WE ARE THE GRASSROOTS
EMPOWERING THE PEOPLE TO
END THE CONFLICT
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We Believe Everyday people have a critical role to play in finding a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and yet their voices remain largely absent from the peace process. We empower the Israeli and Palestinian moderate majorities who support two states to hold their elected officials accountable and bring about an end to the conflict. Through OneVoice, young grassroots activists in Israel and Palestine are equipped with the knowledge and skills to be heard as they build momentum and a constituency for the two-state solution both locally and internationally.
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Table of Contents 5 Executive Statement 6 Where We Work 8 OneVoice Israel (OVI) 12 OneVoice Palestine (OVP) 16 OneVoice International 18 The Year Ahead 20 Our Leadership 23 Financials 24 What’s Your Role? 25 Donor Acknowledgement
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Executive Statement Dear Friends, OneVoice was founded on the principle
state. Internationally, OneVoice Europe
oppose extremism. Together, with
that the power for transformational
continues to educate students about
your help, we can ensure that peace
change lies in the hands of the people.
the tough realities of the conflict,
and justice win this battle, turn the
Through grassroots organising, we
building a European network of
tide, and shape a future where two
amplify the voices of moderates in
support for Israeli and Palestinian
states live side by side in dignity and
Israel and Palestine, empowering
moderates. In the United States, we
security.
them to demand a two-state solution.
have launched a pilot programmme
Throughout 2015, OneVoice has
on college campuses to address
Thank you for your continued support
continued its global efforts to build an
polarisation through education and
and partnership.
unparalleled human infrastructure in
advocacy.
support of our mission. Despite this ceaseless work by OneVoice Israel partnered with
our teams and the growth of our
Victory 15 (V15) and built the largest
movement over the past twelve
database of grassroots activism
months, the same period has seen
belonging to any Israeli civil society
a troubling escalation of violence,
group. Together, they reached more
hatred, and intolerance. We are not
than 750,000-targeted voters and
naïve about the challenges facing
signed up 165,000 people—15,000 of
us, nor are we any less committed
whom volunteered for the movement.
to succeeding. Now more than ever,
In Palestine, OneVoice Palestine has
Israelis and Palestinians need to see
become the largest movement for
partnership — not enmity — in the
two states. In 2015, OneVoice used
eyes of the other.
John Lyndon
Josh Nerpel
this momentum to carry out brave campaigns, promoting non-violent
The OneVoice Movement will continue
means to end the occupation and
to empower and activate the millions
build an independent Palestinian
of Israelis and Palestinians who
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Where We Work
LONDON
NEW YORK
TEL AVIV RAMALLAH
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Chapter Locations OneVoice is one of the biggest and most politically influential movements of its kind in Israel, and has grown to be the second largest youth movement in Palestine, with over 32 chapters across 16 cities and two regional offices operating throughout Israel and the West Bank. 345,886 Israelis, 367,767 Palestinians, and 36,018 Internationals have signed a Pledge of Support for the OneVoice Movement.
OVI Chapter Locations:
OVP Chapter Locations:
Haifa
Jenin
Pardes Hanna
Nablus
Tel Aviv
Hebron
Rehovot
Jericho
Jerusalem
Gaza
Beer Sheva
Bethlehem
The Sharon Area
Salfit Qalqilia Ramallah 7
OVI OneVoice Israel
This year, OneVoice Israel (OVI) continued to promote and empower the voices of Israeli moderates. The early months of 2015 were marked by Israel’s national election fervor. OVI capitalised on the opportunity presented by the elections to educate the public on the necessity for a leader who will make the two-state solution a reality. In partnership with Victory 2015 (V15), OVI led an unprecedented grassroots voter mobilisation effort to reach out to more than 750,000-targeted voters. The infrastructure and volunteer network built during this organising campaign was on a scale unheard of in Israeli electoral history, and the capacity generated has provided new opportunities for OVI’s activism across the country. OVI’s newly acquired volunteers and activists have radically increased the organisation’s size 8
and its potential to place the two-state solution squarely back on the political agenda. As the results of the March 17th elections were tallied and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was re-elected to lead the next government, V15 and OVI worked diligently to reformulate their strategy as one that would continue to push for the two-state solution despite the political challenges. In an effort to open up new approaches to promoting our vision of two states, OVI relaunched the “Peace Pays Off at the Bar” series, featuring speaking events hosted by prominent figures of Israeli society. OVI board member Gershon Baskin led one such event and spoke of his work promoting peace for over three decades.
2015 Activities
To continue to bridge the gap between the grassroots and the Israeli political leadership, OVI proudly co-founded and continues to work in cooperation with the Knesset’s Caucus for Solving the Arab-Israeli Conflict. This past summer, OVI volunteers supported MK Hilik Bar in the Knesset as he presented his outline for a solution to the conflict in front of the Caucus. OVI Executive Director Polly Bronstein gave closing remarks and expressed her intention to use OVI’s wide base of volunteers and activists to spread their message and, “create change between Israelis and Palestinians” to an audience of 150 internationals.
“Though it is frustrating to get my opinions through to people that just want to fight and shout, or who aren’t open to hearing something different, at the end of the day it is validating to try and convey my message; only time will tell whether or not it will have an effect.” ELANIT GREEN Youth Leader
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V15 & the Elections
Out of a simple Facebook post last
solving the challenges the country
December, OneVoice Israel’s partnership
faces. For Israel to remain strong,
with Victory 2015 (V15) grew into a
secure, Jewish and democratic, it
national movement - unprecedented in
needs to move toward two states,
Israel’s history. Though OneVoice Europe
and that will take the engagement of
did not provide financial assistance
citizens from all around the country,
to V15, with it instead receiving
not just the actions of politicians.
support from Israeli and US donors, V15 energised a vast swathe of the population and gave hope to many who had felt left out by the political process. Across Israel, V15 harnessed the tremendous energy behind the elections and re-energized public interest in
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750,000 targeted Israeli voters reached
4,604
volunteer shifts completed, 866 of which were filled on Election Day.
205,173 doors knocked on in targeted neighborhoods.
808,542 live paid phone calls made.
2,150
paid canvas shifts recruited and filled.
71,540 Israelis contacted at their doors.
124,841 Israelis contacted on the phone.
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OVP OneVoice Palestine Despite the tumultuous political atmosphere in Palestine, OVP has engaged Palestinians across the West Bank and Gaza and sought to build support for a two-state solution. Throughout 2015, OVP has tirelessly promoted an agenda of anti-extremism and moderation in the face of a region plagued by the growth of violent unrest and radical groups. In the absence of elections, OVP has positioned itself as an integral player in the development of the strong and robust civil-society Palestine needs for an independent, secular and democratic state. 2015 began on a somber note, as Palestinians faced up to a
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grim political reality following the Israeli elections. Despite this, OVP remained resilient in its efforts to counter the prevailing sense of despair among Palestinian youth. This spring, OVP marked Land Day, or “Yom al-Ard,” wherein the expropriation by Israel of Palestinian land in the West Bank was commemorated, and strategies to prevent further losses discussed. OVP Youth Leaders and volunteers partnered with the Union of Charity Organisations in Jenin and the Municipality of Faqoaa Village to plant olive trees in areas threatened by confiscation near Faqoaa. Deputy of Jenin’s municipality, Mohammad Habash, addressed
the young activists and stressed the importance of their role in ending the conflict and establishing an independent Palestinian state. Within the backdrop of
2015 Activities increasingly fragile relations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, OVP launched a new interreligious initiative this summer entitled “Violence is Weakness.” The campaign aims to promote civil peace and tolerance among Palestinians and denounce violence and extremism in all its forms. OVP Youth Leaders, hailing from different religions and backgrounds met in Nablus’ main square to promote their message of a strong culture of coexistence among Palestinians and to loudly advocate against rising extremism. As a new wave of violence unfolds in the region, OVP continues to remain a force of
reason. Speaking out against the bloodshed, OVP Executive Director Samer Makhlouf, who has become one of Palestine’s most prominent voices against violence, told Youth Leaders that, “Violence will trap us in the cycle of actions and reactions, which will lead to a new cycle of bloodshed that will not lead us to independence; but to new catastrophes like
the ones we faced during the Second Intifada.” Instilling these tenets of non-violence and anti-extremism within young Palestinians, OVP is cultivating the next generation of Palestinian leaders who embrace peaceful conflict resolution as a means to gain their independence and live side-by-side in peace and security with Israel.
20 chapters
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OVP Highlights In 2015, OneVoice Palestine made significant strides towards building on their strong base of moderate supporters who work to make the twostate solution possible. Five initiatives bolstered our Youth Leadership Training, Siaseh Cafes, and community workshops. 14
I always say everyone has two ears but only one mouth, so everyone should listen more and learn before they speak about something. I teach others to use their knowledge in a good way because if you can change one person he might change his family or his friends around him.
ABDALLAH HAMARSHEH Youth Leadership Program Director, OneVoice Palestine
182,254 Facebook likes; 40,000 from Gaza alone
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people led 5 initiatives, including our Tree Planting, Solidarity with Fishermen, Land Day, & Violence is Weakness.
529 Youth Leaders trained in 23 sessions across several cities.
630
participated in 4 community workshops.
66% of activists found that their training with OVP provided them with significant skills and benefits, and had a positive effect upon the community that they live in.
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Siaseh CafÊs held where 374 YLs discussed Palestinians’ roles in achieving unity.
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OV OneVoice International In the United States, OneVoice is proud to announce the launch of OneVoice on Campus, a pilot programme on campuses to train and equip passionate students to become involved in proactively organising and advocating for the two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. Together, Fellows will work to positively affect the conversation on campus surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by cultivating a mobilised network of engaged and active peers. The programme offers cutting edge training in grassroots organising, political advocacy, and digital media from leading industry experts. Alongside key stakeholders, OneVoice on Campus aims to encourage a
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more informed discussion at the national level. In parallel, OneVoice Europe (OVE) has expanded and now boasts education programming in Germany and new cities across the UK. OVE’s signature educational programme was featured on BBC News, whilst the team also visited the region and created an educational video on the conflict for use in schools across the country. This year alone, four week-long UK tours saw over 2,000 people attend OneVoice events and workshops. These engagements focused on the harmful effects of polarisation and extremism, both for British and society, as well as for Israelis and Palestinians. OVE’s
core message is that activism should not be centered on the personal views of Europeans, but on supporting the moderate majority of civil society in Palestine and Israel, and their desire for peace. At the University level, OVE hosted its fourth annual student residential course this past summer. 20 students from a variety of different faiths and political perspectives came together for an intense week-long programme covering the most controversial topics related to the conflict. In addition, alumni from previous residential programmes invited OVE to speak on their campuses, allowing OneVoice to reach hundreds of students from universities like Birmingham, the LSE, Lincoln, York, and Leeds.
2,000+ People reached
609 participants engaged in 10 community groups.
44 school sessions for 15-18 year olds with 1,895 total participants.
410
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university students reached.
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The Year Ahead
In 2016, OVI will put the two-state solution back on the national agenda by framing it in novel ways, linking the conflict and its resolution to core issues around Israel’s identity and best interests; its past and 18
its future. This will be accomplished by harnessing a threelayer approach: a year-round thematic campaign centered on Israel choosing its destiny; national activities, trainings and mini-campaigns
The Year Ahead
within that theme; and local activities designed to broaden the pro-peace coalition to new audiences and demographics. In Palestine, OVP will promote the values of democracy, freedom, justice, and moderation through various programmes and media campaigns, as a mechanism to strengthen support for the two-state solution among ordinary citizens. This will further be coupled with OVP’s commitment to serve as a platform where Palestinian youth can nonviolently resist the occupation and settlement expansion in the West Bank,
providing young Palestinians with a peaceful and effective path for making progress toward statehood.
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OV Leadership PeaceWorks Foundation Board Harriet Green Samer Hamadeh Daniel Lubetzky Jonathan Prince Karen Schaufeld Jeffrey Solomon
OneVoice Europe Board Graham Edwards Imam Usama Hasan Denise Joseph Russell Mishcon Greg Rack Lawrence Radley Sayyeda Salam
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OneVoice Israel Board
Executive Staff
Gershon Baskin Mohammad Darwashe Assaf Halachmi Eti Livni Baruch Mazor David Simcha Baruch Spiegel Tali Zinger Oriella Ben Zvi
John Lyndon, OVE Executive Director Josh Nerpel, OVUS Executive Director Polly Bronstein, OVI Executive Director Samer Makhlouf, OVP Executive Director
OneVoice Palestine Board Azzam Shawwa Nisreen Shahin Fadwa Shaer Mohammad Naja Mohammad Masri Samir Hulieleh Sahar Qawasmi Qadura Fares Majdi Khaldi
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boards
2015 Leadership Honorary Board of Advisors Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf Azzam al-Shawwa Muhammad Ali Colette Avital, MK Avishay Braverman Lester Crown Danny DeVito Amb. Stuart Eizenstat Talab El-Sana, MK Dr. Saeb Erekat Dr. Imad Falouji Shafik Gabr Fredric H. Gould Yoel Hasson, MK Stephen Heintz Samir Hulileh Dr. Irwin Mark Jacobs Samer Khoury Dr. Alon Liel Stanley Litow Eti Livni, MK
Rabbi Brian Lurie Sir Paul McCartney Rabbi Michael Melchior John Edwin Mroz Archbishop Butros Muallem Dr. Bernard Patry Rhea Perlman Amb. Thomas Pickering Brad Pitt Natalie Portman Rabbi David Rosen Amb. Dennis Ross General Danny Rothschild Lord Jonathan Sacks Fred Schaufeld Prof. Klaus Schwab Imad Shakur, PC Ephraim Sneh Judge Abraham Sofaer Dr. Howard J. Sumka Toni G. Verstand
Trustees Advisory Council Yasser Mahmoud Abbas Dr. Ziad Asali Joel Fields Sanford Gallanter Gideon Grinstein Jim Hornthal Joel Kellman Barry Kramer David Levin Lindsay Levin Bertie Lubner Bashar Masri Erez Meltzer Richard Menell Thaer Mukbel Walid Najjab Craig Newmark Annie Spar In Memoriam *Rabbi Harvey Fields *Richard J. Urowsky *Laura Ziskin
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The Difference Your Donation Makes A Great Investment: Over the past 13 years, OneVoice’s award-winning mission has proven its ability to build a network of human infrastructure capable of implementing effective grassroots campaigns and youth leadership training in Israel, Palestine, and on the global stage. These parallel movements combine to create powerful synergy, which was recognised in 2014 with OneVoice’s receipt of the IIE Victor J. Goldberg Prize for Peace in 22
the Middle East from The Institute of International Education (IIE). OneVoice has additionally received the Artists’ and Humans’ Project Cultural Achievement Award; the 2004 World Association of NGOs Peace, Reconciliation, and Security Award; the 2005 King Hussein Humanitarian Leadership Prize presented by former President Jimmy Carter; the 2008 Skoll Award, and; the 2009 UN Alliance of Civilizations Intercultural Innovation Award.
OneVoice Europe Financial Statement STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES Incoming Resources
NOTE
RESTRICTED FUNDS
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
TOTAL FUNDS 2015
Incoming resources from generated funds: Voluntary income
2
Activities for generating funds Investment income Incoming resources from charitable activities
3
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES Resources Expended
£118,000.00
£589,613.00
£707,613.00
£2,545.00
£-
£2,545.00
£-
£38.00
£38.00
£6,900.00
£-
£6,900.00
£127,445.00
£589,651.00
£717,096.00
Costs of generating funds: Costs of generating voluntary income
4
£-
£54,952.00
£54,952.00
Charitable activities
5
£103,068.00
£478,945.00
£582,013.00
Governance costs
6
£-
£10,300.00
£10,300.00
£103,068.00
£544,197.00
£647,265.00
£70,507.00
£120,254.00
£190,761.00
TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED TOTAL FUNDS AT 31 MARCH 2015
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What’s YOUR Role? PARTICIPATE IN AN EVENT
Invite your family and friends! Contact us at europe@ onevoicemovement.org.uk for dates and times in your area or go to our website, www.onevoicemovement.org.
RAISE SUPPORT - GROW THE MOVEMENT All contributions made to OneVoice make it possible for us to build support for a two-state solution and a path towards peace. No gift is too small - every penny will go directly towards OneVoice leaders as they mobilize their communities with effective grassroots campaigns.
HEAR the movement @OneVoice BE the movement
#2StatesNOW
LIKE the movement
fb.com/onevoice.movement
PLEASE donate to
onevoicemovement.org
or may you kindly ADDRESS checks to
OneVoice Europe 89 Worship Street London EC2A 2BF
JOIN A ONEVOICE CALL TO ACTION Make your voice heard! Share why you support the twostate solution.
SPREAD THE WORD ON SOCIAL MEDIA Follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/onevoice. movement), Twitter (@OneVoice), and/or on YouTube (www.youtube.com/onevoicemovement). Encourage your friends to help spread our message online.
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Create change that will enable us to make Israel a state that promotes the two-state solution. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Caucus and plan to examine the initiative, learn it, and use it. POLLY BRONSTEIN Executive Director, OneVoice Israel
Thank you to our 2015 Donors Adam G
Ceppie F
Marc A
Marius N
Amit H
Jeremy L
Mark Z
Cobi B
Andrew H
Jeremy S
Marla D
Marcia R
Anne R
Jewish Community Foundation
Marsha S
Mick D
Jim S
Marshall M
Mark S
Melanie M
Emily F
Michael Y
Ronald C
Michael G
Anonymous
Susie G
Ariel R
New Venture Fund
Fred S
Anonymous
Karen S
P.B. S
Sandy G
Raquel B
Lisa G
Robert N
Anonymous
Robert P
Menachem S
Samer K
Mary W
Sean K
Brian D
Anonymous
Joel K
Anonymous
Joy K
The Lodestar Foundation
Kenneth T
Daniel L
Jeremy S
S. Daniel A
Joseph D
Antonia M. G Barry K Brian L Bruce A Chieh H The Crown Family David L Denise G Peter G Diana A Elliott R Frank Family Foundation Frankel Family Foundation Gabriel F Gordon S Carole S Howard G Irwin F
Emily S Joe R Jonathan R Jose T Joseph C Joseph G Kathleen P Kathryn B Fred B The K Family Kristine S Hernan S Larry S Lorenzo M Mar F Mara S
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OneVoice Europe | 89 Worship Street, London EC2A 2BF | www.onevoicemovement.org