Friends International Center in Ramallah – Consultation held 8th – 10th March 2010

Concluding Minute:
We have met for three days to consider the work of the Friends International Center in Ramallah in accordance with its mission and to discern the direction of the programme for the future.
We affirm the richness and impact of the work of the Center over the last five years, grounded as it is in the worship of the Meeting.  We find the mission expresses well the ongoing commitment of the programme to support the Meeting, to be a resource to the community, to engage with local and international partners to pursue the attainment of justice and peace for Palestinian people and their neighbors.
We are thankful for the service of Kathy Bergen, Jean Zaru, and the members of the Meeting.  We affirm the current programme of work and recommend expanding the network, developing relationships, working with young people, broadening the use of Arabic as first language, the sharing of stories and the creation of the Peace Garden.  
We appreciate the need to increase resources and identify fundraising in Europe and the U.S. as a priority.  We see the Center as the hub of Friends' witness in the community, and hope that different aspects of Quaker presence, work, and witness can be drawn closer through its existence.
We are aware of the need to protect the safety and reputation of Friends in a situation that brings many pressures and dangers.  We ask Friends around the world to hold the Meeting, FICR, and all Quaker work here in the Light.