Israel/Palestine: Holding a Space for Peace
Presented by
Melissa Graf-Evans
and
Jonathan Evans
Monday, May 19
7:00–8:30 p.m.
Join us for a presentation by Melissa (a lifelong Unitarian and member of the MLUC Choir) and Jon (a Quaker), who will share insights from their 30+ years of engagement with Israel/Palestine.
Melissa and Jon's journey began in 1992 when they moved to East Jerusalem with their toddler when Jon led Catholic Relief Services programs in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza. By 1997, they returned to the United States with three children and deep connections to the region.
Since then, they've led eight trips with Westtown School students and three trips with adults, primarily teachers and supporters of Friends education. They volunteered for two months with a West Bank-based travel organization, helping hundreds of United States graduate students learn about life in the West Bank. They also participated in Combatants for Peace tours, most recently in February 2025.
Their presentation will highlight firsthand observations and introduce you to remarkable Palestinian and Israeli organizations and individuals working with determination toward a future of shared security and dignity for all.
7:00–8:30 p.m.
Join us for a presentation by Melissa (a lifelong Unitarian and member of the MLUC Choir) and Jon (a Quaker), who will share insights from their 30+ years of engagement with Israel/Palestine.
Melissa and Jon's journey began in 1992 when they moved to East Jerusalem with their toddler when Jon led Catholic Relief Services programs in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza. By 1997, they returned to the United States with three children and deep connections to the region.
Since then, they've led eight trips with Westtown School students and three trips with adults, primarily teachers and supporters of Friends education. They volunteered for two months with a West Bank-based travel organization, helping hundreds of United States graduate students learn about life in the West Bank. They also participated in Combatants for Peace tours, most recently in February 2025.
Their presentation will highlight firsthand observations and introduce you to remarkable Palestinian and Israeli organizations and individuals working with determination toward a future of shared security and dignity for all.