Jewish and Christian speakers to take part in Holy Land seminar

A grandmother who spent three months as an 'ecumenical accompanier' and a Jewish peace campaigner, are among the speakers taking part in an seminar on peace in the Holy Land next Monday. In its attempts to raise awareness of the issues of Israel and Palestine among the Christian community, Pax Christi has organised the event entitled: Building Bridges not Walls, at Vaughan House, Francis Street, behind Westminster Cathedral next Monday 14 March, from 6.30-9pm. Speakers at the Seminar include: Rosemary Read - who returned from a three-month stay in Nablus, Palestine, where she was working as an Ecumenical accompanier in the local community. This programme was set up by the World Council of Churches in 2003 as a response to a call made by the Heads of Churches in Jerusalem. Its aim is to provide volunteers to accompany Israeli and Palestinians in their nonviolent actions and to provide advocacy efforts to end occupation. Arthur Goodman - a member of Jews for Justice for Palestine. This network was formed in February 2002 of Jews in Britain opposed to Israeli policies that undermine the livelihoods, human, civil and political rights of the Palestinian people. They give support to those refusing military service in the Occupied Territories and support peace and human rights groups on the groups in Israel and Palestine. They are also involved in lobbying and advocacy work. Stewart Hemsley - the Chairperson of Pax Christi. In January Stewart went with a delegation from the UK to participate in election monitoring in Palestine. Pat Gaffney - General Secretary of Pax Christi and has participated in two Pax Christi delegations to Israel and Palestine, most recently in December 2004. In March 2004 Pax Christi launched its work on Israel- Palestine, producing the educational resource pack ' Living Under Occupation: daily life in Palestine' and its postcard campaign against the separation wall/barrier. For more information call: 020 8203 4884