Open to all Birmingham students:

As violence escalates across Israel-Palestine, it’s more important than ever to have nuanced and challenging conversations about the conflict. It’s easy to relate to the situation through the lens of those with whom you associate most. For diaspora Jews, the first frame of reference is often Israelis. However, you may have wondered what life is like in the region for Palestinians, and what initiatives exist to foster greater understanding between the two peoples. Few are better placed than Zakaria Abu El-Halawah to present such a perspective to diaspora Jews, so if you’re even a little curious to learn about the Palestinian experience, don’t hesitate to come along.

Please register your interest below – details TBC

About the speaker:

Zakaria Abu El-Halawah is the Field Researcher and Arabic Social Media Coordinator for Ir Amim.

Ir Amim focuses on Jerusalem within the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Their mission is to render Jerusalem a more equitable and sustainable city for the Israelis and Palestinians who share it and to help secure a negotiated resolution on the city through sustained monitoring, reporting, public and legal advocacy, public education, and outreach to re-orient the public discourse on Jerusalem. Ir Amim envisions a city that ensures the dignity and welfare of all its residents and safeguards their holy places, historical and cultural heritages – today, as well as in the future. Ir Amim aspires to a sustainable political future for Jerusalem as the shared capital of two sovereign states – achievable only through a negotiated Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
Ir Amim received New Israel Fund’s 2022 Human Rights Award for their advocacy.

Zakaria will be able to share both personal and professional experiences. He has an in-depth understanding of what it’s like to be a Palestinian resident of East Jerusalem. Not only from growing up and living there himself, but also from the extensive advocacy that he’s done within the Palestinian community there. He works directly with many Palestinian families, some who are threatened with eviction from their homes, others whose homes have already been demolished. As an employee of Ir Amim, Zakaria has defended Palestinian communities and helped them to secure planning rights, international coverage, and education.

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About Yachad:

Yachad is a British Jewish organisation whose primary mission is to empower British Jews in supporting a political resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Yachad is committed to supporting Israel’s right to exist. They focus on advocating for a resolution to the conflict, as they believe that only through a political resolution will Israel thrive and prosper – alongside a viable and independent Palestinian state.

Yachad is a significant voice within the mainstream British Jewish community. They have thousands of supporters, are members of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, and work closely with a variety of
communal bodies.