Pacifist Activists: Christian Peacemakers in Palestine 1995-2014

"Inspired by the nonviolence work of Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr., civilian peacemakers have spent three decades developing third-party nonviolent intervention as a method for preventing the escalation of violence in conflict zones. “[T]hird-party nonviolent intervention…is a collection of tactics and methods used to support, rather than direct, social change work in intense conflict situations” (Boothe and Smithey 2007, 39-40). Scholars and practitioners of nonviolent resistance have shown growing interest in this model. Christian Peacemaker Teams has employed third-party nonviolent intervention methods in Israel/Palestine for 20 years in an effort to reduce and ultimately transform the violence and oppression of the Occupation. The work of this faith-based, non-profit organization is of interest not only in this field, but also to ecumenical scholars and religious leaders exploring interfaith efforts to promote peace and to like-minded nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). This dissertation presents a qualitative case study of Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT). This study tests the hypothesis that Christian Peacemaker Teams in the West Bank has effectively developed nonviolent institutions, skills, and training for intervention in the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. It examines and assesses CPT’s organizational model, training, and strategies for intervention in the West Bank including public witness, information politics, and institution-building. Evidence supports the claim that despite its very limited resources, CPT has successfully developed institutions, skills, and training in nonviolent efforts to intervene effectively in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. With only four to eight CPTers serving on the Palestine Project at one time, CPT’s impact has been extraordinary. One of CPT’s most successful endeavors has been its ongoing, nuanced strategy for protective accompaniment in the West Bank. In addition, CPT has been instrumental in the creation of Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICAHD), International Solidarity Movement (ISM), and Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme for Palestine and Israel (EAPPI). CPT has also created a space for Palestinian organizations to develop and operate as exemplified by the South Hebron Hills Popular Committee. CPT’s skills and training have served as models for individuals and organizations throughout the West Bank. Although CPT has not approached a large-scale transformation of the violence and injustices within the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the organization has transformed the lives of individuals, families, and communities. CPT has saved lives. It has offered moral support to the vulnerable Palestinian community and has taught and modeled for them nonviolence skills. CPT’s 20-year effort in the West Bank has contributed to global condemnation of unjust Israeli settlement policies and systematic human rights abuse against a civilian population. CPT has successfully promoted cosmopolitan and communitarian values and cooperation through its interfaith, cross-cultural partnerships. This small group of thoughtful, committed activist pacifists is making a positive difference in Israel/Palestine."