Jerusalem: EAPPI - Bearing witness amid obstacles

Today, I had the privilege of participating in the EAPPI handover ceremony between Team 105 and Team 106 at the Notre Dame Chapel in Jerusalem.

It was a moving and deeply reflective gathering to witness our outgoing Ecumenical Accompaniers complete their dedicated term and welcome incoming colleagues who are stepping up to bear witness and offer protective presence on the ground.

However, the ceremony was bittersweet.

While 11 new EAs were officially able to assume their roles today, another 11 individuals who were meant to join this cohort were denied entry into the country by Israeli officials. The shrinking space for international observers and human rights monitors remains an ongoing challenge here, making the presence and witness of those on the ground all the more vital.

For those unfamiliar with EAPPI (the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel), it was established in 2002 by the World Council of Churches (WCC) in response to an appeal from the Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem.

EAPPI brings international volunteers - Ecumenical Accompaniers - to live alongside vulnerable communities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Their mission is involves offering a nonviolent protective presence, monitoring and reporting human rights and international humanitarian law concerns, and supporting local Palestinian and Israeli civil society, working for a just and lasting peace.

Deep gratitude to Team 105 for their faithful service, resilience, and compassion-and prayers and strength to Team 106 as they begin their journey under increasingly difficult circumstances.

To learn more about the program, read field testimonies, or find out how to support their work, visit: www.eappi.org