ALLMEP’s Ambassadors’ Council: 

Supporting Peacebuilders, Deepening Impact and Advancing the International Fund

As violence once again escalates in Israel-Palestine and the wider Middle East, ALLMEP has launched its new Ambassadors’ Council, a new body bringing together leaders from the diplomacy, policymaking and philanthropy from around the world. With the aim of elevating the role and centrality of civil society peacebuilding at a critical moment for the region. The Council was introduced this week at a breakfast in London as Israeli and Palestinian peacebuilders across ALLMEP’s network of more than 200 organizations continue working to support communities under fire, refusing to accept the cycle of violence as inevitable.

The launch comes amid renewed escalation in the region. Israelis and Palestinians peacebuilders find themselves navigating the devastatingly familiar reality of war: rushing to shelters, checking on loved ones, and bracing for the next alert. Whilst peacebuilders are showing resilience,  the inequalities that continue to define the region are laid bare once again: Gaza’s humanitarian crisis worsens with prolonged crossing closures; Palestinian communities face escalating settler violence in the West Bank and have little or no access to shelters across the region. You can read more about what our members are doing on the ground during this war to address this reality and help at risk communities here.

This week, the landmark inaugural event of the International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace was meant to gather Israeli and Palestinian peacebuilders and international diplomats in London, under the auspices of the Foreign Secretary, the Rt Hon Yvette Cooper. ALLMEP has championed the International Fund for the past 17 years, and is proud to have partnered with the UK government as they bring together grassroots leaders and policymakers for this historic event – demonstrating how civil society peacebuilding can transform realities on the ground and how an International Fund could scale that work. While the conference has been postponed due to the outbreak of war, we look forward to it being rescheduled at the soonest possible opportunity, while all efforts are made to end this war that is devastating the region. 

Yet, it is vital that we do not allow violence to exert an absolute  veto on the efforts of peacebuilders. Which is why it was all the more important to bring together a group of supporters in London to launch our Ambassadors Council.

ALLMEP is honored to announce its inaugural chair of the board, Sir Mick Davis, alongside its three UK members: the Rt Hon Alistair Burt, Elizabeth Harris-Sawczenko, OBE and Maysa Baransi.

At a moment when civil society peacebuilding must receive greater strategic centrality and resourcing, this new body of former diplomats, statespeople, and thought leaders will help ensure that Israeli and Palestinian peacebuilders are seen, heard, and amplified. As Sir Mick stated at the launch: “Very rarely do politicians lead ‘the street’. They see what’s happening in the street, and follow. We need to create the street that politicians can follow.” 

Over the past two years – during one of the most devastating chapters in the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict – ALLMEP has worked with urgency to support its 200+ members and ensure they are recognized as essential partners in any viable diplomatic pathway. 

The Ambassadors Council is designed to build on this momentum by elevating the importance of civil society-led peacebuilding, providing strategic counsel, and lending their voice and stature at key moments that advance the mission of the International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace and the broader field. 

Together, we discussed the work being done on the ground and in capitals around the world to advance security, dignity, and peace for all in the region. As the Rt Hon Alistair Burt, who served as the UK’s Minister for the Middle East under two different governments stated: “It is no longer enough simply to end one conflict without successfully tackling the other regional issues which only blow up again- it’s like a jigsaw-the whole picture needs fixed. And one area of real hope is this one, where people get together, and demonstrate what a difference amongst peoples can look like. This is why I’ve supported ALLMEP and this International Fund initiative for so long”.

ALLMEP will hold additional gatherings this year – including in the Middle East, Europe, and the United States – as we expand the Council internationally, announcing additional global leaders who will join the effort, and champion the work of Israeli and Palestinian civil society. 

Introducing ALLMEP’s Inaugural Chair and UK members of the Ambassadors Council:

Sir Mick Davis – Inaugural Chair 

Sir Mick Davis is the co-founder of the London Initiative, a former CEO of the Conservative Party, and past chairman of the Jewish Leadership Council. He has long been a prominent leader in business, philanthropy, and Jewish communal life, and a strong advocate for Israel’s democratic future and for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Through the London Initiative, he has encouraged constructive engagement from the Jewish diaspora in supporting Israel’s democratic character and the values of equality and inclusion, highlighting the responsibility and opportunity for diaspora communities to support a future where Israelis and Palestinians can live with dignity, rights, and security.

The Rt Hon Alistair Burt – UK Member 

The Rt Hon Alistair Burt, the former UK Minister for the Middle East, has been a longstanding supporter of this effort. In 2018, Alistair helped make the UK the first country to endorse the International Fund, and has continued to champion the initiative since leaving government – writing and speaking about its importance, including during Foreign Affairs Committee evidence sessions and in public commentary.

Maysa Baransi – UK Member

Maysa Baransi, one of ALLMEP’s first board members, is a passionate social entrepreneur from East Jerusalem with more than 20 years of experience in business development across high-tech and civil society. Her social-impact ventures have been recognized internationally and have received numerous awards. Living between Palestine and the UK, Maysa has been involved in the peacebuilding field from a young age and has continued to support many of ALLMEP’s members and our strategic work, particularly within Palestinian communities.

Elizabeth Harris-Sawczenko, OBE – UK Member

Elizabeth Harris-Sawczenko, OBE is an advisor specializing in interfaith engagement, community cohesion, and conflict resolution. Her critical work has led to her receiving an award from the Archbishop of Canterbury in official recognition of her contribution to positive interfaith relationships both in the UK and in Israel. She continues to advise and support initiatives that foster dialogue, understanding, and collaborative action between communities in Israel-Palestine and the UK.