Dominicans have worked in the Middle East for over 250 years. Some of the significant groups in Jerusalem are the Dominican men who conduct a university program in biblical studies at Ecole Biblique. Dominican women are working in schools, hospitals, and parish work in Israel-Palestine.

In spite of hardship, our sisters continue to conduct schools, and work in hospitals and with refugees. On a recent visit with our sisters, they described the deteriorating economic conditions for the Palestinian people. The present political situation, which includes the system of checkpoints and restriction on travel, has contributed to the instability and fear of the people. It is extremely difficult to obtain travel visas.

On this same visit, it became apparent that most Palestinian and Israeli people desire peace. According to reliable polls, over 70% recognize the need for two states and desire compromise and negotiation to achieve this end. Both groups are suffering; their suffering may differ greatly, but nonetheless, as one gentleman said, “We are good people; we deserve peace.” This man’s son had been killed in the present conflict, and he was co-founder with a Palestinian woman of a peace initiative

In addition, Dominican women and men are present in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, and Iraq. While we continue interest in and advocacy for the people of Israel and Palestine, we recognize the inter-relationships of the wider region and look toward working, with many others, for peace in the Middle East.

Working Group on Israel Palestine

Mission Statement:

The Non-governmental Organization Working Group on Israel Palestine advocates for a just peace by acting within the United Nations community to bridge the realities of life on the ground in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories with international debate and policy.

Member Statement:

I. The working group is a coalition of organizations that have met since 1999 to share information and advocate for a just peace in Israel Palestine. The working group is a unique body whose individual members are accredited to the United Nations. Each member must also have an organizational link to Israel Palestine. This dual commitment enables the working group to bridge the two communities.

II. The working group maintains that a just settlement of the conflict would be in accord with international humanitarian and human rights laws and agreements. Such a settlement would recognize:

• the need to end the occupation of Palestinian territories;
• the illegality of Israeli settlements in those territories;
• the rights of displaced persons;
• the need for representative democracy within Israel and Palestine;
• the on-going responsibility of international third-party actors in the resolution of the conflict.

III. The working group's advocacy in the United Nations community
includes:
• serving as an information resource for NGOs, Missions, and United Nations bodies;
• engaging with and supporting Missions on specific issues;
• engaging with and supporting the United Nations work;
• engaging with and supporting other local, regional, and international organizations working toward a just peace.

IV. The working group supports the centrality of the United Nations and Security Council resolutions 242 and 338, which call for a resolution to the conflict.

V. The working group supports nonviolent resolution of the conflict. The working group sees violence as an impediment to peace.

VI. The working group maintains that peace will only become a reality when all parties have confidence that a power imbalance has been corrected, their inalienable human rights are protected, and the demands of justice are respected.