ANNUAL REPORT 2016
EMPOWERING FUTURE GENERATIONS
TO SHAPE THEIR FUTURE
"If
If
is
extremism
despair
why
affects
we
dreaming
affects
joined
us
us
now,
now,
then
then
Darkenu;
to
it
it
will
secure
will
also
the
also
affect
affect
future
us
us
in
in
the
which
the
future.
future.
we
This
are
of."
—Alon,
Haifa
TABLE OF CONTENTS 2
Where We Work
3
Executive Statement
4
Solutions Not Sides
6
OneVoice on Campus
8
Zimam
10
Darkenu
12
Leadership
13
What's Your Role?
WHERE WE WORK
EUROPE
UNITED STATES ISRAEL PALESTINE OneVoice
Deepens
Its
Impact
A lot has happened in the region and in the world since OneVoice was founded in 2002. American Presidents and British
Prime Ministers have come and gone; Israelis and Palestinians have moved closer to peace, only to then stray further apart.
Now, after 14 remarkable and informative years, we've undertaken a pretty substantial change ourselves.
Given the current realities in the region and the strength of our regional partners, we have realized our long-term strategic
goal of supporting two authentic, locally-led organisations: one in Palestine, and one in Israel.
In 2016, OneVoice Palestine
broadened its mandate and after a strategic review relaunched as a new organisation, Zimam. The largest homegrown
movement of its kind, their work is aimed at empowering moderate voices, championing nonviolent activism, and training
youth leaders to plan and execute initiatives in their communities throughout the West Bank and Gaza.
At the same time, OneVoice Israel worked both with the volunteers of V15 and new partners to come together to create
Darkenu, the fastest-growing movement of moderates in Israel. Darkenu is working across political, social, economic and
geographic lines to train, empower and mobilise grassroots activists in support of a moderate agenda that meets the needs of
all Israelis. Darkenu members are united by a shared belief that Israel will be at its strongest when its democracy is robust, all
of its citizens know equality, and it is at peace with its neighbours.
As our partners lead at the grassroots level to address the specific needs unique to each society and continue to build popular
support for an end to the conflict, our role internationally is to raise resources, awareness, and support for this critical work.
We also run our own programming in the US and Europe, designed to combat polarisation, anti-Semitism, and Islamophobia
while generating a broad consensus for conflict resolution.
Today, thanks to your support, we are proud to say that the OneVoice Movement is truly global.
2
EXECUTIVE STATEMENT Dear Friends,
OneVoice is an organisation that has always been firmly rooted
And in the United States, what was just a small-scale pilot
in Israel and Palestine. Since 2002, it has been those on the
programme last year evolved into a remarkably successful
ground—those living with the daily repercussions of the
OneVoice on Campus Fellowship programme. It attracts
ongoing conflict, those who take inspiration for its resolution
students from across political and religious divides to advocate
from the faces of their children and grandchildren—who have
for a two-state solution while simultaneously helping to combat
shaped the nature of our work.
the alarming polarisation around Israel and Palestine that we’ve
seen grow in recent years.
This past year marked a real turning point for OneVoice as a
whole. With the unfailing support from invested individuals
We continue to take strength from the knowledge that we are
the world over, not only did the work of our regional partners
working in tandem with so many like-minded individuals in
reach previously unimagined heights, but we’ve also been able
the pursuit of a true and lasting peace. We hope you will
to expand the scope of our work internationally. Now, we
continue to stand with us as we march along this challenging
empower everyday activists across three continents to argue
but necessary path: none of this would be possible without you.
powerfully and persuasively for the urgent need for a
negotiated end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership,
In Palestine and Israel, high profile events have elevated the
status of our new partner organisations, while their grassroots
work has served as the basis for ever-expanding memberships.
Meanwhile, we’ve been able to strengthen our work outside of
the Middle East, stepping up to contribute more fruitfully to a Jeffrey
cause that is so obviously affected by international influences.
Solomon
&
Lois
Perelson-Gross
PeaceWorks Foundation Board Co-Chairs
Lawrence
Radley
OneVoice Europe Chair
In Europe, our flagship educational programme Solutions Not
Sides has expanded its reach to Germany and France, and
recently celebrated a huge landmark of serving its 20,000th
participant.
3
20 ,000+ STUDENTS ENGAGED 0 ,00 20
OneVoice Europe’s flagship Outreach and Education Programme—which takes Israeli and
Palestinian peace activists to classrooms and communities across the UK—was rebranded in
January 2016 as Solution Not Sides (SNS). Since its original inception five years ago, the
programme has continued to grow, and this year SNS reached over 5,000 school and
university students across the UK and Germany, running seven national speaking tours,
including two brand new tours in Manchester and Leeds/Bradford. In November, a huge
milestone was reached, as the 20,000th participant was engaged and given the chance to hear
firsthand from Israelis and Palestinians about the realities of the ongoing conflict.
To coincide with the rebranding, SNS also launched a new online strategy and developed its
social media presence across several platforms, enabling Israeli and Palestinian activists to
continue to engage with students long after they've returned to the region through video
conferences and moderated discussion forums. Weekly email updates offer a roundup of
relevant news stories from Israeli, Palestinian, British, and American media sources, making it
easy for current and past participants to stay up to date on important developments, and
expose themselves to perspectives and opinions that they might otherwise not see.
4
In addition to school tours, online courses, and individual sessions, SNS also hosted its 5th Annual Student
Leadership Programme in September, assembling 21 university-aged students in London to discuss the
conflict. The five-day intensive residential programme allowed students from various backgrounds and
experiences to engage with faith leaders, politicians, academics, and both Israeli and Palestinian activists
directly. Attendees were also encouraged to build friendships with students from different faith and political
backgrounds, some of whom mix far too infrequently on their own campuses, and were provided with tools
empowering them to make long-term positive impacts on university campuses across the United Kingdom.
161 EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS 5,911 PARTICIPANTS 7 SPEAKING TOURS
Gemma
Jewish
her
life,
This
Adams
identity
and
year,
intensive
initially
fallen
a
to
British
to
this
away
it
she
(left)
was
attended
divided
day.
here?'—and
the
people,
that's
in
the
has
Student
in
formed
she
London.
says,
better
she
a
but
and
close
"my
'who's
that
been
she
Leadership
remembers,
and
much
University
always
Jerusalem
particular,
SNS,
right?'
a
at
Israel
she
In
Muslim,
Through
'who's
student
that
programme
wayside.
Algerian
from
a
actually
residential
the
is
means
place
analysis
to
be.
"
heard
diversity
the
her
to
important
first
end,
the
of
that
the
'where
a
5-day
barriers
Amina
remains
we
of
SNS.
opinion
conflict
do
Her
part
about
of
roommate
friendship
wrong?'
Birmingham.
an
Programme,
The
by
of
had
(right),
strong
shifted
go
from
GLASGOW BRADFORD BLACKBURN LIVERPOOL CARDIFF
EDINBURGH MANCHESTER BIRMINGHAM BERLIN LONDON PARIS MUNICH 5
ONEVOICE ON CAMPUS
Madi
on
Naser,
Campus
was
the
born
age
ever
in
of
therefore
Al-Bireh
she
while,
but
students
Palestine
and
OneVoice,
things
was
from
Israel,"
I've
from
drawn
to
different
she
found
different
OneVoice
because
backgrounds
says,
people
angles,
"and
who
and
people
are
it
towards
just
have
as
together
offered
the
shared
able
to
she's
a
lot
and
in
been
of
on
people
opportunity
in
"The
so
about
the
better
in
time
its
conflict
both
Through
as
I
am,
the
Jews and Muslims and Christians—from 14 campuses have participated in the paid fellowship programme. They have
gained state-of-the-art training in student activism and grassroots organising, while also receiving support for their own
efforts to strengthen the OneVoice footprint on campuses and to create new environments for students of all affiliations
and opinions to come together and engage in solutions-oriented conversations around Palestine and Israel.
Throughout the fall semester, each active region (Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest) held a two-day intensive training
session for Fellows, where students got an in-depth review of the conflict and were encouraged to partake in complex
discussions on various methods and tools to further community outreach. Each training ended on a forward-thinking note,
with students partaking in strategic planning sessions designed to ensure maximum reach and impact, taking into account
who
see
realities."
sinking into the mires of extremism. To date, 72 college students—Americans and Saudi Arabians, Israelis and Palestinians,
6
had
a
with
In the span of a year, the OneVoice on Campus programme has been able to breathe new life into a cause that many fear is
the specific needs of individual campuses.
She
for
affects
understand
in
conflict
loves.
work
ways.
until
back
The
activism
to
Chicago,
Chicago
seen
she
conflict
many
OneVoice
in
Saffa
friends.
Palestinian
goal.
suffered
passionate
we're
in
lived
personal—she's
effects
involved
a
family
very
devastating
been
While
for
University
and
spends
with
is
Coordinator
Roosevelt
four.
since,
Palestine
Campus
at
Working in parallel across the United States, OneVoice on Campus regional staff have
supported their students in the planning and hosting of over 100 events, ranging from
recruitment tables to speaker discussions, film screenings, and petition signings, and
have fostered a healthy climate of informed discussions with students from diverse
backgrounds. Considering the polarisation surrounding Israel and Palestine on US
campuses, OneVoice Fellows have created bridges with a wide range of groups also
present on campus. They encourage open dialogue, despite differences of opinions, in
order to promote the shared goal of a solution that meets the needs of the majority of
Israelis and Palestinians and that ensures freedom and equality for all those living in
the region.
72 FULLY-TRAINED FELLOWS
14 ACTIVE CAMPUS CHAPTERS
103 EVENTS
NORTHEASTERN ROOSEVELT DEPAUL NORTH PARK CHICAGO
YALE NYU COLUMBIA PRINCETON NEIU GEORGETOWN HOWARD AMERICAN GWU 7
zimam In January 2016, Zimam (“reins” or “taking the initiative” in Arabic) was founded as a
Palestinian-led movement with the aim of taking a comprehensive and domestic-
oriented approach to conflict resolution by strengthening progressive voices,
promoting a culture of nonviolence, fostering national unity, and countering the false
promises of extremism. In its first year, Zimam has inspired thousands to not only
visualise the future they dream of, but to take an active part in making it a reality.
Their strategy focuses on two main levels: locally targeted grassroots work and highly
visible national campaigns.
In April, Zimam launched a petition drive calling for a rejection
of extremism, the embrace of pluralism, and national unity,
which was developed around the premise that a two-state
solution can only be achieved if there exists a strong internal
1,157 ACTIVE MEMBERS 15,215 PETITION SIGNATORS
Palestinian civil society. In just four months, more than 15,000
Palestinians of all ages and affiliations signed on.
115 TRAININGS & LOCAL INITIATIVES, SERVING 14,748 PEOPLE 8
23-year-old
Najah
Raya
of
Raya
Fatayar
University,
volunteered
the
Second
soldiers
instead
The
of
with
Intifada,
broke
outpost.
was
majoring
into
her
local
allowing
hit
fuel
brought
her
home
event
to
and
Media,
family's
hurt
which
born
raised
TV
and
organisations
which
traumatizing
peacemaking,
in
hate,
to
Nablus,
help
particularly
on
Mount
increased
her
to
in
Radio
she
turned
her
to
home.
and
awareness
to
she
conflict
attended
As
community
close
Gerizim
Raya's
where
Broadcasting.
In
in
the
the
it
aftermath
Israeli
into
a
conflict,
resolution
Al-
teenager,
2002,
turned
of
a
military
but
and
Zimam.
Zimam’s highly successful petition was presented during its first National Conference in
Ramallah in November, which brought together political figures from all major parties,
youth activists from across the West Bank, and even Zimam activists from Gaza via Skype.
The conference centred around the petition’s goals and the event’s success not only
showcased the Palestinian will for political change but also highlighted Zimam’s importance
as a national player, with the conference broadcast live on national TV.
Today, Zimam dominates Palestinian social media, with
over 208,000 likes including 45,000 from Gaza, and a
208,000+
series of viral videos for its “I Live For My Country”
campaign—which show how non-violence and
I LIVE FOR MY COUNTRY"
constructive action can change Palestinians’ reality for
"
the better—have been viewed, cumulatively, more
than 700,000 times. With Zimam’s successes came
media interest, leading to local, national, and even
international coverage, expanding the organisation’s
700,000+
QALQILYA
VIEWS
reach and elevating its status as a force for change.
JENIN NABLUS
SALFIT RAMALLAH "It
takes
hard
discourse.
work
Zimam
Palestinian
and
is
society."
the
will
combining
of
the
both
to
people
bring
—Rawa,
to
a
change
positive
political
change
East Jerusalem
to
JERUSALEM BETHLEHEM GAZA CITY
JERICHO HEBRON
9
One year after the V15 campaign galvanised Israelis across the nation, Darkenu is
drawing in unprecedented numbers of moderate supporters united by the pressing
need to push back against the rising tide of extremism, and to place their country
Pnina
for
Pfeuffer
Jerusalem
Orthodox
is
Darkenu's
and
sector.
the
In
Coordinator
religious
Israel,
the
peace
back on track. To date, Darkenu ("our way" in Hebrew) has recruited nearly 200,000 movement
has
long
been
seen
as
a
supporters from across political, social, and regional divides—from secular Jews in secular-left
endeavor,
but
Pnina
sees
the
Haifa to Orthodox Jews in Jerusalem, from the Ashkenazi and Mizrahi, from the left values
of
her
community
reflected
in
and from the right. Members of their diverse base may not agree on everything, but Darkenu's
work,
and
in
the
diverse
Darkenu has offered them a shared vision that they can all sign up to: Israel as a group
of
moderate
activists
with
whom
democratic Jewish homeland and a state for all of its citizens, with genuine security she
works
every
day.
Widening
the
tent
and social justice for all, and an end to the conflict via a two-state agreement. In to
include
the
ultra-Orthodox
is
key,
she
addition to a popular Peace and Security training programme operating across the believes,
to
building
the
broad
coalition
country, Darkenu has expanded its outreach program to include a coordinated necessary
system of door-to-door canvassing, coupled with follow-up phone calls and
possible.
to
make
"Many
a
invitations to local events, which serves to build out its support base and encourages
community
activists to deepen their engagement through participation in a host of activities and
information
around
initiatives, both local and national.
says,
feel
issue
In addition to field work, Darkenu has prioritised the expansion of its digital reach,
"or
else
that
work
do
not
should
aims
Darkenu
to
two-state
people
as
from
have
the
accurate
conflict,"
though
concern
challenge
envisions
a
solution
my
it
is
them.
all
she
not
an
My
that."
future
that
connecting grassroots volunteers and mainstream Israelis with high-level represents
and
benefits
all
of
its
citizens
politicians and decision-makers. Hosting events with hundreds of people hearing —including
the
growing
religious
from speakers such as Former IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz and Yesh Atid MK community.
Pnina
is
committed
Ofer Shelach, Darkenu has fostered lively debates, encouraging attendees to join ensuring
that
her
community
their movement. A highly-successful panel event with Ehud Barak, Adina Barcontributes
meaningfully
Shalom, and Michael Biton in August, which was live-streamed to 15,000 real-time shaping
viewers, drew national attention and led the evening news, as the former prime
minister sketched out an alternate course for Israel that would see the conflict end
and its security strengthened.
10
of
that
Israel.
to
the
to
Darkenu’s mission is to awaken the moderate majority of Israelis to the
common cause they all share, and to empower them to reshape the national 2,456,812
narrative. Their movement is for all who share their values and strive for a UNIQUE
VIEWS
better Israel. Allowing for people within an increasingly fractured society to
find this common ground and build upon it is no simple task, however; it
requires the bravery to reach out to those with whom they disagree. In
November, staff and volunteers were invited to the home of a settler in Ofra
to meet with families from the settlement and from the Amona outpost
whose homes were slated for demolition. Despite viewing the settlement
enterprise in starkly different terms, the meeting provided an opportunity to
HAIFA
listen to those on the other side, rather than simply dismiss them; to stay firm
to Darkenu’s beliefs, but nonetheless recognise with genuine empathy the
human cost involved in the necessary step of evacuating settlements. At a
time when Israel is increasingly divided, with citizens living in echo
chambers and ideological silos, Darkenu is working to build bridges, and to
shape a broad coalition that believes Israel can be a better, more just, and
KFAR SABA RAMAT GAN TEL AVIV RISHON LETZION REHOVOT
PARDES HANA HADERA PETAH TIKVAH MODI'IN JERUSALEM
more peaceful place.
BE'ER SHEVA 14,000
knock
PHONE
CALLS
MADE
34,000
DOORS
KNOCKED
186,500
knoc k
kn oc k
ON
MEMBERS
11
2016 LEADERSHIP Executive
Team
John Lyndon, Executive Director, OneVoice Europe
Mara Lee, Executive Director, OneVoice US & The PeaceWorks Foundation
Polly Bronstein, CEO, Darkenu
Samer Makhlouf, CEO, Zimam
PeaceWorks
Foundation
Board
Darkenu
Board
Daniel Lubetzky, President & Founder
Kobi Richter, Chair
Dror Aloni
Jeffrey Solomon, Co-Chair
Baruch Spiegel, Vice Chair
Efraim Sneh
Lois Perelson-Gross, Co-Chair
Adi Balderman
Ella Gera
Harriet Green
Assaf Halachmi
Eti Livni
Jonathan Prince
Baruch Mazor
Gershon Baskin
Karen Schaufeld
David Simha
Oriella Ben-Tzvi
Samer Hamadeh
Yoni Komorov
OneVoice
Europe
Board
of
Trustees
Zimam
Board
Friends
of
Zimam
Advisory
Lawrence Radley, Chair
Mohammad Masri, Chair
Carol Kasbari
Denise Joseph
Fadwa Khawaja
Ghaith al-Omari
Fiona Cumberland
Nisreen Shahin
Howard Sumka
Graham Edwards
Rami Mehdawi
Nizar Farsakh
Greg Rack
Sahar Qawasmi
Randa Fahmy Hudome
Board
Russell Mishcon
Sayyeda Salam
12
WHAT'S YOUR ROLE? It is thanks to our incredible international support base—hundreds of
thousands of people strong—that we're able to do what we do.
If you support the right of every Palestinian and Israeli to a future based
upon principles of security, justice, dignity and peace, support the
OneVoice Movement. If you share our values, share our work with
friends and family:
Get
Involved!
Sign up for our newsletter and join us at events held year-round, across Europe, Israel,
Palestine, and the United States.
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the
Word!
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Visit onevoicemovement.org/donate/onevoice-europe.
₪ 13
"If
OneVoice
is
anything,
it
first
hope
with
rather
that
than
one
action.
is
a
day
about
it
as
vain
action
its
product,
call
might
Action
because
about
hope
produce
leads
achieves
to
to
hope
successes,
"To however
small,
that
those
working confidence
in
in
the
Middle
East
inspire
with
OneVoice,
I
greater
have
a
simple
message:
never
successes."
David Miliband
Former UK Foreign Secretary
think
are
for
alone.
across
and
moment
Many
the
hoping
praying
you
people
all
standing
with
with
every
that
world—of
none—are
you,
you
a
faith
with
you,
you.
I
wish
blessing.”
Rowan Williams
Former Archbishop of Canterbury
ONEVOICE EUROPE | UNIT 4, BENWELL STUDIOS, 11-13 BENWELL ROAD, LONDON N7 7BL | ONEVOICEMOVEMENT.ORG
