Resources on Palestine & Israel

compiled by Hanan Watson
revised April 27, 2017

A disclaimer: These sources are not comprehensive nor are they meant to present a “balanced viewpoint". In compiling this list, the assumption was made that most people are aware of the mainstream Israeli and US points of view. These sources are meant to supplement and complement the mainstream sources with which most people are familiar. The resources include US, Israeli and Palestinian organizations as well as UK, Israeli and Arab news sources.

Organizations working on Palestinian Israeli Issues:

Americans for Peace Now
http://peacenow.org/
Click on APN Map project and learn about conditions on the ground.

The Amos Trust – Palestine section
http://www.amostrust.org/amos-palestine/
The Amos Trust promotes human rights and nurtures local responses to situations of injustice.

Bitterlemmons
http://www.bitterlemons.net/
The bitterlemons publications reflect a joint Palestinian-Israeli effort to promote a civilized exchange of views about the Israel-Arab conflict and additional Middle East issues among a broad spectrum of participants.

Council for the National Interest (CNI)
http://www.councilforthenationalinterest.org/new/
CNI seeks to encourage and promote a U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East that is consistent with American values, protects our national interests, and contributes to a just solution of the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Foundation for Middle East Peace
http://www.fmep.org
Established in 1979 by the late Merle Thorpe, Jr., the Foundation is dedicated to promoting, through various activities, a just solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that brings peace and security to both peoples.

Givat Haviva
http://www.givathaviva.org
An educational organization that works to further social justice and Jewish-Arab peace in Israel and neighboring Arab countries.

Hand in Hand Center for Jewish-Arab Education
https://www.handinhandk12.org/
Develops bilingual, multicultural schools aimed at building peace between Jews and Arabs in Israel

If America Knew
http://www.ifamericansknew.org/
Information not usually seen in US sources.

IMEU – Institute for Middle East Understanding
https://imeu.org/
The Institute for Middle East Understanding offers journalists and editors quick access to information about Palestine and the Palestinians, as well as expert sources — both in the U.S. and in the Middle East.

The Jerusalem Fund
http://www.thejerusalemfund.org/
The Jerusalem Fund for Education & Community Development is an independent, non-profit, non-political, non-sectarian organization based in Washington, D.C. Funding for operational expenses is derived from investment income. This, together with donations from private individuals throughout the U.S., supports the organization’s humanitarian grants. Has excellent resources, articles and lecture videos

Just Vision
http://www.justvision.org/
Just Vision emerged in response to the lack of media coverage of Palestinian and Israeli civilians working to end the occupation and the conflict. While violent extremism receives front-page exposure, courageous nonviolence leaders and peace builders are relegated to occasional human-interest stories. Consequently, Just Vision works to ensure that these Palestinian and Israeli civic leaders are not only taken seriously as partners in the quest for peace, but are also more visible, valued and influential in their efforts. Learn about two documentary films: “Budrus" and “Encounter Point". Read interviews with Israeli and Palestinian Peace Builders. View the unsung heroes of 2010. Download educational materials for classrooms and communities.

The Middle East Research and Information Project
http://www.merip.org/palestine-israel_primer/toc-pal-isr-primer.html
A primer on the Arab- Israeli Conflict.

Mondoweiss
http://mondoweiss.net/
Mondoweiss is a news website devoted to covering American foreign policy in the Middle East, chiefly from a progressive Jewish perspective. It has four principal aims: 1. To publish important developments touching on Israel/Palestine, the American Jewish community and the shifting debate over US foreign policy in a timely fashion. 2. To publish a diversity of voices to promote dialogue on these important issues. 3. To foster the movement for greater fairness and justice for Palestinians in American foreign policy. 4. To offer alternatives to pro-Zionist ideology as a basis for American Jewish identity.

Oasis of Peace
http://www.oasisofpeace.org/
Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam (the "Oasis of Peace" in Hebrew and Arabic) is the only community in Israel where Jews and Palestinians choose to live, work and raise their children in equality and mutual respect. The village started with a handful of individuals in the 1970s and is now home to 60 families - half Jewish, half Palestinian. More than 300 families are on a waiting list, hoping to join the community in the near future.

The Palestine Monitor
http://www.palestinemonitor.org
A Palestinian organization that was set up in December 2000 to monitor and report on the conditions of Palestinians under occupation and publishes information on its web site.

The Parents Circle - Families Forum (PCFF)
http://www.theparentscircle.org
Mission statement • To prevent further bereavement, in the absence of peace • To influence the public and the policy makers – to prefer the way of peace on the way of war • To educate for peace and reconciliation • To promote the cessation of acts of hostility and the achievement of a political agreement • To prevent the usage of bereavement as a means of expanding enmity between our peoples • To uphold mutual support between our members

Sabeel
http://www.sabeel.org/
Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center working for justice, peace and reconciliation in Palestine – Israel.

United Nations Relief and Works Agency, USA National Committee
http://www.friendsunrwa.org
Immediately after the Arab-Israeli hostilities of 1948, emergency assistance to Palestine refugees was provided by international organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, League of Red Cross Societies and the American Friends Service Committee. In November 1948, the United Nations established the United Nations Relief for Palestine Refugees (UNRPR) to extend aid and relief to Palestine refugees and coordinate efforts of NGOs and other UN bodies such as the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Refugee Organization. The United Nations established the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) under UN General Assembly Resolution 302 (IV), of 8 December, 1949, as a subsidiary organ of the United Nations. UNRWA's mandate has been renewed every three years since 1949, and is expected to continue to be renewed pending a just settlement of the refugee problem.

UUs for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME)
http://www.uujme.org/home
An independent organization of concerned UUs working to educate ourselves and our fellow UUs and citizens about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its legal, moral and ethical issues in an effort to bring about peace and justice in Israel-Palestine, including a settlement of the conflict affirming the equality, dignity, freedom and security of all peoples involved.

Progressive Jewish Activist Organizations:

J Street
http://www.JStreet.org
The organization gives political voice to mainstream American Jews and other supporters of Israel who, informed by their progressive and Jewish values, believe that a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is essential to Israel’s survival as the national home of the Jewish people and as a vibrant democracy. J Street’s mission is two-fold: first, to advocate for urgent American diplomatic leadership to achieve a two-state solution and a broader regional, comprehensive peace and, second, to ensure a broad debate on Israel and the Middle East in national politics and the American Jewish community.

Jewish Voice for Peace
http://www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org
Jewish Voice for Peace members are inspired by Jewish tradition to work together for peace, social justice, equality, human rights, respect for international law, and a U.S. foreign policy based on these ideals. JVP opposes anti-Jewish, anti-Muslim, and anti-Arab bigotry and oppression. JVP seeks an end to the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem; security and self-determination for Israelis and Palestinians; a just solution for Palestinian refugees based on principles established in international law; an end to violence against civilians; and peace and justice for all peoples of the Middle East. The website has an activist tool kit.

Newspapers and other media sources:

Arab Sources Israeli Sources: UK Sources: