Calling All Activists - Join Us on the Ground in Palestine!

international | miscellaneous | press release Wednesday December 08, 2010 02:38 by Palestine Solidarity Project palestineproject at gmail dot com

Join the Palestine Solidarity Project in Beit Ommar, Palestine, and become part of the growing international movement to support Palestinian non-violent resistance. We are in need of volunteers to join us this winter and spring as we struggle to end the Israeli occupation in all its forms and to promote justice and self-determination for the Palestinian people. We have a wide range of programs lined up for the next few months, and are in need of dedicated, enthusiastic volunteers to help make our goals a reality.

Activists Pull Down Settlement Fence in Beit Ommar, Palestine

This winter we will be planting 3,000 trees in the Saffa region of Beit Ommar. The land in Saffa has been destroyed by settler attacks, and is now under threat of annexation by the neighboring Bat Ayn settlement. By planting on Palestinian land marked for annexation we hope to deter settlement expansion and support farmers as they remain steadfast on their land.

We will also continue to support the Beit Ommar National Committee Against the Wall and Settlements in their weekly demonstrations against the Karmei Tsur settlement. In addition, we are supporting the Center for Freedom and Justice in a variety of programs, including English lessons, media classes, and workshops. Several new microeconomic development projects are also in the works, including several new greenhouses and a honey bee colony . And of course we are continuing to support the Beit Ommar women’s embroidery cooperative, promoting women’s economic self-sufficiency.

Guidelines for Being a PSP Volunteer:

1. You should be over the age of 18.
2. You should agree to our principles (see below)
3. You must go through our training (held in Beit Ommar)
4. It is recommended that you have prior activist experience in non-violent direct action, but if you don’t, come ready to learn!

Our Principles:

* All internationals agree to respect traditional Palestinian culture. For example, internationals will dress appropriately (long-sleeves, no shorts or skirts, loose-fitting), not engage in sexual activity, drink alcohol or use drugs while volunteering with PSP.
* We must agree to be led by our Palestinian committee. Your views, ideas, and creativity are wanted and needed; but final decisions about what actions or activities we make are decided by the Palestinian committee.
* We agree to respect each other at all times. We as internationals agree not to act in racist, sexist, homophobic or xenophobic ways, even if we encounter these behaviors within Palestinian society.
* We agree that our purpose in joining PSP is to be of service to Palestinian communities in resistance. We are willing to put the needs of the Palestinian communities ahead of our personal projects or aims when possible.
* We must be committed to using only non-violent methods to demonstrate. This means not using aggressive physical force against anyone.

Prospective volunteers should visit our website to get a better sense for the work we do: http://palestinesolidarityproject.org/. If after visiting our website and looking over our guidelines and principles you think the Palestine Solidarity Project is right for you, please fill out our questionnaire at http://palestinesolidarityproject.org/join/questionnaire/.

See you in Palestine,
The PSP Crew