Middle East peace
After decades of peace process, there is still no peace. The Elders are supporting civil society action for an end to the conflict and lasting peace.
Supporting peaceful Palestinian protest
"Non-violence is the only way of cleansing society of the tiredness, brutalisation and despondency it has been forced into." Ela Bhatt
During their first visit to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory in August 2009, the Elders visit peaceful protestors in the West Bank village of Bil'in, a Palestinian family living on the pavement after being evicted from their Jerusalem home, and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah.
The Elders hear first hand about life in Gaza, Bil'in and East Jerusalem
"This is not supposed to be OK. This is not how other people live." The Elders speak to people in Gaza via video link; visit the West Bank village of Bil'in, where a local protest movement against the separation wall is gaining momentum; and meet a Palestinian family in East Jerusalem evicted from their homes by Israeli authorities.
“Wonderful young people. They uplift you”
On the second day of their visit to the Middle East in August 2009, The Elders meet Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salaam Fayad. They also cross into the West Bank, where they meet women from the Qalandia refugee camp and listen to the concerns of young Palestinians.
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