Palestinian churches and their hospitals, schools and clinics play an important role in Palestinian nation-building. In the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, Norwegian Church Aid works with Israelis and Palestinians, with Christians, barriers and settlements are being expanded at the expense of Palestinian rights. In the Gaza Strip, churches' efforts play a role for many who live without work and in the fear of the actions of war and political unrest. Norwegian Church Aid is also working with Israeli human rights organisations against the destruction of houses, for economic justice and for women's right to protection in war.
Our work
The right to peace and security: Norwegian Church Aid, Palestinian and Israeli women's organisations and churches in the Middle East are working for women's participation in peacebuilding and their protection in war. The Middle East Council of Churches works with us so that women will be given a larger role than at present when decisions are taken. We are engaged in practical work for peace with the World Council of Churches and, each year, 15 Norwegian ecumenical accompaniers travel to the West Bank. These accompaniers are present in vulnerable Palestinian communities. They are witnesses who communicate about life under occupation through speeches and blogs.
Economic justice: Each year, Norwegian Church Aid helps several hundred young people get work after completing vocational training in the West Bank and Gaza. These young people provide much-needed income for their families. If living conditions are to be improved, the economic blockade of Gaza must be lifted so that Palestinian businesses can resume production and trade with the outside world and create workplaces. Living conditions in the West Bank are threatened because the Palestinians are losing access to their resources, soil and water, and farmers are being forced to look for other work. Norwegian Church Aid has, together with the Ecumenical Council, protested against international companies benefiting from development and manufacturing in the occupied territory in contravention of international law.
Access to health care: Together with local churches, we offer health care at hospitals and clinics. These are important contributions to Palestinian nation-building. In 2000, Norwegian Church Aid established the Mount of Olives Foundation (Stiftelsen Oljeberget) with the Ecumenical Council, YWCA-YMCA Global, the Church City Mission Foundation (Kirkens Bymisjon) and the Bethany Foundation (Stiftelsen Betanien). The Foundation works to support the Augusta Victoria cancer Hospital located on the Mount of Olives in East Jerusalem.
Coordination through the ACT Alliance
Norwegian Church Aid is a member of the local ACT Forum with Dan Church Aid, IOCC, LWF, MECC/DSPR, ELCJHL, YMCA East Jerusalem, Finn Church Aid and Christian Aid. The ACT Alliance is working to improve coordination of relief efforts, long-term development and advocacy.
Our Palestinian partner organisations:
Our Israeli partner organisations:
Our regional and international partner organisations in the Middle East: