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Pacifist Activists: Christian Peacemakers in Palestine 1995-2014

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Pacifist Activists: Christian Peacemakers in Palestine 1995-2014 A dissertation submitted to the Graduate School of the University of Cincinnati in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Political Science Of the College of Arts and Sciences by Marlaina A. Leppert-Wahl M.A. University of Cincinnati August 2001 M.A. The George Washington University February 1990 Committee Chair: Laura Jenkins, Ph.D. Abstract Inspired by the nonviolence work of Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr., civilian peacemakers have spent three decades developing third-party nonviolent intervention as a method for preventing the escalation of violence in conflict zones. “[T]hird-party nonviolent intervention…is a collection of tactics and methods used to support, rather than direct, social change work in intense conflict situations” (Boothe and Smithey 2007, 39-40). Scholars and practitioners of nonviolent resistance have shown growing interest in this model. Christian Peacemaker Teams has employed third-party nonviolent intervention methods in Israel/Palestine for 20 years in an effort to reduce and ultimately transform the violence and oppression of the Occupation. The work of this faith-based, non-profit organization is of interest not only in this field, but also to ecumenical scholars and religious leaders exploring interfaith efforts to promote peace and to like-minded nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). This dissertation presents a qualitative case study of Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT). This study tests the hypothesis that Christian Peacemaker Teams in the West Bank has effectively developed nonviolent institutions, skills, and training for intervention in the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. It examines and assesses CPT’s organizational model, training, and strategies for intervention in the West Bank including public witness, information politics, and institution-building. Evidence supports the claim that despite its very limited resources, CPT has successfully developed institutions, skills, and training in nonviolent efforts to intervene effectively in the Israeli- Palestinian conflict. With only four to eight CPTers serving on the Palestine Project at one time, CPT’s impact has been extraordinary. One of CPT’s most successful endeavors has been its ongoing, nuanced strategy for protective accompaniment in the West Bank. In addition, CPT has been instrumental in the creation of Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICAHD), International Solidarity Movement (ISM), and Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme for Palestine and Israel (EAPPI). CPT has also created a space for Palestinian organizations to develop and operate as exemplified by the South Hebron Hills Popular Committee. CPT’s skills and training have served as models for individuals and organizations throughout the West Bank. Although CPT has not approached a large-scale transformation of the violence and injustices within the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the organization has transformed the lives of individuals, families, and communities. CPT has saved lives. It has offered moral support to the vulnerable Palestinian community and has taught and modeled for them nonviolence skills. CPT’s 20-year effort in the West Bank has contributed to global condemnation of unjust Israeli settlement policies and systematic human rights abuse against a civilian population. CPT has successfully promoted cosmopolitan and communitarian values and cooperation through its interfaith, cross-cultural partnerships. This small group of thoughtful, committed activist pacifists is making a positive difference in Israel/Palestine. ii iii Dedication The following blessing hangs in the Christian Peacemaker Teams office in Chicago. It captures the heart of CPTers from around the globe. I pray this prayer for my own beloved children, who already demonstrate spirits of compassion and service. I dedicate this dissertation to them. A Franciscan Blessing May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart. May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace. May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy. May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done. – Amen iv Acknowledgements With all of the searching for words that this dissertation has entailed, this final acknowledgement proves to be the most difficult to construct. Mere words on a page cannot begin to express the tremendous appreciation I feel toward those people in my life who have helped to make this possible. My heartfelt gratitude goes to Howard Tolley, Jr. for his longstanding support. His wisdom, guidance, and insistence on excellence have been invaluable to me during the process of shaping this dissertation. I am indebted to him for all that I have learned under his tutelage. I also owe sincere thanks to Laura Jenkins and Richard Harknett, whose insights and feedback were of great value to my work. These three members of my dissertation committee at the University of Cincinnati challenged me to grow and improve, and yet offered me patience, flexibility, and encouragement along the way. Every worthwhile study has an inspiration. CPTer Rick Polhamus served as the inspiration for this dissertation. I learned about CPT’s courageous work through his compelling narratives, which captured my initial interest. I must thank Rick for introducing me to a research topic that has continued to excite and fascinate me over time and for his constant assistance throughout the research process. I would also like to express my appreciation to the other CPTers who were so generous with their time and information during interviews, correspondence, and other encounters. This case study would have been exceedingly difficult without their cooperation, and instead I found a warm welcome and openness from so many. I thank Jonathan Brenneman, Kryss Chupp, Laura Ciaghi, Claire Evans, Mark Frey, Kathleen Kern, Cliff Kindy, Carole Powell, Doug Pritchard, Greg Rollins, Carol Rose, Sarah Thompson, and Terra Winston. My friends and colleagues at Wilmington College have served as an enduring network of support. The WC Isaac Harvey Fund provided a sizable grant toward my 2011 CPT delegation trip to Israel/Palestine for my research. Members from all corners of the WC community have uplifted me. I especially want to thank Mary Ellen Batiuk for the opportunities she has helped me seize through her constant encouragement and advocacy, including the opportunity to complete my Ph.D. with support from my Social Sciences area. Mary Rose Zink and Martha Hendricks both offered me support at key times during the dissertation process, which kept me moving forward. Michael Snarr travelled with me on delegation to the West Bank, and he and Melissa Snarr have shared their insights into the CPT delegation experience. WC student Alex Koyfis also deserves recognition for his patience and computer support. Behind every researcher, there is a librarian. In this case, there is an entire library staff to thank – Joni Streber, Patti Kinsinger, Lee Bowman, Kathy Hatfield, and Mary Beth Corcoran of WC’s Watson Library. This team provided me with unfailing research and moral support. Above and beyond the call of duty, Jean Mulhern worked tirelessly by my side to help keep me organized and on track. Without her assistance, this might still be a work in progress. I have appreciated her positive attitude, informed advice, organizational and reference skills, and steadfastness. I have learned new skills and strategies from our work together. I will “pay it forward,” as Jean says, and forever remember her selfless contribution to my successful completion of the dissertation. Randall Roberts of UC’s Langsam Library also deserves my gratitude for his assistance with data bases and RefWorks and his heartening spirit. Finally, it is impossible for me to express the extent of the love and gratitude I feel toward my parents, Thomas and Arlene Leppert. Their unwavering and extraordinary support has given me the time and space to focus on the work of the dissertation at critical points in the process. The tremendous gifts of their time, help with my children and home, encouragement, and love are immeasurable. My father also offered thoughtful insights into a portion of my dissertation work. My seven precious children – Maraya, Miah, Milena, David, Melora, Damien, and Dylan – have borne the brunt of the sacrifice that it took to make this all possible. They have risen to the occasion and have worked together to take care of each other and maintain a normal level of chaos. They already know how very much I love and cherish them. They know that this dissertation is my gift to them. v Table of Contents Abstract . .. .. ii Dedication . .. .. .. iv Acknowledgements . .. .. v Table of Contents vi List of Tables and Figures . .. viii Chapter 1: Introduction . .. 1 Pacifist Activists . .. 1 Problem Statement . .. 3 The Israeli-Occupied West Bank . .. 5 Peacemaking in the Global Context . .. 9 Academic and Practical Significance . .. 11 Methodology . .. 15 Overview of Chapters . .. 22 Chapter 2: Theoretical and Theological Frameworks (Rival Worldviews)
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