Island resident Phil Craine will soon be travelling to the Israeli-occupied West Bank to spend three months as a human rights observer to help promote peace in a troubled region.

He will join others from over twenty countries, and the aim of the international team is to provide impartial protection by their presence.  They will also monitor human rights abuses and support peace activists - both Israeli and Palestinian. 

Phil says, ‘The work is varied.  On one day, we may find ourselves monitoring a checkpoint where thousands of Palestinian workers cross daily into Israel.  On another, we may simply be helping Palestinian children arrive at school safely without harassment.’

Phil will be part of a global initiative called the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI).   This was set up in 2002 by the World Council of Churches in response to a call by the Heads of Churches in Jerusalem.   In the British Isles, the programme is organised by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).

On his return in April, Phil would like to speak to any local groups who are interested.  He can be contacted on 675925 or 437248.