Israel and The Palestinian National Authority (PNA)
Where the work began
Andrew White’s work in the Middle East began in Israel/PNA. While training for ordination he took the opportunity to study in Jerusalem at the Hebrew University and the Karliner Yeshiva. Living alongside Israelis and Palestinians, the conflict in their country soon became a personal concern. Now committed to working towards peace in this land, when Andrew returned to the UK to start his curacy in South London he dedicated time to continuing his learning about Israeli-Palestinian relations. He became chairman of the young leadership section of the International Council of Christians and Jews which was formative in his understanding of reconciliation work and international relations.
Andrew’s role in the region
Andrew has been involved in Israel/PNA for over fifteen years and has worked with politicians and senior religious leaders from all sides of the conflict. In 2001 Andrew was appointed special envoy to the Middle East by the then Archbishop of Canterbury Lord George Carey. In this role Andrew established the Alexandria Process which brought together Jewish, Christian and Muslim leaders from Israel and Palestine fomenting a new track to peace through dialogue. During this time, Yasser Arafat, the former Chairman of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation, requested that Andrew mediate between Palestinian and Israeli negotiating teams during the Siege of Bethlehem. More recently Andrew’s long-lasting friendship with Rabbi Michael Melchior has meant that he has become involved in new initiatives to engage with the Palestinian National Authority.
How we work in the region
The FRRME has continued activities in the region based on the relationships Canon White has built over the fifteen years of his engagement in the region. We are involved in both Relief work, serving the needs of many people whose lives have been threatened by the conflict, and Reconciliation efforts to try to contribute toward the end of that conflict by engaging with influential leaders in the region. Please explore this section of our website to find out more.
