You can pay for me to go to Israel/Palestine!!

This post is the official kick-off for my fundraising plan to raise the funds I need to cover the costs of a peace delegation to Israel/Palestine this year, which I was recently accepted to. The delegation is run by an organization called Interfaith Peace Builders, and the trip I will most likely be joining is co-sponsored by the American Friends Service Committee. This delegation is centered around the Palestinian Olive Harvest. Participants on the delegation will assist Palestinan farmers, as well as Palestinian and Israeli volunteers and peace makers, harvest this crop. Additionally, participants will gain in-depth knowledge from peace groups and avegerage people living on both sides of the conflict about what it's like to live in that environment, what is being done to help resolve the conflict and what Americans can do to work towards its resolution.

Upon return to the United States, delegates are required to share the knowledge they have learned with their communities and the media. As I am already somewhat active in this area, I plan to use experience to supplement and increase my activity. Staff members of sponsoring organizations as well as former delegates will assist myself and others with finding ways to share our experience with the public and the media.

The cost of the delegation itself is about $2,000.00, which does not include airfare. I am hoping to raise $3,000.00-$3,500.00 to cover the delegation, airfare (we are provided with group flight rates, which are discounted)and any meals that aren't covered in the cost. Any additional spending money will be provided by my own personal funds. The Interfaith Peace Builders does provide scholarships for those who require them. I have filled out a scholarship application and will find out whether or not I qualify for one and, if so, how much it will be for, closer to the trip.

More information about the delegation and about the Interfaith Peace Builders can be found on their website at: www.ifpbdel.org.