WCC News: WCC accompaniment programme in Palestine and Israel convenes annual meeting

The World Council of Churches Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) convened its annual meeting for national coordinators on 5-7 November. 2 March 2020, Hebron: Participants in the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel greet the children as they undertake a 'school run' in the H2 area of Hebron, by which they offer an international presence as Palestinian children go to school. The children are otherwise at risk of harrassment from Israeli settlers and military, as tensions can lead to confrontations in the occupied Palestinian territories. Photo: Albin Hillert 07 November 2025 Participants received a brief status update and current situation analysis; reviewed main achievements, challenges, and lessons learned; and identified core priorities to address. Each of the three days had a theme, including “Setting the scene: hearing from everyone,” “From evaluation to strategy (2025 – 2030); and “Sustainability and the way forward." Each national coordinator shared related developments and advocacy priorities. They also discussed strategic directions emerging from evaluation. Key findings of the evaluation were presented with a focus on how the changing situation on the ground has impacted the accompaniers’ model. Participants also reviewed security protocols and assessed the adequacy of current measures given the changed realities on the ground. They exchanged practical suggestions for better coordination and communication. Also on the meeting agenda was a presentation of the budget, including challenges, funding perspectives, and potential fundraising avenues.  “In a context that continues to evolve rapidly, our collective commitment to just peace and human dignity remains unwavering,” said Carla Khijoyan, WCC programme executive for peace building in the Middle East. “The Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme continues to stand as a sign of international solidarity and a practical expression of faith in action. Its impact and credibility are rooted in the close collaboration between our national coordinators, local partners, and communities on the ground—working together to ensure that accompaniment remains both responsive and transformative.” Iskandar Majlaton, EAPPI programme coordinator said that the annual meeting is a meaningful occasion to join together with international partners in a spirit of fellowship and shared mission.  “It offers us the opportunity to reflect on our experiences in the field, to learn from one another, and to discern together the future direction of the programme,” he said. “The deliberations on strategic planning, security, and advocacy are of particular importance, as they strengthen our collective commitment to accompany and uphold the communities we are called to serve with faith, compassion, and steadfast hope.” WCC Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland