FRIENDS OF THE PALESTINIAN-ISRAELI PEACE COALITION (UK)

We are a group of Palestinians, Israelis and other Arabs, Muslims, Christians and Jews living in Britain who came together to find a constructive response to the current impasse in Israeli/Palestinian relations. We decided that there was a need for cooperation between both communities to work together for peace based on the principles of equality and justice that would ensure a durable and secure future for both peoples.

We support the Palestinian-Israeli Peace Coalition, established in Jerusalem in December 2001 by Israeli and Palestinian intellectuals, politicians, activists and ordinary citizens.

We believe the initiative in which Palestinians and Israelis campaign jointly to achieve peace is a crucial way forward 

We grieve for the terrible loss of life and grave suffering of both peoples that has been the tragic result of the occupation and on-going conflict. We support every initiative that will bring an end to the present cycle of violence and bloodshed and will advance the cause of peace.

We believe that in order to achieve a durable peace, the following are required:

·         A cessation of all violence on both sides

·         An end to the occupation

·         A two state solution along the 1967 boundaries ensuring life with dignity and security for both peoples

·         Jerusalem to be a shared capital for the two states

·         A just and equitable solution for the Palestinian refugees, to be achieved through negotiation

We believe that we must work for:

1. A return to negotiation, with a firm resolve not to let acts of violence - on either side - derail the search for peace

2. A concerted effort to ameliorate the state of mistrust, hatred, fear, and ignorance that has been generated as result of the conflict

3. Thoughtful contact and dialogue between Palestinians and Israelis through the media, public meetings, cultural events and other projects

We invite Palestinians, Israelis, Jews and Arabs, and others who wish to support these aims, to join us in this vital work. If you are interested, please write to:

PO Box 32685, LONDON W14 8WT or email: group@friendsforpeace.org