Dear Friends,

We had planned to write to you this week to let you know about our campaign, and to talk about some of the challenges and successes we have had recently. But sometimes world events take over that are impossible not to address, and this is one of those bleak times.

On 24th February, Russian troops were deployed into Ukraine. Horrifying images of war are broadcast showing civilians fleeing their homes, desperate to escape to safety in neighbouring countries. Thousands of families have been displaced, and those who remain in cities are without water, power, food, or public infrastructure. The situation is desperate, fatalities are increasing by the hour, and the threat of even wider escalation is mounting. This is a very difficult and stressful time for anyone with family or friends in Ukraine, as it is for Russian people who oppose the invasion, many of whom have been silenced. And, while Israel has allowed some Ukrainian refugees in, it has also turned many others away, which is horrible in both current and historic perspectives.

So why are we talking about this, when the conflict in Israel and Palestine shows few signs of resolution. When we have so much work to do here to heal wounds and prevent more loss of life? It’s because solidarity reaches beyond borders. We are a part of a bigger community of peace builders and organisations who are committed to non-violence and conflict resolution. To the aid organisations working to protect the most vulnerable, to the people running toward the danger to treat the injured, and to the journalists ensuring true testimony is heard from the front line - we stand with you.

Israelis and Palestinians each bear a heavy burden caused by occupation, though now is not the time to compare or lecture, but to support. There are many organisations running urgent appeals that you can choose to donate to. We have chosen to highlight the International Rescue Committee who are on the ground in Poland supporting displaced families, and Razom, which translates as “Together” in Ukrainian who are providing critical medical supplies and amplifying the voices of Ukrainians.

We only hope for better days ahead, and for war to be a thing of the past for us all.

In Peace & Solidarity from Israel/Palestine