Commissioned by BICOM, a landmark study by Dr. Ned Lazarus finds that grassroots Israeli-Palestinian peacebuilding projects are a vital missing element in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
In the report, peacebuilding expert Dr. Lazarus illustrates how grassroots projects not only work but are incredibly important in the long-term push for peace.
The report is the most comprehensive study on the value of grassroots peacebuilding efforts in the region to date, and, after 20 years of studying relations in the area, Dr. Lazarus is able to give clear recommendations for funders and practitioners wanting to aid the peace process in the region.
Key findings in the report conclude that peacebuilding projects change policy, peacebuilding creates trust between the two peoples, and policy makers should learn from the Northern Ireland peace process as a model for efforts between Israel and Palestine. Furthermore, Dr. Lazarus concludes the necessity of financial support and recommends the launch of an International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace. ALLMEP has been advocating for this concept as an essential part of a sustainable peace process.
In a statement on the report, BICOM’s chief executive, James Sorene stated:
“This report establishes the clear evidence base that investment in peace building projects changes attitudes and recruits the peace activists of the future. Both are the vital missing ingredients for a successful negotiated resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and public support for its implementation. The evidence is compelling and the need is clear. This report is a wakeup call for the UK Government and its partners around the world to increase their investments in dialogue and peacebuilding projects in Israel and the West Bank.”
Read more about this landmark study:
Jewish News: Peace process in N. Ireland informs new Israel-Palestine coexistence report
BICOM: James Sorene on BBC World Service Update
Prospect: “One more heave” doesn’t work: we need a new peace paradigm for the Middle East
Fathom: A future for Israeli-Palestinian peacebuilding
The Jerusalem Post: Can N. Ireland peace model solve conflict here?
Photo Credit: REUTERS
