At our meeting in Sheffield at the start of March, NFPB members heard from a member of the staff team with particular responsibility for the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme for Palestine and Israel. They described the challenges that programme continues to face, as well as the advocacy work that Quakers have undertaken in calling for a cessation of hostilities so that the humanitarian needs of people in Gaza can be properly addressed. In the following discussion, Friends considered the value of protests and solidarity action in this country, the importance of using language carefully in describing what is happening, and campaigning to end arms exports to Israel. (See also:Quaker resources Palestine & Israel
Our other main speaker, Bradford Peace Studies academic Becky Alexis-Martin, told us of her extensive work researching the consequences of British nuclear weapons testing on the people of Kiribati. She had helped bring their experiences and voices to the second meeting of parties to the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in December. She urged Friends to continue and extend work to support that treaty – that includes within it a commitment to take action on the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons development – and to campaign for the abolition of nuclear weapons.
A small sub-group of NFPB is inviting contributions to a publication that will reflect a range of responses, considerations and actions arising from the wars in Ukraine and in Gaza. It will ask Friends what particular issues or concerns these have raised and what are the particular challenges and opportunities for the writers in working for peace in this context. Contributions – to be received by the end of April – of between 300 to 1500 words are envisaged, and outlines of proposed pieces can be sent to [email protected] .
During our meeting we also heard from Friends about local peace vigils and advocacy for a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to arms exports to Israel; information about the new Teach Peace Secondary resources produced by the Peace Education Network; a QPSW faith in action gathering to take place in York in May; and research into second-world war conscientious objection.
In the coming year, we are organising additional online and in-person events for Friends (NFPB members and any other interested Friends) to get together. The next of these, an hour-long online event, will take place on the morning of 6th April. We hope these will helpful as opportunities to share news and reflections, to make connections with others and to consider particular themes. Please get in touch if you would like further information and to be added to our mailing for these and other events and activities.