Our history – a couple’s commitment

In 2002, on a visit to Tel Aviv, Ken and Yvonne Singer met Rutie Atsmon (the Director of Windows Channels for Communication). So struck were they by the work she was doing, they wanted to find a way to help. Back in the UK, with the help of some friends, they arranged for Rutie and a Palestinian colleague to visit the UK the following year. A week of talks and events resulted in 15 interested people who were willing to support Windows CfC. It was decided that the best way to do this was to establish Windows for Peace UK.

Why were they interested? There were 3 main reasons why people wanted to support Windows CfC: -

1. Windows CfC’s core objective is to get groups of young people to actively listen to each other. This was almost unheard of; traditionally, each community had its own version of history and its own version of right and wrong. Listening wasn’t on the agenda yet it is critical in any relationship that wants peace.
2. Rutie was such a source of inspiration. Driven by humanity and a strong vision of a better future she is a very motivational figure. After decades of ineffectual politicians and policies she was and still is a breath of fresh air and a force to be reckoned with.
3. Unfortunately the subject of Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories was and still is seen by some to be “too controversial.” Although they have managed to obtain funding from major bodies such as the EU and US Aid, the support ebbs and flows with the political climate. This means that regular core funding from grant awarding bodies can be very difficult to obtain. Windows CfC desperately needed financial help and still does.

Windows for Peace UK was established in 2004. We are an independent registered charity. Charity number 1108358. Charity Commission entry

Objectives

We have 3 objectives: -

1. raising funds for WCfC
2. promoting dialogue between Jewish, Palestinian, Arab and Muslim communities in the UK.
3. encouraging and facilitating summer schools for Israeli and Palestinian youth

Achievements and activities

We have raised: -

• over £330k infrastructure funding for WCfC including multi media and ICT equipment
• £70k for summer schools in 2008 and 2010 and a video workshop in 2009
• Over £17k for UK youth dialogue initiatives which are also funded by Manchester City Council and the National Lottery.

Who are we?

We are a completely volunteer run charity and as a result have extremely low running costs. Approximately 97% of all money raised in applied to charitable causes.

We are managed by a board of trustees, currently: -

Yaakov Atik; Judith Emanuel; Sahera Parveen; Ros Raizada; Penny Roberts; Eyal Sagie; Ken Singer, and Farhat Zaheer-Flaherty.

For more information please subscribe to our mailing list. We currently have hubs in Manchester, London, West Cheshire/ Merseyside, and Leeds.

How we raise money

We raise money in a number of ways. If you think you can help in any way, no matter how small, then please click on the links below: -

1. individual donations – one-offs or regular standing orders
2. charitable trust donations
3. donations from religious groups e.g. synagogues, mosques and churches
4. donations from other charitable organizations e.g. Rotary Clubs
5. by hosting cultural and social events or small fund raising initiatives
6. sales of merchandise

How to get involved

We are always in need of donations, fundraising and physical help. If you feel you have the time to commit to volunteer your services to Windows then please contact us.

Thank you.