After the Israeli military killed his older brother in an airstrike in Gaza in 2014, Ahmed Alnaouq says, he almost lost his will to live. “I sank into a deep depression,” he told me in a recent phone call. But an American friend convinced him to write about his brother and channel his grief into something productive. Together, they founded We Are Not Numbers, a project that trains young writers in Gaza and publishes their personal essays in English.

The name is a nod to how numbing numbers can be. The higher the death toll, the less we are inclined to care, since the scale of human suffering can feel overwhelming. Statistics don’t trigger empathy and action. Personal stories do.

“This project changed my life because for the first time, I thought that some people can care about us,” Mr. Alnaouq said, describing the response it got outside Gaza.

We Are Not Numbers began as a way to memorialize the dead, but it quickly turned into a lifeline for the living. For young people in Gaza, stuck in a political system with few rights and a blockaded economy with few jobs, it provides a vital outlet for self-expression...

“After losing my family, I did not stop believing in what I believe in,” he told me. “I don’t want other people to feel what I am feeling. Not the Israelis, not the Palestinians.”


These very painful, honest, meaningful videos feature WANN's co-founder.

Trigger / harsh reality warning. 


Sadly, this short NVI video clip from two years ago is still relevant. 


Refaat Alareer, WANN's co-founder, killing featured in major media outlets. 

CNN

Al Jazeera

Time


Michael Beer quoted in LA Times article on effective activism. 


Please see these articles: 

Writing while expecting to die “Can you kindly publish the attached stories if I die?” This is what we have been hearing from the young writers we work with from Gaza in the We Are Not Numbers project.

7 steps to end the cycle of violence in Israel and Palestine:
The path to peace requires nonviolent action not just from Israelis and Palestinians, but also Americans, the media, aid organizations and others.
By NVI Founder, Mubarak Awad

When will we learn that violence doesn’t lead to security?
To support Israelis and Palestinians is to insist on their right to equally live in peace and freedom — not help structures of state violence and cultures of militarization.
By NVI Board member, Mohammed Abu-Nimer

Solidarity with Palestinians and Jews Sign on Statement. 

By Jonathan Kuttab, NVI co-founder. Cat Zavis, Jewish Civil/Women's Rights Lawyer, Mediator, and Rabbi: Beyt Tikkun. Michael Lerner, Rabbi and Editor of Tikkun magazine.
Esther Azar, Arab Jewish Trauma Activist, and Rabbi: Trauma Informed Rabbinics.


Recent attacks by Israel on Gaza and Hamas fighters on Israel are tragic and will not resolve bring peace and justice to all.

NVI believes that nonviolence is the only way to end the savagery, brutality and cycle of violence between Palestinians and Israelis.

NVI urges all parties to cease all military attacks and prevent further escalation of violence that will only harm innocent civilians on both sides.

Call for an immediate ceasefire and end to all violence, including an immediate halt to attacks towards Israel and Israeli military attacks on Gaza.

Urgent humanitarian action is needed, including the establishment of a humanitarian corridor inside and out of Gaza, for the safe movement of people and the delivery of essential supplies. This includes opening Erez and Kerem Shalom / Abu Salem crossings to allow for the movement of people and goods and remove the ban on access to the sea. 

End violations of international law and impunity, including settlement expansions, forcible transfer, demolitions, settler violence, all part of ongoing and illegal de facto annexation of West Bank territory. Immediately lift all movement restrictions on Palestinian communities in the West Bank to allow the movements of goods and services. 

Take action at the UN Security Council to reaffirm UN Security Council resolutions calling for a nonviolent resolution of disputes, the reversal of the annexation of Greater East Jerusalem and the preservation of the status quo at holy sites.           

NVI supports nonviolent political resolution of the conflict by ending the systemic policies of oppression and discrimination of Palestinians, including the 16-year siege on Gaza and 56-year military occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including. East Jerusalem.

We hope you will find this helpful and will share it with others.


US Boats to Gaza is a fiscally sponsored partner of NVI and a member of the global Freedom Flotilla Coalition. They seek to bring humanitarian aid by sea to Gaza and break the siege. Learn more below. 

In this video, Ann Wright, a leader of US Boats to Gaza, Veterans for Peace, and Code Pink interrupts the US Secretary of State to call for a Cease Fire Now. Timestamp 1:45


Check out this powerful video (from before the latest crisis), learn more about their important work, and please consider supporting this creative constructive nonviolent movement


 

The Magi: Nonviolent Heroes of the Nativity Story

The Magi: Nonviolent Heroes of the Nativity Story

By Sami Awad, Co-Director, Nonviolence International

As we enter this Christmas season, we are once again drawn to the story of the birth of Jesus—a story rich with symbols of hope, resilience, and divine intervention. Among the many figures in the nativity narrative, the Magi hold a unique and often overlooked place. Their journey, actions, and choices provide us with a profound model of nonviolent resistance and solidarity. Reflecting on their role in light of my own journey of nonviolent activism, I see the Magi as embodying two critical principles of the work we must do in the face of tyranny and injustice: seeking truth through courageous acts of solidarity and engagement and refusing to cooperate with systems of oppression.

The Magi, or wise men from the East, were scholars, seekers, and perhaps political emissaries. They saw the star that signaled the birth of a new king and undertook a dangerous journey into occupied territories to find and honor him. Their mission was not driven by personal ambition or political gain; they were not seeking an alliance with power. Instead, they were engaged in a deeply spiritual quest, one rooted in the search for truth and the recognition of a transformative moment in human history.

In their journey, the Magi demonstrated what I see as the essence of nonviolent activism: a willingness to cross boundaries, confront danger, and stand in solidarity with those who are oppressed. They traveled far, entering unfamiliar and likely hostile territory, not to impose their agenda but to learn, witness, and offer their support. This was, in its essence, a fact-finding mission. They were seeking the child born under extraordinary circumstances, the one prophesied to be the Prince of Peace.

This resonates deeply with the work of nonviolent activists today. When we engage in solidarity with marginalized communities, we too embark on fact-finding and protective missions. We listen to stories, witness the struggles of others, and seek to understand the deeper truths of their experiences. The Magi’s gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh were not just symbolic offerings but acts of nonviolent action beginning with the courage to bear witness, to honor the humanity of those they encounter, and support them in times of need.

The second act of the Magi’s story is perhaps even more striking. Upon their arrival in Jerusalem, they were summoned by King Herod, a paranoid and oppressive ruler who sought to use them for his own ends. Herod feigned interest in the birth of the child, asking the Magi to report back to him so he could “worship” the newborn king. But Herod’s true intentions were sinister: he saw Jesus as a threat to his power and rule, and planned to eliminate him.

The Magi’s response to Herod reveals their deep integrity and courage. After visiting the child and presenting their gifts, they did not return to Herod. Instead of complying with his request, they chose a different path, literally and figuratively. They left for their own country by another route, effectively boycotting Herod and refusing to cooperate with his oppressive plans.

This act of defiance is a powerful example of nonviolent resistance. The Magi did not confront Herod directly or engage in a physical battle against his authority. Instead, they undermined his power by refusing to be complicit in his schemes. Their decision to disobey Herod’s orders protected the child and disrupted the oppressive system that sought to maintain control through violence and fear.

In our own struggles against systems of injustice, the Magi’s actions remind us of the power of non-cooperation. Whether it is through boycotts, civil disobedience, or other forms of nonviolent resistance, we can choose not to participate in systems that perpetuate oppression. This refusal to comply with injustice is not passive; it is an active and courageous choice that challenges the legitimacy of oppressive powers.

The Magi’s journey speaks to us today in various ways. As we look at the wars and injustices in our world, from Palestine to communities across the globe, we see the need for fact-finding missions and acts of solidarity. We are called to step out of our comfort zones, to cross boundaries, and to seek the truth—not for our own gain, but to support those who are fighting for justice and peace.

We are also called to resist the Herods of our time. Whether they take the form of political regimes, economic systems, or societal norms that perpetuate inequality and violence, these modern-day Herods rely on our compliance to maintain their power. The Magi’s quiet but resolute refusal to return to Herod challenges us to examine our own complicity and find ways to withdraw our support from systems of oppression.

This Christmas, as we reflect on the birth of Jesus—the Prince of Peace—let us remember the Magi not just as wise men bearing gifts, but as courageous unarmed civilian protecting activists who embodied the principles of nonviolent resistance. Their journey reminds us that the work of justice and peace begins with a commitment to truth and a refusal to cooperate with injustice. It is a journey that requires courage, humility, and faith, but it is also one that has the power to change the world.

May we, like the Magi, follow the star of hope and light, trusting wherever it leads us, and may we find in their story the inspiration to engage in our own acts of nonviolent activism this Christmas season and beyond. We all are the Magi: Are you ready to follow in their footsteps on your spiritual journey?

Free Syria and What’s Next?

 Free Syria and What’s Next?

 

On Thursday, December 19, we held a special webinar that dove into the future of a free Syria in a post-regime era. The fall of the Assad regime on December 8, 2024, was of historic significance: it marked the end of more than half a century of authoritarian oppression, during which countless thousands of Syrians were disappeared, tortured, or killed by their own government. Since 2011 and as part of the Arab Spring movements, Syrians have experienced both nonviolent and armed resistance. Upwards of 400,000 civilians were killed; millions of others were internally displaced or became refugees. Today, with liberation from the Assad regime, the future of Syria is hopeful but unclear as the transition period begins.  Outside governments continue to interfere in Syria's affairs with sanctions, troops, attacks, and weaponry. Now you can see the webinar recoded with our Syrian nonviolent activists as they talked about their experience and their hopes and plans.  Our experts during the webinar included Syrian nonviolent activists who have filled multiple roles during the past 13+ years of the Syrian revolution.  Hosts were NVI Co-Directors, Michael Beer and Sami Awad.

Our guests included NVI Board Chair Rafif Jouejati, co-founder of FREE Syria, and the principal architect of the Syrian Freedom Charter project and Noura Salam from Sweida.  Nour Salam is a field coordinator and content creator at Baytna, is also a member of the Syrian Women’s Political Movement. They shared their thoughts—and those of the people they represent - on what rebuilding the nation and fostering reconciliation, unity, and justice looks like. This discussion shed light on the paths to recovery and the steps needed to ensure sustainable stability, dignity, and hope for millions of Syrians.

This webinar was a unique opportunity to gain deep insights from sources who have played an important part in the struggle against tyranny and who offered valuable knowledge so you, as part of the global family committed to peace and justice, can contribute to Syria’s bright future. 

 

For more information please feel free to contact us at [email protected]

The Application of Nonviolence International’s Tactical Framework in "All Rise"

The Application of Nonviolence International’s Tactical Framework in "All Rise"

Introduction

The publication "All Rise: Judicial Resistance in Poland" by Marcin Mrowicki highlights the strategic and organized resistance of Polish judges against authoritarian encroachments on judicial independence. Using the Nonviolence International Tactical Database as a foundation, this work demonstrates the power of nonviolent tactics in preserving democracy and judicial autonomy. Below, we detail the integration of our framework, key outcomes of the resistance, and its broader implications, along with a call to action for further engagement with our tactical database.

Integration of Nonviolent Tactics Framework

The publication represents a significant milestone in the application of Nonviolence International’s Tactical Database. By categorizing judicial resistance actions such as public demonstrations, digital campaigns, and legal challenges, the framework provides a comprehensive lens to analyze these efforts. This integration underscores the database’s versatility, offering insights into how nonviolent tactics can effectively safeguard institutional independence.

Catalyzing Broader Resistance Movements

Marcin Mrowicki’s use of the Nonviolence International Tactical Database demonstrates how these tactics extend beyond grassroots movements to professional and institutional settings. Actions such as acts of omission, commission, and expression mobilized solidarity among judges, lawyers, and civil society, forming a united resistance against systemic authoritarianism.

Lessons for Pro-Democracy Movements

The publication illuminates the adaptability of nonviolent resistance in challenging political climates. Polish judges, faced with systemic threats to their independence, strategically employed tactics that disrupted authoritarian agendas while safeguarding democratic principles. These insights serve as a valuable resource for pro-democracy movements worldwide, illustrating how even nontraditional actors like the judiciary can lead impactful resistance.

Impact of Judicial Resistance

The resistance actions detailed in All Rise had profound national and international repercussions. They catalyzed European Union interventions, including financial penalties against the Polish government, and inspired solidarity across borders. Ultimately, these efforts contributed to the electoral defeat of the ruling Law and Justice Party in 2023, demonstrating the long-term impact of organized nonviolent resistance.

Specific Case Examples

Polish judges employed tactics like the "Chain of Lights" protests, where citizens and legal professionals came together to defend the judiciary, and resistance to the "Muzzle Law," which aimed to silence dissenting judges. These actions not only showcased the creative application of nonviolent resistance but also underscored the importance of judicial independence as a democratic cornerstone.

Broader Implications for Global Movements

The publication provides actionable lessons for global movements facing authoritarianism. It emphasizes that judicial independence is not merely a legal principle but a vital pillar of democracy. The tactics and outcomes described in All Rise offer inspiration and guidance for activists, civil society groups, and legal professionals worldwide.

Acknowledgment of the Tactical Database

The Nonviolence International Tactical Database proved instrumental in structuring the resistance analyzed in this publication. Its framework not only enabled effective categorization but also empowered judges and their allies to design impactful strategies. This validation highlights the database’s role as a foundational tool for resistance planning and analysis.

Call to Action

We invite readers to explore the Nonviolence International Tactical Database to discover how nonviolent tactics can be adapted to diverse contexts. Whether you are an activist, scholar, or professional, the database offers a wealth of knowledge and a platform to contribute your insights or case studies. Together, we can expand its scope and continue to support nonviolent resistance worldwide.

Read the whole publication here: All Rise: Judicial Resistance in Poland

The Future of Unarmed Civilian Protection in Palestine and Western Sahara

Global Civilian Intervention to Colonial Occupation – Webinar 

International intervention is being requested by Palestinian and Saharawi groups to help protect them from the violent occupiers.  The US and most European States support or acquiesce to the Israel and Morocco illegal occupations and their repression of the residents. To fill the vacuum, international groups and tourists are helping.   Are you interested in learning and maybe even being part of the historic and ongoing efforts of unarmed solidarity and civilian protection in Palestine and Western Sahara?On Thursday, November 21, we hosted a powerful and inspiring webinar exploring unarmed civilian protection (UCP) efforts in the occupied territories of Palestine and Western Sahara. Experts and activists shared firsthand insights into the critical role of international solidarity in supporting self-determination and defending human rights. 📺 Missed it?

The discussion addressed the challenges of colonial occupation, settler violence, and repression faced by Palestinians and Saharawis, as well as how international groups are stepping up to fill the vacuum left by state inaction. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of the decades-long movements in these regions and explored ways to engage in these historic efforts.

Our distinguished panel included:

  • Huwaida Arraf (International Solidarity Movement & Freedom Flotilla)
  • Mel Duncan (UCP Palestine – an NVI project)
  • Mahmoud Zawahre (Palestinian Human Rights Defender)
  • Wynd Kaufmyn (International Solidarity Movement & Western Sahara UCP)
  • Khattari Elbaillal (Western Sahara Information Center)
  • Daniel Roth (Center for Jewish Nonviolence)

We delved into parallels between the Israeli Apartheid Wall in Palestine and Morocco’s 2,700km-long occupation wall in Western Sahara, emphasizing the importance of applying principles of self-determination and human rights universally.

Join us in amplifying the voices of the oppressed and advancing the global movement for justice and solidarity!

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