FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

OneVoice is unique because we take a comprehensive approach to resolving the conflict. In Israel and Palestine, we support partners on the ground who empower grassroots activists and the next generation of change-makers. We also recognize that this conflict has regional and international dimensions, and that events on the ground have severe global consequences. That is why we facilitate programs and advocacy efforts internationally to galvanize and shape a broad coalition—spanning different faiths and crossing ideological and political lines—that can reduce polarization and hate, and demonstrate one strong and coherent voice for resolving the conflict through nonviolent means.

We are supportive of any solution that addresses the legitimate needs and aspirations of the peoples of Palestine and Israel, and that provides security and justice for both populations in accordance with international law, allowing both Jews and Arabs to express their right to self-determination. Throughout the nearly half-century of conflict, a two-state solution has emerged as the most accepted model in both Israel and Palestine, and one that seemingly provides the most realistic means of resolution within these broad frameworks. Ultimately, of course, a solution must be reached between Palestinians and Israelis themselves, through negotiation and with the support of the majority of both societies.

Yes. We believe that the most important actors are Palestinians and Israelis themselves, however diaspora communities play a critical role in this conflict. Our aim is to encourage people who care deeply about those in the region to play a constructive and positive role, helping to provide the support and reassurance that only those with such a deep connection to the region can effectively convey. This is both a heavy responsibility and a unique opportunity – which is why OneVoice works to provide opportunities for individuals, communities and philanthropic entities to make a real and lasting impact, aligning themselves with the movements and groups in both Israel and Palestine who best reflect their values, and share their desire for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Individuals and foundations based in Israel, Palestine, and internationally. In furtherance of its mission, OneVoice conducts and supports charitable, educational, and advocacy-based projects and activities. The Movement is supported by PeaceWorks Foundation, a Section 501(c)(3) charitable organization, PeaceWorks Action, Inc., a Section 501(c)(4) social welfare organization, and other individuals, charitable institutions, and advocacy organizations across the globe. A financial review is available in our annual reports.

In addition to our regional partners in Israel and Palestine, OneVoice is a proud member of the Alliance for Middle East Peace (ALLMEP). We also work with a large and every-changing network of like-minded organizations both in the Middle East and internationally. For more information, feel free to reach out.

For Israelis and Palestinians, this is a conflict that distorts their daily lives, and a solution will shape not only their own, but also those of future generations. It is a conflict in which violence has entrenched itself into both societies in the decades since. However, this conflict is also soluble, and as leaders from Mandela to Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. have so effectively demonstrated, non-violence is a far more powerful tool to bring about lasting change, and to bring genuine peace to a society.

Polls continue to show majority support for a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and our Palestinian and Israeli partners have mobilized into the largest movements of their kind. Activists are on the ground every day in Palestine and Israel, and their brave and tireless work is fueled by the hope they find among the people. Extremism may be loud, and it may attract undue attention, but such violence is not a sign of strength; it is the death throes of ideologies that have lost widespread support, and that must lash out in reactionary attempts to thwart the progress of moderates.

Since our founding in 2002, OneVoice has helped young people around the world to realize that by taking an active role in grassroots activism, they have the power to shape the course of the future for Israel and Palestine. Since its inception, OneVoice has helped train over 30,000 Palestinians and Israelis via its award-winning youth leadership program, held thousands of public events engaging hundreds of thousands of citizens, and signed up over 750,000 people to its mandate for peace.

After more than a decade’s work in the region—training youth leaders, carrying out campaigns, and developing networks—in 2016 we realized our long-term strategic goal of supporting two authentic, locally-led organizations: one in Palestine, and one in Israel. In Israel, Darkenu emerged as the largest movement of moderate voters in the country’s history, with an impact on domestic debate reflected by its many headlines. In Palestine, Zimam works to spread tolerance and push back on extremism is a truly unprecedented capacity. Internationally, OneVoice works to raise resources and visibility for the critical work of our regional partners, as well running our own highly effective programming reducing hate, polarization and racism, and providing high school and college students with the education and tools to contribute meaningfully within their own communities.