ALLMEP convened more than fifty Palestinian and Israeli peacebuilders and their supporters in Washington, DC for Annual Advocacy Day
Last week, the Alliance for Middle East Peace convened more than fifty Palestinian and Israeli peacebuilders and their supporters in Washington, DC, to engage with USAID officials, Congressional and Senate offices, various foreign embassies, the State Department, and the White House.
Peacebuilders meet with Senator Ed Markey on March 5, 2024
Meetings highlighted recent data demonstrating the effectiveness of people-to-people initiatives, insights into the realities on the ground, and specific opportunities and challenges that the peacebuilding field is currently facing. Centering the voices of Palestinians and Israelis, the group made concrete requests of policymakers including urging them to work for a ceasefire and hostage release deal, a multilateral diplomatic process that centers civil society peacebuilding, and to double funding for the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act (MEPPA) to $100 million annually.
The peacebuilding field is critical to maintaining stability and preventing further escalations of violence in the region, and these efforts must be supported to create a critical mass of individuals and groups supporting peace. Investing in and coordinating civil society peacebuilding efforts at this moment is crucial for rebuilding trust and humanization between Israeli and Palestinian civilians – both of whom are traumatized from this watershed moment in their view of the other.
A heartfelt appreciation goes out to the offices who met our community. Their support is vital to foster genuine possibilities for peace in the region.
Peacebuilders meet with Minority Whip, Congresswoman Katherine Clark
ALLMEP remains dedicated to amplifying the narratives of peacebuilders working on the ground. Their continuous efforts aim to shape a more peaceful and equitable reality for both Israelis and Palestinians. Our community is grateful for Congress’ continued bipartisan support for MEPPA and for their support of the peacebuilding community at this challenging time.
