We support local partners in countering efforts to reduce civic space, putting pressure on Israel and international duty bearers to prevent specific violations of housing & residency rights of Palestinians in East Jerusalem & Area C, and work together with youth and specifically young women on the West Bank and in East Jerusalem to gain access to relevant fora and decision-making processes at local level and foster gender equality and inclusivity. Furthermore, PAX focusses on reducing the involvement of Dutch companies and Dutch financial institutions in relation to the illegal Israeli occupation and we are addressing the role of the Dutch government and advocating for accountability.
Our work
Youth Bridges
The Youth Bridges project, in partnership with PCPD, empowers Palestinian youth to bridge the gap between communities and decision-makers. Through training, dialogues, and creative initiatives, over 500 participants across the West Bank promote gender equality, accountability, and inclusive governance, fostering positive change in local policies and practices.
Social Archiving In East Jerusalem
Khazaaen is a Palestinian social archive in East Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood, preserving community identity amid evictions and demolitions. Together we collect and digitize ephemeral materials, foster research access, and organize events. We enhance archival practices and connect with Dutch initiatives to share and protect Palestinian identity.
Don’t Buy Into Occupation
We’re a leading member of the Don’t Buy into Occupation coalition. We investigate investments by European financial institutions in companies that are involved in illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. We urge financial institutions to take action and divest from companies that continue to facilitate human rights violations.
Civic Space and Digital Rights
Civic space in Palestine is increasingly under pressure, also online, with activists facing both Israeli occupation and growing restrictions from the Palestinian Authority. Together with 7amleh, PAX advocates for digital rights by targeting governments and social media companies to combat online hate speech and discriminatory moderation policies.
Gender Inclusivity in Palestine
PCPD leads projects in Palestine focusing on gender equality. These include masculinity training, gender policy development, media advocacy, and empowering young women through leadership training and media campaigns, aiming to challenge stereotypes and gender inequalities, promote women’s rights, and create inclusive spaces for young people to drive social change in Palestinian society.
Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme
EAPPI guarantees the protective presence of international observers in fragile communities on the West Bank including East Jerusalem. Monitoring developments in the occupied territories and reporting human rights violations brings extra protection.
Housing and Residency Rights
Palestinians in East Jerusalem face ongoing violations of housing and residency rights, including forced displacement, house demolitions, and residency revocations. We conduct targeted local and international advocacy to address these injustices.
MEND – Transformatieve Gender Programme’s
We support Palestinian women and youth to overcome social fragmentation, violence, and inequality through gender transformative programs.
MEND – Transformatieve Gender Programme’s
We support Palestinian women and youth to overcome social fragmentation, violence, and inequality through gender transformative programs.
Palestina Activist Lab
The Activist Labs equip youth from all over the West Bank to lead impactful initiatives on topics like gender, opportunities for youth, and local governance. Through multi-day trainings, participants develop own actions and inspire participants to organize labs in their communities and drive meaningful change.
War in Gaza
Immediately after 7 October, PAX strongly condemned the Hamas attack. At the same time, we expressed fears of a far-reaching further escalation and stressed the need to address the root causes. From the outset, we called for de-escalation and breaking the cycle of violence.
News on Gaza
Podcasts
We also produce PAX Palestine Podcast. In several episodes, we talk to different partners such as the World Council of Churches, YMCA East Jerusalem and The Palestinian Center for Peace and Democracy who talk more about their experiences and work in Palestine.
PAX Palestine Podcast features interviews with local Palestinian organisations and peaceworkers. PAX, a peace organization based in the Netherlands, works together with committed citizens and partners to protect civilians against acts of war, to end armed violence, and to build a just peace. In Palestine we support local partners in building resilient communities, promoting human security and equality in the political, cultural and social domain, and in fighting the injustices resulting from the protracted occupation.
How do Palestinian women navigate the dual challenges of military occupation and a patriarchal society? This episode features a conversation with Niveen and Malak, two passionate participants from the Youth Bridges for Democracy and Participation project. Recorded in Bethlehem, these inspiring women from Hebron share their personal stories of resilience, pride, and perseverance amid adversity. We explore their experiences with restricted movement due to Israeli watchtowers and discuss the broader impact of the occupation on daily life. Despite these hardships, Naveen and Malek's commitment to education and ”sumud”—the spirit of steadfastness—shines through as they strive to create change in their communities.
To support community engagement and informed decision-making, PAX and the Palestinian Center for Peace and Democracy (PCPD) carry out the “Youth Bridges for Democracy and Participation” project in the West Bank. This initiative aims to provide meaningful opportunities for local youth to contribute to their communities, fostering empowerment and inclusivity. By, among other things, engaging with local authorities they generate more inclusive decision-making and create opportunities for youth and young women. This interview with Niveen Mansara and Malak abu Ayash i translated by Haneen Hanna. And is hosted by Kristel.
Thanks for listening to the PAX Palestine Podcast. PAX exists because of all our supporters and partners. Donate now to help us work on peace and tell stories that need to be told. Together, we make peace work. Go to paxforpeace.nl and join us now.
Lawsuit against Dutch state: stop delivering F-35 parts
The Dutch government supplies (spare) parts for fighter planes to the Israeli Air Force for use in Gaza, despite serious war crimes being committed there. We find this unacceptable. That is why we have sued the Dutch government with partners Oxfam Novib and The Rights Forum.
