PROJECT WORK in PALESTINE
Education and Solidarity
The AFT stands with educators and communities in the Middle East, supporting human rights, tolerance, and peace through education. Through humanitarian relief, educator training, union development, and international solidarity, AFT works to support Palestinian communities while promoting dialogue, understanding, and lasting peace in the region. Our efforts are grounded in the belief that education is fundamental to human dignity and social progress.
AFT President Randi Weingarten Message on the Second Anniversary of October 7th
Gaza Relief Fund
AFT has partnered with ANERA providing critical humanitarian assistance. Starting in early 2024 and continuing through August 2025, the Disaster Relief Fund has raised over $30,000 for emergency Palestinian aid.
"Free Fatima Al Rimawi" Campaign
AFT led a successful international advocacy campaign, connecting teacher unions worldwide, demanding the release of Palestinian union leader and kindergarten teacher Fatima Al Rimawi from detention. She was released in the first round of hostage exchanges in January 2025.
AFT led a successful international advocacy campaign, connecting teacher unions worldwide, demanding the release of Palestinian union leader and kindergarten teacher Fatima Al Rimawi from detention. She was released in the first round of hostage exchanges in January 2025.
GUWKPS Partnership
Five years of union development work with the General Union of Workers in Kindergartens and Private School (GUWKPS) Recently completed Round 2 of trauma-informed teacher training for early childhood educators.
Five years of union development work with the General Union of Workers in Kindergartens and Private School (GUWKPS) Recently completed Round 2 of trauma-informed teacher training for early childhood educators.
- See report from first training workshop
- See presentation from second training workshop
GUPT Skills Development
Building skills with the K-12 General Union of Palestinian Teachers (GUPT) that focus on ways to build the union, increase membership, and capacity building.
- Below: "Powering Up" Union Building Tools (in Arabic)
PFUUPE Academic Freedom
Seeking a partnership, in conjunction with higher education union in the UK and Canada, to partner with the PAlestinian Federation of Unions of University Professors and Employees on the critical right to Academic Freedom: the right to teach, study, and research without fear of harassment or intimidation, in a responsible community safe from prejudice and violence.
Seeking a partnership, in conjunction with higher education union in the UK and Canada, to partner with the PAlestinian Federation of Unions of University Professors and Employees on the critical right to Academic Freedom: the right to teach, study, and research without fear of harassment or intimidation, in a responsible community safe from prejudice and violence.
- AFT on Academic Freedom
- Education International Resolution on Academic Freedom
- Canadian Association of University Teachers on Academic Freedom
- AFT President Randi Weingarten on Academic Freedom
- AAUP: "What's New About Attack on Academic Freedom"
Teach Human Rights and Share My Lesson
Comprehensive trauma-informed training modules promoting human rights education and healing-centered pedagogy.
Comprehensive trauma-informed training modules promoting human rights education and healing-centered pedagogy.
- Trauma Informed Education (in English)
- Trauma-Informed Education (in Arabic)
- Teach Human Rights: Anti-Islamophobia
- Share My Lesson: Parents Circle on SML
- Teach Human Rights: Restorative JUstice
Peace Building Partnerships
Collaborating with organizations dedicated to co-existence, dialogue, and grass roots peace efforts.
Hand in Hand: supporting integrated bilingual education and tolerance initiatives between Jewish and Arab communities
Standing Together: Partnering with a grassroots movement working to advance peace, equality, and social justice
Parents Circle
Policy Leadership Through AFT Resolutions
- "Calling for a Bilateral Cease Fire in Gaza and Promoting a Two-State Solution and an End to the Weaponization of Hate"
- "For an End to the War in Gaza and Lasting Peace, Security and Self-Determination for Israel and Palestine"
- "Hand in Hand"
AFT Leaders' Missions
Visiting Israel and the West Bank, fostering understanding and building relationships with educators on the ground
Visiting Israel and the West Bank, fostering understanding and building relationships with educators on the ground
