About us

Thanks for visiting the online home of the Britain Palestine Friendship and Twinning Network (BPFTN).

We believe that by deepening friendship, understanding and connections between people in the UK and Palestine we can change hearts and minds, and raise awareness of the ongoing injustice experienced by the Palestinian people. We are a network of different groups, with different activities, constitutions, sizes, locations and members- but we all have in common the aim of increasing mutual understanding, solidarity and cooperation through links with the people of Palestine. There are lots of benefits of being members of BPFTN and we are always keen to welcome new groups. You don’t have to have a link with a specific place in Palestine - we have a wide range of members, who you can read more about here.

A woman from the Jahalin pours sweet sage tea

A woman from the Jahalin pours sweet sage tea

What we do

BPTFN supports the setting up of new twinning and friendship groups, provides resources and assistance to new and existing groups, and helps identify people and groups in the UK and in Palestine who would like to build links.  We encourage and facilitate cooperation between different member groups through the sharing of experience, information, ideas and best practice, helping groups to learn from each other, develop and grow.

BPFTN can also facilitate contact with relevant national authorities to assist with the practicalities of twinning and friendship, as appropriate. Find out more about what we do and benefits of membership here.

Olive groves near the village of Jifna

Olive groves near the village of Jifna

Who we are

BPFTN is made up of around 35 member groups with the common aim of building friendship and solidarity with the Palestinian people. These groups and links vary in size, location, activities and approach according to the priorities of individual groups and their partners. They include links with churches, trade union branches, universities and hospitals as well as community and religious groups, and Palestinian towns, villages and cities.

The network is run and managed by a committee of volunteers. We have a part time freelancer working to support the development and growth of the network, and wonderful volunteers. BPFTN has two patrons who we are honoured choose to support our work. 

Graffiti on the separation wall in East Jerusalem

Graffiti on the separation wall in East Jerusalem

Why join us

If you are part of any group working in solidarity and friendship with the Palestinian people, or you would like to be part of such a group, we would love to welcome you to the BPFTN. Our member groups benefit from: 

  • help in setting up and establishing a group, or reinvigorating an existing one

  • opportunities to learn from other groups’ experiences and get mutual support

  • assistance with contacts, resources and connections, as well as practical help with planning events and trips, and hosting people from Palestine

Find out more about what BPFTN can do for you and your group here and check out our free resources.

Olives

We believe in equal rights

BPFTN operates in accordance with the laws of the United Kingdom, and respects the UK’s international commitments, among them:

  • the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

  • the Charter of the United Nations

  • International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law (including the Geneva Conventions)

  • the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. 

We believe these universal rights should be enjoyed equally by our Palestinian partners. Individual member groups determine how best to integrate these principles into their activities, with the network’s support.