Michael Merryman-Lotze has worked at AFSC since 2010, coordinating advocacy and policy work on Israel and Palestine in the United States. His areas of expertise are human rights and conflict resolution, and he has worked on programs in Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, and the broader Middle East.
This week marks 55 years since the Six-Day War in 1967, when Israel occupied the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Gaza, and the Syrian Golan.
In May 2021, Israeli air raids destroyed many homes and schools in the Gaza Strip. The attacks came as the COVID-19 pandemic was already preventing many students from attending school.
Israeli, Palestinian, and international human rights organizations have all described the situation in Palestine and Israel as one of Apartheid. This is a reality that must be understood and addressed.
Thanks to supporters like you, we're providing aid to elderly Palestinians and their families whose homes were destroyed or severely damaged in the attacks on Gaza.
This article was first published in June 2018. It was edited and updated on May 17, 2021.
While the Biden administration has indicated it will restore critical humanitarian funding for Palestine, we need political action to bring lasting peace with justice.
