June 7, 2019

Congress introduces bipartisan Partnership Fund for Peace Act

The Alliance for Middle East Peace applauds Senators Chris Coons, Lindsey Graham, Tim Kaine, Cory Gardner, and Representatives Nita Lowey and Jeff Fortenberry on the introduction of The Partnership Fund for Peace Act of 2019 (S 1727 and HR 3104).

This legislation establishes a Partnership Fund for Peace in order to improve economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, furthering shared community-building, peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians with the aim of preserving the possibility of a two-state solution.

The Alliance for Middle East Peace (ALLMEP) has been campaigning for the concept of an International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace for over a decade and we are profoundly grateful to Senators Coons, Graham, Kaine, and Gardner and Representatives Lowey and Fortenberry for leading the development of bipartisan legislation that marks the latest milestone in the implementation of this goal.

By supporting and investing in people-to-people programs and economic cooperation on such a significant scale–within the context of preserving the Two-State Solution–and making every effort to seek additional contributions for the Fund from Middle Eastern countries, Europe, and the rest of the International Community, the U.S. and its partners will ensure that these efforts impact the lives of millions of Israelis and Palestinians.

ALLMEP has gathered a historically broad and diverse coalition behind these efforts and has worked closely with Yadin Kaufmann to spearhead the advocacy leading to the introduction of the Partnership Fund.

ALLMEP’s outgoing Executive Director Joel Braunold comments: “Learning from successful models of the past, Congress has taken the bold step of ensuring that building peace from the ground up will no longer be treated as a mere afterthought within a larger political process. Congressional leadership has been vital for the entire people-to-people community, allocating over $100 million to grassroots efforts over the past decade. The Fund is the next logical step on the journey, learning from what has worked and what we need to do to ensure that we are laying the foundations for a peace based on the values we share rather than the people we fear.”

John Lyndon, ALLMEP’s European Director and incoming Executive Director added “At a moment when important norms around resolution of this conflict are being eroded, and dehumanizing and violent attitudes—most markedly among the young—are growing, this is a critical ‘win’ for our community, and its collective mission to counter such trends. We are grateful to Congressional leaders for providing some of the resources and support necessary in that mission. We will be working with key partners in Europe and elsewhere, with the aim of ensuring genuine global partnership is embedded in the Fund, amplifying its impact and lasting legacy for millions of Israelis and Palestinians.”

The Congressional press release can be found here

House Bill: H.R. 3104 – Partnership Fund  for Peace Act of 2019

Senate Bill: S.1727 – Partnership Fund for Peace Act of 2019

Press: 

Ha’aretz: U.S. Lawmakers Push Bipartisan Bill for $50 Million in Palestinian Aid, Coexistence Programs

Jerusalem Post: Congress introduces bill to fund Israeli-Palestinian peace projects

JTA: AIPAC and J Street support bipartisan effort to restore funds for Israeli-Palestinian peace dialogue

Globes: US economic aid bill for Palestinians proposed

Support for the Partnership Fund for Peace Act: 

AIPAC

Alliance for Peacebuilding

American Jewish Committee

Americans for Peace Now, J Street, T’ruah, Ameinu, New Israel Fund, Jewish Labor Committee, Partners for Progressive Israel, Hashomer Hatzair, and National Council of Jewish Women

Anti-Defamation League

Boston Partners for Peace

Churches for Middle East Peace

Kids4Peace

Israel Policy Forum

Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston

Jewish Council for Public Affairs

Jewish Federations of North America

Oasis of Peace – Wahat al-Salam – Neve Shalom UK

Parents Circle-Families Forum

Photo Credit: Jacquelyn Martin, AP

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