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Issue Explainer

Israel Palestine Conflict

Supporting educators and students around the world
A map of Israel, Palestine, and a few other surrounding countries. Gaza is visible on the map.
By: NEARI
Published: September 17, 2024

NEA is a founding member of Education International (EI), the global union federation of educator unions. It is the only global union federation in the world that has member organizations in both Israel and Palestine. NEA has been working with and through EI to speak about the impact of this war on children and educators in the region.

The impact of the armed conflict between Israel and Hamas has caused loss of human life in both Israel and Gaza and has left education communities and the whole world in shock. NEA extends its unwavering support to all students and educators in the region, and we are committed to advocating for a peaceful resolution, the protection of schools, universities, and educational personnel, and the prioritization of education in relief efforts.

Resources for Educators

Educators can use these resources and guidance to help address the ongoing crisis and support students in the classroom.
A map of Gaza and Israel

How to Talk About the Israel-Hamas War

Education Week curated resources to help help students understand historical context, process current events, and use media literacy skills to analyze news coverage.
Learn more
A boy in a classroom is listening intently.

Conflict in the Middle East

NEA curated materials to support member-efforts to address the fear and trauma they, and their students, were experiencing.
Learn more
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Talking to Children About the Violence in Israel and Gaza

NPR talked to several experts about how parents can approach the current conflict with children. Read the transcript or listen to the original broadcast.
Learn more
NEA President Becky Pringle
NEA believes that all people—no matter their religion, nationality, spoken language, or place of birth—have a fundamental right to live free of violence and war.
Quote by: Becky Pringle, NEA President

Humanitarian Aid for Educators and Students in Gaza

NEA is working with Education International (EI) and EI affiliates in the West Bank to help provide support to meet the most urgent needs of educators and students in Gaza. This includes the distribution of food and blankets, as well as books and toys for children.

While EI affiliates primarily operate in the West Bank where their members actively engage in advocating for the rights and well-being of educators, they have forged connections with teachers in Gaza. These EI affiliates are collecting and will distribute resources.

All donations will benefit Education International’s Solidarity Fund for Gaza.

Donate Now

If you would prefer to donate by check, please make checks payable to:
NEA Member Benefits
ATTN: Cecilia Evans
900 Clopper Road, Suite 300
Gaithersburg, MD 20878

In the memo or reference field, please specify “NEA Solidarity Fund for Gaza”

Background information

February 10, 2024

NEA Board of Directors reaffirms call for ceasefire.

NEA Board of Directors took action to reaffirm NEA’s call for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas when it adopted a motion that underscored the need for the release of the hostages abducted by Hamas and immediate, full humanitarian aid to affected people of Gaza, among other actions.
December 8, 2023

NEA joins calls for a ceasefire.

NEA joined EI along with Muslim and Jewish leaders across the globe in calling for a ceasefire.
November 7, 2023

NEA calls on leaders to protect civilians in Gaza, deliver aid immediately.

In the weeks that followed, NEA continued its call for the release of all hostages, urged our leaders in the United States and around the world to use their influence to stop the violence, protect civilians and get aid to Gaza immediately.
October 17, 2023

NEA issues statement condemning the terrorist attack and dangerous rise in anti-Muslim and anti-Jewish bigotry and violence

NEA issued a statement condemning the terrorist attack, standing with our union siblings in both Israel and Palestine, calling for peace and raising awareness of the dangerous rise in anti-Muslim and anti-Jewish bigotry and violence.
October 7, 2023

Hamas launches an unprecedented surprise attack on Israel

Hamas militants stormed from the blockaded Gaza Strip into nearby Israeli towns, killing dozens and abducting others in an unprecedented surprise attack during a major Jewish holiday on October 7, 2023. Israel launched airstrikes in Gaza in retaliation.

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Our Association is a remarkable blend of union and professional organization, with a proud history of serving Rhode Island. Since its inception in 1845, our members have been at the center of every struggle to advance the finest of American dreams: the promise of a quality public education for every child. One in every 100 Rhode Islanders is a member - chances are, you know us already!
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