The experiences of an Ecumenical Accompanier

Posted onAuthorCentral England Quakers

Brad Baker recently gave talks at Bournville, Cotteridge and Stourbridge Quaker Meetings on his experiences of being an Ecumenical Accompanier. Carole Panell of Stourbridge gives her reflections on Brad’s talk, and shares links to further reading and action that Brad suggested.

Having heard Brad Baker speak at Bournville Meeting House about his experiences as an ecumenical observer in Jerusalem in 2025, and with our own connections to the West Bank through Lynn and Dave Morris, I felt that Stourbridge Meeting would welcome hearing his talk.

For over an hour, and I’m sure we could have listened and asked questions for far longer, Brad talked about the stories behind the photographs that he had taken during his three months in Jerusalem. We know that the situation is desperate, more so now than when Brad was there, but what he witnessed only confirmed that the intentions of the Israeli government under Netanyahu are nothing short of evil, and the acts, both ‘legal’ and physical, undertaken by the government and its forces are, without a doubt, genocidal.

We heard stories of daily aggression towards Palestinians, both young and old, of a young boy attacked by settlers and his goats stolen (later to return home), of individual families, whose homes were demolished to make way for settlers or for some other spurious reason, and saw images of the devastation inflicted on their lives and livelihoods by these acts. But, we also heard of the enduring capacity of Palestinians for finding and celebrating, what to us would be merely scraps of joy. Listening to Brad’s talk was an emotional journey and the destination was a renewed commitment to doing something to make a difference in Palestine and Israel. Yes also in Israel – Brad talked about the groups of Israelis who oppose the regime and support the Palestinian cause.

Following Sunday’s talk, Brad forwarded information and wrote “It was a great pleasure meeting you and your friends’ community and holding a talk at such a special place. The kindness and compassion of your group is something I will treasure. “It was also a great privilege for me to attend the Friends Meeting for Worship itself and to join your lovely shared lunch. Please do pass on my appreciation and thanks to everyone involved.”

Brad also sent links and a book recommendation:

Actions

Two-minute actions at the Eyewitness website

  • Subscribe to our mailing list
  • Send an email to your MP
  • Donate – help us to keep accompanying communities living under occupation
  • Follow us on Facebook or Instagram
  • Follow Palestinian and Israeli groups involved in the Silwan story and support their efforts to protect the community and uphold International Humanitarian Law

Ongoing Actions

Further Reading

A Day in the Life of Abed Salama by Nathan Thrall – Brad’s book recommendation: He writes “It gives the best possible overview of life in occupied East Jerusalem you could wish for and is highly recommended if you want to know and understand more about the region and the conflict. We covered and visited nearly all of the places and communities the book describes.”