Quakers have a long history of reaching across divides to work toward peace in the Middle East. In New York, Quaker United Nations Office (QUNO) continues that tradition by engaging with the UN to support peace and relief efforts in the West Bank and Gaza. Over the years, this work has occurred through close collaboration with on-the-ground programming led by American Friends Service Committee (AFSC). It has also relied on cooperation with other ecumenical organizations in New York that come together to form the NGO Working Group on IsraelāPalestine.
In the wake of the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel by Hamas and the subsequent war in Gaza launched by Israel, QUNO staff cooperated with the working group, monitored UN developments, and provided analysis to support AFSCās humanitarian efforts.
As a member of the NGO Working Group on IsraelāPalestine, QUNO joined ecumenical partners calling for an emergency session of the UN General Assembly following the failure of the UN Security Council to adopt a resolution. The working group also organized an interfaith service on October 19 at the UN Church Center that brought together leaders from different faith traditions to call for peace.