The Forum for Discussion of Israel and Palestine (FODIP) is a new independent not-for-profit initiative.  Its remit is to host and facilitate sensitively inter faith dialogue on the Israeli Palestinian conflict, within and between Jews, Christians and Muslims in the UK, and to promote a spirit of co-operation between and within faith communities in the UK, especially within the Church.

FODIP works through:

• 'Questions Without Borders' study tours (December/January). Read more >
• 'Tough Options' project, facilitating dialogue on this difficult topic for local inter faith groups .
• 'Neighbours for Peace' project, resourcing local groups to support initiatives in Israel and the Palestinian territories.
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• Hosting events for speakers and organisations from the region.
• The Theological working group (funded by the Sir Halley Stewart Trust), looking at how Christians begin to approach issues of advocacy and support, and the development of responses to the conflict.
• Using established networks and providing a consultancy on related issues.
• Issuing regular bulletins and up-dates.

 Why is this needed?
There is already a substantial amount of debate on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Britain.  However, most conversations in the UK on this topic have become polarised. Jews, Christians and Muslims are often passionately concerned about the region, but emotive exchanges can be negative and difficult.
Of particular concern is the approach to the subject within the Church, where polarisation has resulted in disunity and confrontation. Fodip’s theological working group will bring together Christians from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives to reflect on scriptural and spiritual imperatives.

FODIP’s Position
Fodip takes no political position but it does hold values:

• the acknowledgement that every human being is a child of God and has a right to live in peace with dignity and without fear;
• the recognition of the history, identity and needs of each community within the ‘Holy Land’, seeking their material and spiritual well-being;
• above all, FODIP advocates the use of dialogue over violence, and gives priority to hearing the voices of those living in communities in the region.