Supporting the Ministry and Outreach of Jean Zaru
Ramallah, Palestine

Since the mid-1980’s, Global Ministries has worked in close dialogue with Jean Zaru, Presiding Clerk of the Ramallah Friends Meeting, in support of her efforts to promote global understanding and the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict based on human rights and non-violence. For the past several years, Global Ministries has assigned a person in mission to work directly with Jean Zaru.

Jean Zaru is the only Palestinian Christian woman who leads a religious community. She exclusively volunteers her time and talents, both locally and internationally, offering a unique and critical voice on issues of human rights as well as the specific rights of women and children. She also works on issues of the environment, justice, and religion. Her lifelong commitment to global, ecumenical, and interfaith work has led her to accept hundreds of speaking engagements, invitations to offering consultancy to non-governmental peace organizations, and to share her wisdom and perspectives in writing.

Global Ministries is convinced that one way that the building of peace in the Middle East can be advanced is through the sharing of articulate voices of Palestinian leaders who are promoting non-violence and that increase support for basic human rights. Currently the media and various political pressures often drown such voices out. This is especially true for Palestinian Christians.

The military occupation itself also makes it very difficult for non-violent advocates to travel, organize, and be heard. The economy in the Palestinian territories continues to deteriorate, while the expenses of maintaining basic services increase. Global Ministries affirms the need to support the critical ministry of Jean Zaru.

Most recently, Jean Zaru has spearheaded the rejuvenation of the Quaker presence in Palestine through a new ministry of the Meetinghouse to create programming to promote a culture of peace and non-violence in the wider community. The ministry, housed in the Meetinghouse itself, is called the Friends International Center in Ramallah and offers safe space for Palestinians, Israelis, and international visitors in their common pursuit of non-violent peace building and international understanding. Increased dialogue and exchange encounters are being hosted at the Center.

Multiple times each month, opportunities for exchange emerge in the form of international advocacy meetings, church related non-governmental organization program consultancy, interfaith and ecumenical dialogue, and/or cultural or community discussions. Local participants and international travelers often meet for research consultation and strategizing for grassroots advocacy work. All encounters seek to create a common bond and nurture understanding and cooperation.

Global Ministries invites gifts for the ministry of Jean Zaru, Presiding Clerk of the Ramallah Friends Meeting.