A Briefing Session on Palestine Today Conducted by NCY and YMCA Japan

A Briefing Session on Palestine Today Conducted by NCY and YMCA Japan

On 7 July, a briefing session titled 'What is Happening in Palestine Today?' was held in Tokyo. The event featured Peter Nasir, General Secretary of the East Jerusalem YMCA (Palestine). The event was organized by NCYJ and the YWCA Japan.

Mr. Nasir reported on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where many lives are being lost, and on the brutal violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. He also introduced the activities of the East Jerusalem YMCA, including trauma care and rehabilitation for victims, employment support and community services for women — all of which are carried out in challenging circumstances.

During the session, participants had the opportunity to engage in dialogue with Mr. Nasir and share their thoughts on how Japan can contribute to the resolution of the crisis.

The day before the briefing session, Mr. Nasir also met with young people, mainly members of the Student YMCA. He answered questions from the young people and promised to help create opportunities for youth exchanges between Palestine and Japan in future.

Before visiting Tokyo, Peter attended the YMCA World Urban Network (WUN) conference in Osaka, visited Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park and Museum, and toured local YMCAs in Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka. He also spent time interacting with groups engaged in Palestine support and solidarity activities in various locations.

In response to Peter's appeal to 'not forget about Palestine', Japan YMCAs will continue to actively promote support activities and exchange programs, including the 'Olive Tree Campaign', which aims to achieve peace with justice in Palestine.

TAZUKE Kazuhisa
The National Council of YMCAs of Japan