Support My Protective Presence Work in the West Bank

Support My Peacebuilding Work in the West Bank: Hineinu 2025

From February through April 2025, I will be travelling to the West Bank as a volunteer with the Center for Jewish Nonviolence (CJNV)’s Hineinu program, providing protective presence to Palestinian shepherding communities facing increased violence from extremist settlers. I’m raising $4,600 to cover housing, transportation (including flights), food, training, and necessary supplies for this critical work.

Why I’m Doing This: I was raised on the Jewish values of tikkun olam – repairing the world. Over the past five years, I’ve worked in international peacebuilding and am currently pursuing a master’s degree in conflict resolution.

I have both Israeli and Palestinian friends whom I consider family – people who have supported me through some of the most difficult moments of my life. It is their love and humanity that compels me to work toward solutions that allows them all to live peacefully. This program offers a meaningful way to translate my values and experiences into action by supporting communities in need of solidarity and protection.

What We’ll Be Doing: In partnership with CNJV, local Palestinian communities have requested the support of international volunteers to stay in their villages, escort children to school, and accompany shepherds as they graze their flocks. Our presence helps deter violence from settlers and the military, fostering a sense of security for families striving to remain on their land. These efforts aim to mitigate violence, create space for daily life, and amplify the voices of Palestinian communities seeking peace and stability.

This work brings together Israeli, Palestinian, and international activists, demonstrating the power of cross-border collaboration and solidarity in responding to shared challenges.

The Need: Palestinian communities in the West Bank face immense challenges, including violent attacks from extremist settlers, home demolitions and displacement, and restricted access to resources like water and grazing land.

Despite these obstacles, families remain steadfast in their efforts to stay on land passed down through generations. Supporting their resilience is critical to preserving their way of life.

How You Can Help: As I’ll be taking unpaid leave from work for this program, I would appreciate your support to make this possible. Your donation will help cover:

Your support will enable me to join this vital effort, standing in solidarity with families in the West Bank as they navigate incredible challenges.

Any contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Thank you for standing with me and supporting efforts to build a future of peace and dignity for both Israelis and Palestinians.

If you share your address (privately) I'd love to send you a little thank you note!

(Cover Photo by Raneen Sawafta for Reuters)