When the Rain Returns:

Toward Justice and Reconciliation in Palestine and Israel

 

Published by the American Friends Service Committee, Philadelphia, PA.

 

This book describes the experiences and analyses of an International Quaker Working Party, composed of eleven Quakers and three friends-of-Quakers, who recently visited Israel, Palestine and neighboring countries. It includes their deliberations on what they saw and learned in discussions with more than 90 individuals representing a range of personal histories and political views. It also provides background information, maps, and appendices and can be a valuable resource in understanding this very complex and troubling issue.

This report is not an AFSC position paper, but an educational resource to facilitate dis­cussion and help others comprehend this very complex situation.

Members of the International Quaker Working Party

Kathy Bergen (Canada.)

Tony Bing (USA)

Max Carter (USA)

Helena Cobban (USA)

James Fine (USA)

Deborah J. Gerner (USA)

Stevie Krayer (UK)

James H. Matlack (USA)

Richard McCutcheon (Canada)

Mmereko Emily Mnisi (South Africa)

Ron Mock (USA)

Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons (USA)

Hilda Silverman (USA)

Jean Zaru (Palestine)

 

What others say about the book

 

This document talks about nonviolence and Quaker concepts of peace in the context of what is happening in Israel/Palestine. It can help Quakers and other peace activists to see peace and nonviolence in a larger perspective.

- Ann Hardt. Professor Ernerita of Cultural Education. Arizona State University; member of Tempe Friends Meeting. Tempe. AZ, USA

 

The book collects a number of potent stories, and provides real life images that vividly bring to life the reality of the current situation in a way few documents do ... with deep sensitivity, empathy, and compassion to both sides.

-Jonathan Kuttab, Palestinian human rights lawyer and activist; member of Sabeel Board of Directors, Jerusalem

This book has a richness and texture in taking the story of the people and the dimensions of the conflict beyond its borders. Two aspects of this work will draw attention: what it says about two states vs. one state as possible outcomes and the position on the Palestinian refugees as a party whose views must be taken into account to reach a just and lasting peace.

- Nadia Hijab, Executive Director of the Palestine Center, Washington, D.C. USA

When a just peace is achieved in the Middle East, international civil society organizations will have played a crucial role, with Quakers and Quaker peace groups in the lead. We appreciate the willingness of the International Quaker Working Party to listen to a wide variety of voices as they traveled throughout Israel and Palestine. We especially appreciate the support the American Friends Service Committee, Quaker Peace and Social Witness, and other Quaker organizations have shown for the Israeli peace and justice community.

-Jeff Halper. Coordinator of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICAHD). Jerusalem

 

Maps, statistics, news clips, and even rigorous scholarly analysis can only go so far in conveying the complex, multi-level struggles of Israelis and Palestinians. For even the best informed observers, When the Rain Returns will enrich and enliven understanding of the human suffering inflicted by political projects run amok and of the injustices and fears associated with predicaments that hold both Israelis and Palestinians in their grip.

- Ian S. Lustick, Bess W. Heyman Professor of Political Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA., USA

The initial emphasis on the experiences of the IQWP is a very appropriate and didactically effective way to engage Quakers and others .... The tone is one of speaking truth, and indeed, speaking truth to power. .... I am now clear of what I and we are called upon to do in a spirit of love... and ready to make a commitment. This will probably be true for others, as it is for me.

- Richard Preston, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology, McMaster University, Hamilton; member of Hamilton Monthly Meeting, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

 

 

 

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