ONEVOICE EUROPE Outreach & Education Programme Comprehensive Review
2011 - 2014
About Us
OneVoice is an international grassroots movement that amplifies the voice of mainstream Israelis and Palestinians, empowering them to propel their elected representatives toward the two-state solution.
2 OneVoice Europe
About Us
The OneVoice Movement is an international grassroots charity that promotes the principles of conflict resolution and works to build consensus for a peace agreement in Israel-Palestine. It is politically non-partisan and it does not receive funding from either the Israeli or Palestinian governments.
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Being able to talk face-to-face with Israelis and Palestinians is hugely valuable for the students, they develop their knowledge and some find preconceptions and stereotypes challenged
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OneVoice is transforming the attitudes of school students and inspiring constructive adult activism on the issue of Israel-Palestine in the UK by giving individuals the unique opportunity to speak to Israelis and Palestinians who are directly affected by the conflict.
Moseley School, Birmingham
Teaching is based on two pragmatic principles of conflict resolution:
1 ANY solution must meet the CORE NEEDS and NATIONAL ASPIRATIONS of both Israelis and Palestinians
2 The ONLY feasible SOLUTION is one acceptable to a MAJORITY of the populations on both sides
THINKING ABOUT A
WIN-WIN SOLUTION OneVoice Europe
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Extremism
ANTI-SEMITISM In July 2014 there was a 400% rise in anti-Semitic incidents, according to the Community Security Trust (CST) and the Anti-Defamation League, 51% of which directly referenced the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza.
INCIDENCES OF BOTH ANTI-SEMITISM AND ISLAMOPHOBIA HAVE RECENTLY INCREASED IN THE UK.
In 2013, following the murder of a soldier in Woolwich by an extremist who cited Western foreign policy grievances, some studies reported as much as a 400% increase in Islamophobic hate crimes.
400% 400% ISLAMOPHOBIA
END EXTREMISM
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The Problem
THE PROBLEM What’s Happening? Based on a sense of common identity and affiliation with their Muslim or Jewish brothers and sisters in the Middle East, some of these community members in the UK’s neighbourhoods, schools and universities find themselves embroiled in cycles of hatred and antagonism. Opinions motivated by far-left, or far-right political views also play a part, with examples such as the English Defence League waving Israeli flags at their anti-Islam rallies and attacks on Jewish students and their property in certain UK universities by pro-Palestine activists. Extremist narratives are being allowed to take centre-stage, and their proponents gain recruits through taking advantage of the outrage, fear and blame that arises every time the violence in the Middle East reaches our screens.
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I’m so glad that OneVoice came. As a teacher, I wasn’t looking forward to covering this subject, as it’s really tricky to deal with. But since your last visit, it has really relieved some of the tension around the issue Queen’s Park Community School, London
OneVoice Europe
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Our Aim
WHAT WE DO
OneVoice Europe aims to bring together British people divided over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in an educational programme that: Dispels the stereotypes and predjudices existing within Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities and far-left/far-right political groups as a result of this conflict by giving a platform to the voice of the moderate majority Breaks taboos and entrenched narratives by facing the ‘elephant in the room’ and talking together about the issue with good quality, educational input from ordinary Palestinians and Israelis and from experts who can bring a variety of perspectives Encourages British people to pursue a win-win outcome if they are going to engage in activism on Israel-Palestine here in the UK, rather than the often-seen support for one side over the other
IT’S TIME TO STOP BEING SIMPLY PRO-ISRAEL OR PRO-PALESTINE AND TO START BEING PRO-SOLUTION 6 OneVoice Europe
IV + O LS ER M S M + IT IE U N S IT IE S
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The Sessions
• An online discussion forum that provides a safe space for participants to continue dialogue with each other and with Palestinians and Israelis • In-depth conflict resolution training sessions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its fall-out in the UK for university students and adult community members
• A Student Network that connects the student activists and gives them on-going training and support
• Tailored school sessions lasting up to 90 minutes for 15-18 year olds including direct interaction with young Palestinians and Israelis
• Dialogue sessions for adult community and interfaith groups, future-focused and centred on discussion about how to constructively unite behind solutions as concerned British people
• An annual residential course for students who want to take a leadership role and receive further training in understanding the conflict and influencing their campuses and communities
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I was inspired. I was impressed. This brought a large new audience to hear a different perspective from the one you usually hear in the media Stephen, Methodist Christian Community
OneVoice Europe
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Our Impact
IMPACT
More people, especially the young, should listen to these two guys to get a better understanding of the realities of the conflict. These guys are very impressive, and I like the approach that OV has taken in trying to find a solution for the conflict
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Henry, Jewish Community
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University Student
I have more realisation of the complexities and details University Student
It was great that we were able to go into the details of the conflict. Usually such events only scratch the surface, but this event was different
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University Student
I’ve had my stereotypes broken
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My understanding of the other side has increased
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QUOTES
Nasser, Muslim Community
FIGURES
7,588 50 PEOPLE REACHED ACROSS THE UK
500
ONLINE DISCUSSION FORUM MEMBERS
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SCHOOLS WORKED WITH
60
UNIVERSITY STUDENTS TRAINED WITH CONFLICT RESOLUTION SKILLS
Feedback
SCHOOL STUDENT FEEDBACK 15%
35%
OF STUDENTS SAID THEY HAVE LEARNT ABOUT THE PEACEFUL MAJORITY
11%
OF STUDENTS SAID THEY HAVE INCREASED FACTUAL UNDERSTANDING
OF STUDENTS SAID THEY HAVE BEEN MADE AWARE OF THE GRAVITY OF THE SITUATION IN ISRAEL-PALESTINE
19%
OF STUDENTS SAID THEY HAVE LEARNT NOT TO BE ONE-SIDED ON THE ISSUE
3%
2%
OF STUDENTS HAD AN UNSPECIFIED CHANGE OF OPINION
2%
OF STUDENTS SAID THEY HAVE NOT CHANGED THEIR OPINION
2%
OF STUDENTS STILL FELT STRONG SYMPATHY WITH ONE SIDE
OF STUDENTS FELT THE SESSION GAVE THEM A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON THEIR OWN LIFE
4%
3% OF STUDENTS SAID THEY HAVE LEARNT NOT TO UNCRITICALLY FOLLOW THE MEDIA
OF STUDENTS WANTED TO FIND OUT MORE AFTER THE SESSION
4%
OF STUDENTS FOUND THAT THE PERSONAL ACCOUNTS MADE THEM THINK ABOUT HOW CONFLICT AFFECTS ORDINARY PEOPLE
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Conclusion
CONCLUSIONS UK school participants aged 15-18:
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Are being stimulated in their thinking and participation by an engaging session that is uniquely different from a normal school lesson Are gaining knowledge about the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict that challenges black-and-white preconceptions Are establishing relationships with Israeli and Palestinian young people that they have come to know as human beings and can continue to interact with online Are sensitised to the terrible effects on the lives of ordinary Palestinians and Israelis if the conflict continues Are more concerned about seeking a solution to the conflict than supporting one side over the other Are less prejudiced in their thinking towards Jews and Muslims
Young adult participants between the age of 18 and 25 in the UK:
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Have a deeper understanding of the core issues and complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict Are actively volunteering for the OneVoice Movement as a parallel group to our young Israeli and Palestinian activists Are pursuing careers as the next generation of leaders in our society to take an active and constructive role as members of the International Community to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict
Adult participants from UK Jewish, Muslim and other communities: • • • • •
Have increased inspiration and hope that a solution for the Israel-Palestine conflict can be achieved Are gaining knowledge about the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict that challenges black-and-white preconceptions Are becoming active supporters of the OneVoice Movement Have a reduced bias towards one side or the other Realise the importance and responsibility of the International Community’s role
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For funding support, we would like to thank: The Rayne Foundation The Sainsbury Family Charitable Trusts The Lewis Family Charitable Trust The Ploughshare Trust Lara Atkin The Cooperative Membership Community Fund The Catkin Pussywillow Charitable Trust Wandsworth City Council Waltham Forest City Council Mick Davis
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We were thoroughly impressed by the session run by OneVoice. It was well planned and delivered with sensitivity and challenged students to think critically
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Teacher, Graveney School, London
[Participating in this session] made me understand it is not about pro-Palestine or pro-Israel, it is about peace
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Year 13 Student, Ashcroft Academy, London
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OneVoice Europe 11 Year 13 Student, Ashcroft Academy
ONEVOICE EUROPE 89 Worship Street London EC2A 2BF, UK Tel. +44 (0)207 392 2608 www.onevoicemovement.org
Reg’d Charity 1114114.
All images © OV/Europe, OV/US, OV/Israel and OV/Palestine 10 OneVoice Europe