WORKING FOR PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST: What can Quakers do?

The QCEA/QPSW Conference in Brussels, 29-31 October 2010

An opportunity to come together with Friends from across Europe and reflect on what Quakers can do –at home, at EU level, and in the region – to work for peace in the Middle East.

Using a variety of approaches and techniques, including music and drama workshops, participants will discuss, debate, and reflect on some of the key issues facing the region and the role the EU is playing there. We will consider together what we, as European Quakers, can do to help peace building efforts.

Guest speakers: Christian Berger, the EU Representative to the West Bank, will discuss the role of the European Union in the region. Ute Caspers, a member of German Yearly Meeting with extensive experience and travel in the region, will reflect on some of the questions we as Quakers need to address.

Workshops: The workshops running throughout the Conference will reflect on a number of themes, including:

• Settlement & supermarket products, BDS and the economic role of the EU in the region
• Quaker activity in the region and the experiences of the Ecumenical Accompaniers
• Arms & security, and Israel’s involvement in EU security research
• Freedom of Movement and the Right-to-Enter Campaign
• The work and support of Israeli and Jewish NGOs, including reviews of articles published in Ha’aretz
• Practical workshops: Drama workshop with Plain Quakers; Music Workshop with David Ferrard

And live in concert on Saturday night – David Ferrard: Songs for Peace and Justice.

Further information:

How to book

The price is £145/€195 per person which includes registration, meals and accommodation, but excludes travel. For participants who are Associate/Supporting Members or who represent an Area or Local Meeting which is an Associate/Supporting Member the price is £130/€175 per person.

In addition, there is also an extra, optional programme at Quaker House, Brussels on the morning of Monday 1 November. The programme will give an introduction to the work of QCEA with an additional speaker from one of the European institutions or a Brussels- based NGO, followed by a discussion and lunch. There is an additional charge for attending this session of £30/€35 per person. Places for this session are limited to 25 participants and will be filled on a ‘first come first served’ basis.

Bookings are now closed. Please contact Joe to enquire about late applications.