What is FFIPP?
FFIPP is an educational network for human rights in Palestine/Israel. It is an international non-profit organisation, comprised of international students and faculties, working in solidarity for a complete end of occupation and just peace in the region.
FFIPP was founded in 2006, in connection with the first FFIPP Summer Internship Programme. The educational programme was intended for international students who cared about human rights and justice, and were interested in learning about the situation in occupied Palestine & the territories of the occupying power-Israel. Upon completion of the internship program, FFIPP encouraged and assisted interns to organise educational and artistic events on their campuses to share their internship experiences with other students.
In 2008, FFIPP France was created by FFIPP leaders who had participated in the summer programme in 2007. The following years, three separate chapters in France emerged, as well as chapters in all over Europe upon the initiative of international students from different countries. FFIPP Europe is now constituted by ten local chapters in various countries across Europe including Poland, France (Bordeaux, Grenoble and Paris), Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the UK, Spain, and Italy.
In 2020, FFIPP International was established, of which FFIPP Europe is one of three branches that include FFIPP Brazil and FFIPP USA.
Each chapter is led by a board comprised of students passionate about human rights, international politics, and just peace in Palestine/Israel.
The chapters work with raising awareness about human rights in Palestine/Israel in their local communities through the organisation of events such as lectures, panel discussions, film screenings and photo exhibitions.
Our objectives
To build an effective network of faculty and students dedicated to educating the international academic community about the realities in occupied Palestine & the territories of the occupying power – Israel;
To raise awareness locally by organising educational events within the academic community and beyond based on student experiences on the ground;
To collaborate with individuals and organisations working towards ending the occupation and just peace, standing in solidarity with our Palestinian partners and working with conscientious Israeli academics, intellectuals, and activists, who actively oppose their state's colonial policies.
To advocate for an end to the occupation and justice for those affected by it through promoting knowledge, fostering dialogue, and ensuring the inclusion of all voices.
To build knowledge through immersive education and firsthand experience, fostering personal connections with those living under occupation and combating injustice.
To create a lasting impact by raising global awareness and educating young leaders from diverse fields. These leaders are expected to influence future decision-making and promote change within their communities.
FFIPP Europe Position and Guiding Principles 2024
FFIPP is grounded in International Law. As such, it recognises ongoing Nakba - the injustices committed since 1948. It condemns the commitment of hate crimes, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of genocide, military occupation of Palestinian lands, policies of apartheid and settler colonialism. It advocates for Israel to completely withdraw from all occupied territories al J and for an end of the oppressive regime of present throughout Mandatory Palestine.
FFIPP Europe supports the end of all forms of occupation. This encompasses both material (land, resources) and immaterial (history, language, education) forms of occupation.
FFIPP Europe supports the Palestinian right of return which constitutes a fundamental pillar of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.
FFIPP Europe opposes the concept and process of normalisation, as defined by the Palestinian BDS National Committee.
FFIPP Europe works in solidarity with Palestinian partners, Palestinian intellectuals, and Palestinian civil society organisations (CSOs) dedicated to education and human rights, as well as with conscientious Israeli and international academics and CSOs.
FFIPP Europe is committed to educating people about the history, facts, and present situation on the ground in Palestine & Israel.
FFIPP Europe is committed to raising awareness locally through our various international chapters, based on members’ first-hand experiences and knowledge gained on the ground.
FFIPP Europe maintains equitable policies with partner organisations and maintains transparency in its work.
FFIPP Europe acknowledges its position of privilege as an international organisation facilitating short-term visits for participants in its Summer Programmes to occupied Palestine and Israeli territories. The organisation actively opposes and fights against ethnocentrism, Orientalism, and white saviorism, and is committed to promoting open-mindedness.
FFIPP Europe is committed to the belief that the human rights of all persons should be respected, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender, color, religion, language, or any other status.
FFIPP Europe is dedicated to intersectionality and inclusivity and stands against all forms of discrimination including antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism, xenophobia, homophobia, sexism, and gender-based violence.
FFIPP Organisational Structure
FFIPP Europe is run by a Board comprising of the Chair, Vice-Chair, Communications Manager, Secretary, Treasurer and Fundraiser.
Board Members are elected annually for a one-year term through impartial, equitable, and anonymous elections. All former Summer Programme participants and coordinators are eligible to vote and run for positions. Board members serve on a completely voluntary basis.
The Board oversees the organisation throughout the year, facilitates cooperation between chapters, organises fundraising activities, and leads the organisation of the Summer Programme. Additionally, the Board collaborates with FFIPP International and FFIPP branches in Brazil and North America.
FFIPP HISTORY
The organisation was founded in 2006 in response to the events of the Second Intifada and the increasing oppression of Palestinians by the occupying power. It was driven by a strong belief that cooperation and dialogue between Israeli and Palestinian intellectuals were not only possible but crucial for advancing the peace process. At that time, there was a prevailing belief in a two-state solution, and it was seen as essential to enhance international knowledge and connections with individuals from both Palestine and Israel.
Founders: Prof. Arnon Hadar, USA; Yoav Elani Elinevsky, USA
First Executive Board: Lily Feidy, Palestine; Judith Butler, USA; Anat Biletzki, Israel; Bassma Kodmani, France; Eyad Sarraj, Palestine; Lynne Segal, UK; Simone Susskind, Belgium; Salim Tamari, Palestine; Oren Yiftachel, Israel.
The format of the FFIPP Summer Programme was established in the early years of its operation through collaboration with Palestinian organisations, including Applied Research Institute – Jerusalem in Bethlehem, Civic Coalition for Palestinian Rights in Jerusalem, Project Hope in Nablus, Educational Bookshop in Jerusalem, The Freedom Theatre in Jenin, and al-Haq in Ramallah.
Nowadays, FFIPP acknowledges the apartheid regime in all territories, genocide in Gaza and worsening humanitarian situation in West Bank, Palestine, the intensifying oppression of the occupation, increasing violence and crimes against humanity, and the growing number of illegal Israeli settlements on Palestinian land. At the same time, FFIPP remains true to its roots, believing that efforts to raise awareness and foster dialogue – but only when power structures are acknowledged – contribute to building a just and peaceful future.
FFIPP recognises the profound inequality between both sides and the importance of giving voice to the oppressed people. We fully oppose the manipulative use of narratives of the oppressor. We believe in the dignity of all people.
We believe in dialogue and international cooperation, working in solidarity to end occupation. As an organization that was founded by an Israeli Jewish, we want to highlight the importance of working in solidarity to change the hateful neocolonial narratives.
FFIPP works in total solidarity with its Palestinian partners, entrusting them with leadership and expertise in relationships and cooperation. The Summer Programmes and internships are implemented exclusively by invitation from local partners, ensuring that the initiatives are guided by those with firsthand knowledge and direct experience. This approach guarantees that the initiatives are guided by those who live under the occupation and understand the complexities of the situation, thereby maintaining authenticity and respect in our collaborative efforts.