For decades, people all over the world have been inspired by the creative, bold, and loving nonviolent example of Nonviolence International’s founder Mubarak Awad. After being expelled from his home in Palestine, Mubarak has lived in the United States. The Israeli government didn’t know what to do with his impactful nonviolent activism, but even exile could not stop this force of nature.
While he is celebrated widely among those who follow movements for either active nonviolence or Palestinian humanity, many of his neighbors have been unaware of his impact. As one small and meaningful step towards correcting the record, his adopted hometown of Gaithersburg, Maryland has declared the first ever Mubarak Awad Day!
On the occasion of his 80th birthday, this August 22nd, the City Council and Mayor of Gaithersburg, in an official act of government, declare their “heartfelt gratitude” to Mubarak.
(We celebrate both Mubarak’s 80th birthday and his lifelong commitment to active nonviolence!)
Globally respected leader, Mohammed Abu-Nimer, Professor of International Peace and Conflict Resolution, celebrated and challenged all of us to make full use of this rare and precious opportunity. He said,
This is a great and well-deserved honor. All of us who have worked alongside Mubarak know of his loving spirit and creative active nonviolence. It is wonderful to have the government of Gaithersburg join us in celebrating his accomplishments.
Now the question must be asked…
How can we best celebrate Mubarak Awad Day?
I suggest three ideas that, if implemented widely, will have a real and lasting impact:
- Learn about Mubarak’s life story. You can start with this video. Then check out the links and short quotations below.
- Take Action - Tell at least two people who don’t yet know about Mubarak that we are approaching the first ever “Mubarak Awad Day” and that you are celebrating by spreading the word a) about the power of active nonviolence, b) the ongoing suffering / resistance of the Palestinian people, and c) by protecting his legacy.
- Protect his legacy by donating to NVI. Any amount would be most appreciated, but to celebrate this momentous occasion we are particularly looking to inspire large multiyear gifts that can help transform the power of the organization he founded. Together, in his honor, we must find a way to rise to the challenges before us. Consider adding NVI to your will to celebrate his legacy and make real his vision of a peaceful world where the worth and dignity of all people everywhere is protected.
(It's official! Mubarak Awad Day is coming. How will you celebrate?)
As word of this recognition spread, the NVI community reacted with overwhelming joy.
Mubarak inspired many people who inspired others and thus the ripples of his impact spread.
(Read these powerful testimonials and then keep scrolling so you don't miss the fun photos, impressive links, and the under 2 minute video where a young leader explains how meeting Mubarak changed her life.)
Basp Bayingana Simon Peter, Ugandan Solidarity leader, wrote, "Thank you Mubarak for all the efforts in founding NVI which has been the engine in supporting social movements and activists across the world in waging against various forms of systemic injustices."
Daniel Roth, Executive Director of our wonderful partner Center for Jewish Nonviolence, declared, "Mubarak, we are celebrating you today! Your example has been an inspiration to generations of activists - including me - and you're work has had profound impact on so many people around the world. Thank you for everything you have done, taught us, and for all that you will do in the years to come! Happy birthday, Mubarak!"
Mazin Qumsiyeh, Founder, Palestine Museum of Natural History, shared, " I have known Mubarak for >25 years. I wrote about him and his work in my book on Popular Resistance in Palestine. I once told him he is like many prophets: more appreciated outside of their own communities. He just shrugged it off with his usual humility and kindness."
George Lakey, legendary nonviolent activist and trainer, said, "Huge thanks, Mubarak, for giving us such a warm and human example of what courage looks like. I'm one of the many you've inspired."
Rivera Sun, acclaimed author and nonviolence trainer, wrote, "Mubarak's steadfast commitment to justice and nonviolence is an inspiration to so many from all corners of the globe, from all walks of life. I am grateful for all that he brings to our troubled world.
Jamila Raqib, Executive Director of the Albert Einstein Institution (the group carrying on Gene Sharp's work), said, "I’ve had the great pleasure of crossing paths with Mubarak numerous times over the years as a beneficiary of his decades-long friendship with Gene Sharp. Mubarak is truly one of a kind - an inspiring, wise, committed teacher of nonviolent resistance, and a friend and supporter to so many of us. During the Celebrating Palestinian Nonviolent Resistance Conference in Bethlehem in 2005, he made sure to highlight and promote diverse voices, including mine as a young woman new to the work. He encouraged me to take the stage to present to an audience filled with my nonviolent heroes, an experience that shaped the work I’ve done since then, and one that will stay with me. Mubarak, thank you for your friendship and support to Gene, to the Albert Einstein Institution, and to me. Looking forward to continuing to learn from you and to be inspired by you for many years to come."
Rev. Amy Yoder McGloughlin, leader with our amazing partner, the US Advisory Committee for Hebron International Resource Network, wrote, "Thank you for all the ways you have modelled nonviolence in the Palestinian struggle for liberation. Your example inspires and challenges us all."
Michael Conklin, 3d Thursdays for Palestine advocacy group, said, "We seek the peace that surpasses all understanding as we embrace the darkest hours before the dawn. With Gratitude for Mubarak’s legacy."
Peter Weinberger, NVI Board member, told us, "Mubarak has been a mentor and friend to me for almost 30 years. I am deeply grateful for his constant encouragement and support. I am happy to celebrate this day in his honor."
Sami Awad, founder of our impressive partner Holy Land Trust, said, "It is without a doubt that if it was not for Mubarak, I would not be who I am now. He is the one that introduced me to the power of nonviolent resistance and I loved joining and participating in the activities he held, but there was a bigger reason why I even started joining the actions he was leading in the early 80's in Palestine when he opened the Palestinian Center for the Study of Nonviolence. He had a red motorcycle that he would have me ride on the back of when he went to many of these actions. I was the only 12 year old I know who had such a cool uncle. So yes, the motorcycle had a big part to do with it as well."
Oriel Eisner, On-the-Ground Organizing Director CJNV, wrote, "Happy Birthday Mubarak! Eid Milad Saeed! It's an honor and privilege to be connected to you in this work. You are an inspiration!"
Adam Shapiro, co-founder of the International Solidarity Movement, said, "Deep appreciation for you, Mubarak, and your strength in pursuing nonviolent resistance from Palestine to the world. You have been an inspiration to me and have always been grateful for the opportunity to have learned from you."
Katherine Hughes Fraitekh, Director of our awesome partner Solidarity 2020 and Beyond, shared, "Dear Mubarak, you were a seminal part of my life and key to my understanding of nonviolent resistance. I tried to visit you during my first trip to Palestine on a delegation during the First Intifada, but the Israelis were terrified of your power and the power of the nonviolent struggle in Palestine that you were helping train and lead, so they deported you. When I got back to Washington, DC, I contacted you and interviewed you for my Masters Thesis on The Palestinian Intifada as a Model Nonviolent Movement for Self Determination. I've followed your work ever since and so appreciate your lifelong commitment to peace with justice in Palestine and many other communities and NVI's fiscal sponsorship of Solidarity 2020 and Beyond! Happy 80th birthday!!"
Asna Husin, Former Director of NVI-Indonesia, said, "Mubarak is a man of generosity and great insights. He helps everyone who approaches him for assistance. His words are always soothing and insightful. He was once on the island of Sabang in Aceh for advanced mediation training for young Ulama leaders of Aceh. After patiently listening to their difficult experience of Aceh conflict (1976-2005), and how they had to convince young Acehnese not to get guns to fight the Indonesian military, Mubarak shared his own experience living in the Israeli occupied Palestine. He also informed them how he started his nonviolent movement. The Ulama leaders could not believe what he went through during his years in Palestine. One leader said to him: “Our experience is nothing compared to yours. Yet, you are so forgiving and hopeful.” Mubarak reminded his audience that your religion Islam teaches forgiveness and your Allah is al-Rahman (Most Compassionate, Most Forgiving). “We have the ability for unlimited forgiveness. It is our strength and not our weakness.” Regarding hope Mubarak said then: “Hope is a delightful dream, it strengthens our spirits and soul.”
Saeed URI, former NVI Intern, wrote, "Your commitment to nonviolence and faith in humanity has had a profound impact on the world. The success of the organizations you've led is clear, but it is the change you catalyze in every individual you interact with that is remarkable. Happy Birthday!"
Michael Nagler, founder of the Metta Center for Nonviolence, shared, "Dear Mubarak, I am indebted to you -- like everyone on the planet! -- for your tireless witness. There's a Jewish myth about 69 people whose justice keeps G_d from destroying the world. You are one of them!"
Sandra Schwartz, Former Office Manager, said, "I only worked for NVI for a little over a year, but your story, your courage, and your kindness have never left me. Thank you for your never ending quest for a just peace for Palestine and Israel. Your tenacity and faith that there is an answer even in the darkest times, help to give me hope for a better world."
Frederick and Laura Ann Zahn, wrote, "Birthday greetings to Mubarak from the Zahns as we are Blessed to know your mother's prayers and faith live today. Blessed to know you by way of your big brother, Bishara. Blessed to witness the strength of the NVI ministry. Blessed to learn from your vision of peace for God's children, Blessed to have celebrated your return to Bethlehem. Blessed to have had you share with our mission team."
Edy Kaufman, Retired Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies, shared, " Jonathan Kuttab and myself joined you yesterday celebrating Mubarak Awad and wishing him a long, active and healthy life. The nicest way to remember him was when Jonathan to me read chapter 15 of his wonderful life story aloud, where Mubarak - as usual- is challenging authority, Israeli or anywhere else. So our best wishes to him, Nancy and to all of his good friends like you who have helped him build dreams and realities."
Rand Engel, Former Director of Balkan Sunflowers, wrote, "Mubarak, happy birthday! Thank you for a life of profound service, for being a fearless avatar of decency and justice, while at the same time a personal model of humility. Thank you again for your visit to a Balkan Sunflowers Learning Center in 2010."
Elin Ross, former NVI staff, said, "I think of Mubarak (or MEA as we always referenced him at NVI!-) almost daily as I make my own decisions as a leader...not that we would make the same choices every time but as a touchstone to remind me to consider different perspectives. This is his gift, you don't have to agree with him, having him in your life simply means that he comes to mind regularly and his lessons challenge you to be open to the possibility of alternatives. I also have to think about him every year because we are birthday twins!-) Happiest of birthdays to a mentor, a leader and ultimately a friend."
Larry Zweig wrote, "Nonviolence creates REAL power ... sometimes Silence creates the LOUDEST explosions."
Dr. E. James Rajasekaran said, "The present world needs leaders like Mubarak to spread the message of peace as in many parts of the world, people face destruction which totally wipeout peace in the society on the whole."
Jenny Thomas wrote, "So thankful for the work and influence of Nonviolence International and Mubarak’s vision and courage!"
Jennifer Duskey said, "Thank you for all the help you gave Mennonite Church USA with our resolution to work for peace and justice in Israel-Palestine. Happy birthday!"
Roseanne Weinstein wrote, "So many memories-So long ago…..Always believed he was special."
Fr. Harry J Bury told us, "When I was abducted in Gaza in 2005, it was followers of Mubarak who got me free."
Genie Silver shared, "I have not met Mubarak but from what I’ve seen and read it’s clear he’s a very kind and humble person who practices nonviolent civil disobedience as the only way to gain freedom, justice and peace for the Palestinian people in their homeland and everywhere. As a psychologist and professor he practices and teaches how to make lives better and to help those in pain. We need more people like Mubarak in the world."
Elizabeth Yates wrote, "I am acquainted with some of the Awad family in Bethlehem. I appreciate especially the non-violent resistance. I work personally with Daoud Nassar and family on behalf of their Bethlehem farm the Tent of Nations. God bless you as your work continues."
Tom Getman, Former Senate staffer and Palestine NGO director/and Geneva UN humanitarian representative, shared, "I owe a huge debt to Mubarak for two reasons. 1. He brings a strong sense of the Spirit of Peace's presence and courage whenever he is in a room where some of us are gathered for advocacy for all suffering and oppressed people. But especially he strengthens us with his wisdom for the sake of Palestinians under the heavy hand of Apartheid in Israel-Palestine. And 2. Mubarak's relationship in the visit to Palestine with our mutual friend Desmond Tutu led The Arch to speak a dart of fire to me at my presence at the liberation of the last segregated beach in South Africa. He said, ""You are now dismissed from working in South Africa with my thanks for the anti-apartheid legislation/law and prayerful non-violent participation. But we are now on our feet with Madiba soon to be freed. If you really want to prove your bona fides on human rights and that of the NGOs with whom you work you must turn your eyes to the Palestinians who are suffering more than we ever have." That was the word of authority inspired by Mubarak's hosting The Arch that changed my life and that of my family for the last 35 years including my wife and I working in Palestine and striving in the UN for peace with justice. Shukran ekter Alhann Wah Salaan, Mubarak and Nancy."
Karim Crow, Former Director NVI's Islam and Peace Program, wrote, "Dr Mubarak Awad has been a notable influence upon myself. It was through my father Professor Ralph Crow that I first met Mubarak and Nancy, in 1989 when my parents moved to Washington DC from Beirut, and Ralph began participating in activities of Nonviolence International. (Ralph had worked with Mubarak before when he helped organize the first conference on nonviolent action in the Arab world in Amman (Jordan) in the late '70s.) From 1996 til 1999 I directed the program on 'Islam & Peace' at NVI, and made several extended journeys with Mubarak to MENA to promote our initiative. One incident made a lasting impression : around 1997 Mubarak and myself flew from Istanbul to Tel Aviv, with Mubarak carrying a number of delicate glass globes and vases crafted in Turkey that he intended to give as gifts to relatives and friends in Palestine. After we cleared passport control, collected our bags, and were on our way out of the airport, we were stopped by security police who questioned us about where we had been. One of them demanded to see the packages Mubarak was carrying, carefully wrapped in bubble wrap and paper for protection. He took each one and placed it on the ground and stamped his boot crushing it into small pieces. I watched incredulously one by one, and grew angry. I started to protest at this gross abuse obviously intended to humiliate him personally, but Mubarak grabbed my shoulder and said, "Its all right, let it go." I saw his face smiling in controlled emotion : I saw nonviolence in action. We never spoke about it again. Mubarak Awad -- while others complain of injustices yet shrug helplessly, He says: "Let's Do something, Let's try this..." May you celebrate your 80th in love and joy, and always keep Hope alive in your heart ! Praying for your health and good spirits, my dear friend."
Rusty Nelson said, "In 1988, I joined the late Kathleen Donahoe on the staff of the Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane. Having only heard Mubarak on NPR interviews, I was surprised she had the temerity to invite him to speak in Spokane and amazed that he came and interacted with our emerging activists and rigid skeptics in homes and classrooms, 5 to 10 persons at a time. Many of us were just beginning to comprehend the scope of the Palestinian struggle and the capacity of nonviolent action. Accompanying Mubarak on this little tour gave me a crash course in peace advocacy, something I really needed as my wife Nancy and I would lead PJALS for 20 years. I hope there are times I employed the patience, tact, and care Mubarak demonstrated during that visit. He remains among my tiny pantheon of heroes."
Sucy Varughese wrote, "Your zeal for Palestinian Justice, Freedom and Dignity is inspirational."
Karsten Mathiasen said, "Huge thanks, Mubarak, for giving us such a warm and human example of what courage looks like. I'm one of the many you've inspired."
Laura Barnitz, NVI's First Staff person, wrote, "I was studying international relations and peace and conflict resolution at American University when I met Mubarak who had just recently been exiled by the Israeli Government. In those days the first Intifada was beginning to take shape, and the parade of leaders and activists who visited him was impressive but more so was his consistent, kind treatment of everyone, even those who were not practicing nonviolence. Mubarak's perseverance and ability to not take himself too seriously were life lessons I am forever grateful for, but most of all I treasure his genuine friendship. Happy Birthday!
John Salzberg said, "Happy birthday, Mubarak! In appreciation for your valient efforts in advocating Palestinian human rights!"
Betty Sitka, Former NVI staff, wrote, "Mubarak Awad expanded my worldview and empowered me to believe that I can make an impact on the world! I am so grateful for his dedication to freedom and liberty, to his belief in the capacity of humanity to share love and light as a way to heal ourselves! His dedicated friendship with Prof. Abdul Aziz Said of AU compounded his impact on countless, teaching the next generation about possibilities of Nonviolence! I adore you and thank you!!!"
Stellan Vinthagen, Endowed Chair in the Study of Nonviolent Direct Action and Civil Resistance, said, "For me Mubarak has been a role model and inspiration since the 1980s, literally showing how spreading research, training and knowledge about nonviolent resistance to a population that suffer under domination and occupation, can be a a great source of mobilization, resistance and hope. It is a clear sign of the importance of Mubarak's work that Israel felt forced to throw him out of Palestine. That, however, did not stop him, instead he escalated his work from the US and on an international level, continuing to have an impact on new generations of nonviolent freedom fighters. To me Mubarak embodies the Palestinian "steadfastness" or Sumud. When I then finally met him 2016 at a conference on nonviolent activism in the US, it was a huge honor. During a dinner I told him about my admiration of his work, but he was not very interested in hearing about that. Instead he responded in a characteristic humble and respectful way, giving me a Palestinian keffiyeh as a sign of his appreciation of my solidarity work for Palestinians through the Freedom Flotilla to Gaza. It is people like Mubarak who make it possible to imagine a new world."
Imad-ad-Dean Ahmad, President, Minaret of Freedom Institute, wrote, "Whenever anyone asks,'When will the Palestinians have a Martin Luther King (or a Gandhi)?', I answer we have many, foremost among them being Mubarak Awad."
Joe Eldridge said, "Mubarak has had his eyes firmly fixed on simple fairness for his people all his life - an effective and determined advocate who has bent the moral arc of the universe toward justice. There should be a Mubarak decade."
John Mbaziira wrote, "The unfortunate bit is having not had an opportunity before to interact with Mubarak himself. Still, the good news is that I have been mentored and groomed in Nonviolence and civil resistance by the people whom Mubarak inspired and nurtured, and by their confessions, I believe the values, principles, and discipline which I have carried on and continue to carry would be no different from what I would take if I were to get that opportunity to be mentored by him. Thank you, Mubarak, for inspiring the world, we celebrate you. Happy Birthday!"
David Ritchie said, "Mubarak, my friend, your life is an inspiration to all who hope to make the world a better place. Thank you for all you have done for humanity."
Alyn Ware, Global Coordinator for Parliamentarians for Nuclear Nonproliferation and Disarmament, wrote, "In his words and actions Mubarak Awad has demonstrated not only that "the pen is mightier than the sword", but also that the "heart is stronger than the fist" and that peace is the true and inherent essence of humanity - not war. In difficult times - when fear, hate, nationalism and armed violence fill the media channels, it is vitally important to dispel this with the positive examples and power of non-violence advanced by Mubarak Awad and other non-violent champions."
Max Obuszewski, Peace Activist said, "While Mubarak was expelled, I did visit his nonviolence center in Palestine while on a human rights visit in the mid-1980s. May his vision last through the ages."
Lynnea Bylund wrote, "On the auspicious occasion of Mubarak Awad's 80th birthday, we in harmony with the nonviolent community celebrate and pay tribute to his lifelong dedication to the principles of nonviolence. Often hailed as today's Gandhi and King for the Palestinian people, Mubarak Awad's enduring commitment to peaceful activism has left an indelible mark on hearts worldwide. His powerful example, born from a spirit unyielding even in the face of adversity, continues to inspire generations, reminding us all that love and compassion are forces capable of remarkable change. As we join in commemorating the first ever Mubarak Awad Day, declared by his adopted hometown of Gaithersburg, Maryland, we convey our deepest gratitude for his extraordinary contributions to fostering a more just and harmonious world. Happy 80th birthday, Mubarak Awad!"
Pastor Carolyn Morton, Poor People's Campaign leader in Alabama, said, "Thank you! Mr. Mubarak Awad, for sharing the blessings of your teachings and faith through wisdom of study on Nonviolence and resistant Nonviolent as well. And social justice movement and humanity around the country! I am a faith leader, a Activist, peace maker,and a Peace Builder, social justice Activist! My heart and doing this work in the community combined 15 years on behalf of Samford Commnity Outreach Nonviolence Movement! I Celebrate you and Congratulations to you, and your proclamation! Thanks, again and Be Blessed."
David Hartsough, co-founder of Nonviolent Peaceforce and World Beyond War, wrote, "Happy Birthday Mubarak!! You have been and are a gift to our planet. Your commitment to helping people understand and realize the power of Nonviolence and nonviolent movements and spread the seeds of nonviolence in Palestine and around the world helps give us all HOPE that we can help create a world with peace and justice for all, that We Shall Overcome!"
Art Laffin, Longtime nonviolent activist, member of the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker, and co-editor of Swords Into Plowshares, said, "Mubarak, HAPPY 80th BIRTHDAY!!! I give thanks to God for the great gift of your life, your friendship, and your exemplary and courageous commitment to the way of nonviolence struggle in resistance to State-sanctioned violence, no matter the cost. Thank you for showing the world that nonviolence is the best and most meaningful way to resolve conflict! Deo Gratias for your 80 years of life and for all you have done, and continue to do, to help create a nonviolent world."
Tiffany Pache (Danitz) wrote, "I have so many fond memories of Mubarak that it is difficult to pick just one. Instead, I'll express my gratitude for teaching me to meet people where they are with patience and agape."
Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb said, "Dear Mubarak, Your article in the Fellowship about hospitality in Palestinian culture transformed my understanding of Palestinian spirituality. And seeing the intergenerational impact of your work has also been profound! Thank you for your ongoing legacy."
Please add your voice to this global celebration by filling out this simple Google Form.
Mubarak says, "Thank you to our many friends and fellow peacemakers who sent greetings for my birthday. I am very humbled and grateful to have so many friends. Your messages increased my commitment to peace and nonviolence."
(In under two minutes, Meg Wilder explains how meeting Mubarak when she was just 19 years old changed the direction of her life.)
(Even when silenced, Mubarak's powerful loving voice will be heard!)
(With a commitment to active nonviolence and justice for all, Mubarak confronts occupation forces.)
(To enjoy the great story behind this photo, please click here.)
Learn more about Mubarak's life and work at the links below.
Did you know he co-taught a course on nonviolence with a Jew in Haifa?
Here he is reflecting on his long friendship with Gene Sharp.
Along with Jonathan Kuttab, Mubarak answers tough questions asked by a Jew.
Mubarak lovingly remembers Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu.
Mubarak celebrates the life of NVI co-founder. Abdul Aziz Said.
Lessons in Nonviolent Palestinian Resistance From the First Intifada: An Interview with Mubarak Awad
Latest posts
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.
__________________________________________________________________________________
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.
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
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?
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 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 EST
The 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.
___________________________________________________________
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.
______________________________________________________________________________
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
______________________________________________________________________________________________
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
________________________________________________________________________________________________
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
____________________________________________
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
___________________________________________________________________________________
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
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
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