HLT believes that it is important to work with everyone who wants to learn, accept or commit to non violence. We strive to work directly with everyone who wants to work with us at the same time we are limited in our capabilities of being able to respond to the requests of all individuals and organizations. Our main commitment and energy regarding non violence is focused on the local Palestinian community. However we have significant opportunities to engage the international community in our yearly events to explore their role in supporting the non violence movement within Palestine and to create new partnerships. Where we can not have a direct working relationship, HLT is willing to support organizations indirectly through adding them to a website and including information in our newsletters and other ways suggested.

HLT runs programs for the international community and the Palestinian community. Programs and projects are based on meeting the mutual needs of the Palestinian and international community. Over many years HLT has created a network of individuals and organizations. If you would like to hear when we are advertising HLT programs please email:
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We work with the local community: Local Palestinian organizations, villages, refugee camps, groups, individuals, all religious denominations and spiritual beliefs. In regards to Israel, we will work with any individual or organizations that accept the idea of non violence and are also committed to non violence action. Local involvement is crucial and paramount as it is ultimately up to the people directly affected by the issues to resolve and create peace.
We work with the International community: Individuals and organizations that accept the idea of non violence and want to learn more and commit to non violence. This includes those who are already working directly in the area of non violence.

International support is important for the success of nonviolent struggle but it should not be seen as the main actions or the substitute for internal nonviolent resistance. A distinction should be drawn between international government and grassroots actions. Foreign governments can exert pressure on the oppressive regimes by issuing public declarations, undertaking diplomatic actions, imposing economic sanctions, etc. International government actions are more effective and pose a more serious challenge to the oppressive regimes than grassroots movements. International grassroots movement opposition may take considerable time, leaving time for the resistance to be crushed. International grassroots participation should be seen as complementary to the main internal struggle. The role of international supporters lies in spreading information and boosting the resisters’ morale.

International supporters are very important in the Palestinian struggle because the Palestinian narrative has often been distorted and downplayed in the media. International supporters are important because:

• They support Palestinians. As people in Palestine are getting increasingly hopeless about their situation and have extremely limited opportunities to travel, international volunteers and supporters can, at least symbolically, support Palestinians. Their presence can be a symbolic indication that the international community has not totally abandoned Palestine. There are various ways to support Palestinians – either through spreading information or doing it in practical ways (fundraising, rebuilding homes, etc.)

• They disseminate information about the situation in Palestine. Internationals coming to Palestine can serve as a channel of communication and spreading information to the rest of the world – either through the media or sharing stories in their local circles, universities, local organizations, individuals. Their testimonies can provide an important counterbalance to the prevalent Israeli narrative and, in the words of Edward Said, to enhance the Palestinian “permission to narrate”.

• Their presence reduces violence. Israeli soldiers are less likely to use violence against Palestinian civilians when they see foreign sympathizers during nonviolent protests and marches.

We work with Volunteers, Supporters and Interns

HLT works with many Interns, volunteers and supporters. The NVD would not exist without the efforts and support of local and international volunteers and interns who have committed their time and energy to support strengthening non violence in Palestine.
We will not work with: Individuals, groups or organizations not open to mutual learning and equal partnerships. Individuals, groups or organizations not open to understanding the priorities of the HLT and non violence.

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