Holy Land Trust

Holy Land Trust (HLT) "is a Palestinian not-for-profit organization established in Bethlehem in 1998 to promote and support the Palestinian community in its struggle on two fronts: firstly, to achieve political independence by supporting the Palestinian community in developing nonviolent approaches to resistance with a view to ending the Occupation; and secondly, to assist in building an independent Palestine that is founded on the principles of nonviolence, democracy, respect for human rights and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. In addition, HLT works to build deeper and broader international understanding regarding the situation in the Holy Land in order to strengthen the capacity of all those working for positive change in the region. HLT believes in the important role the international community can play in achieving a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East."

They continue the work started by the Palestinian Centre for the Study of Nonviolence.

"Palestine News Network: PNN "was initially established as a web-based news service in Palestine in the year 2002 to provide direct and accurate news and reports from Palestine in the Arabic language. In the year 2003, Holy Land Trust adopted the PNN website, provided administrative and technical support, and add[ed] an English language page in addition to Arabic. … PNN works with a network of professional reporters dispersed throughout the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Some of these reporters also work for local Palestinian stations or international press agencies. … PNN also produces documentaries; assisting filmmakers in their efforts by contributing producers, filming, editing and directorial services, and facilities needed for production work. Future plans for PNN include the launching of the first web-based Palestinian radio station.""


 * Sami Awad - Executive director, The Holy Land Trust (2006 at least)

Funding
In 2006 they received a $35,000 grant from the NED "To promote nonviolence and conflict resolution in the West Bank. HLT will conduct a conflict management training program for three villages, with a focus on strengthening the social infrastructure in these villages, leading to more vibrant communities that manage conflicts nonviolently. HLT will subsequently establish information centers in the villages which will allow citizens to report how they used nonviolent tactics to resolve the situation."

Directors

 * Jonathan Kuttab (Chair of the Board)
 * Mai Nassar (Vice Chair)
 * Abdalla Attalla (Treasurer)
 * Suzan Sahori (Secretary)
 * Amal Jado
 * Bishara Awad
 * George Abu Dayyeh
 * Charlie Abu Sa’da
 * Nael Shyoukhi

Contact

 * Web: http://www.holylandtrust.org

Related Sourcewatch

 * Palestine Center
 * Howard Clark