## **TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT,**
## **WITH ANNUAL ACCOUNTS**
## **FOR**
**THE FORUM FOR DISCUSSION OF ISRAEL AND PALESTINE (FODIP)**
## **For the Financial Period**
**1[st] SEPTEMBER 2023 – 31[ST] AUGUST 2024**
1
**TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT, WITH ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE FORUM FOR DISCUSSION OF ISRAEL AND PALESTINE (FODIP)**
**Registered Charity Number 1189476 CIO - ASSOCIATION Registered 14 May 2020**
**For the Financial Period 1[ST] SEPTEMBER 2023 – 31[ST] AUGUST 2024**
**Patrons:**
**Lord Harries of Pentregarth**
**Rabbi Dr Tony Bayfield**
**Shaykh Dr Abdal Hakim Murad**
**Trustees**
**Dr Jane Clements MBE (Joint Chair)**
**Rabbi Warren Elf MBE (Joint Chair/Treasurer)**
**Jawad Amin**
**Rev Toby Crowe (Appointed on 3 March 2024)**
**Muddassar Ahmed**
**FODIP - The Forum for Discussion of Israel and Palestine**
**Registered Address from 14 May 2020 Manchester Multifaith Centre Unit 18, The Wesley Centre Royce Road Manchester M15 5BP www.fodip.org.uk** ; **E:** admin@fodip.org.uk
2
## **TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT, WITH ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE FORUM FOR DISCUSSION OF ISRAEL AND PALESTINE (FODIP) For the Financial Year 1[ST] SEPTEMBER 2023 – 31[ST] AUGUST 2024**
## **FODIP is a charitable incorporated organisation (registered on 14 May 2020) established to improve inter faith relations in the UK in the context of the Israeli Palestinian conflict.**
## **Trustees report**
## **Our Aims**
FODIP’s objects are:
The promotion of racial and religious harmony for the benefit of the public in particular but not exclusively by:
- a) Promoting mutual understanding and respect between Jews, Christians, Muslims and the wider public in the UK;
- b) The provision of assistance, through dialogue and education, where community relations are threatened by differences in perspectives regarding the Israeli/Palestinian conflict and other global problems;
- c) Resourcing the public concerning religious issues and approaches to peace and justice, involving events and people in the Middle East.
## **Objectives**
In order to fulfil these aims, FODIP works through three main areas of activity:
- On a local level, resourcing and facilitating dialogue and education among local faith and inter faith groups on the Israeli Palestinian conflict;
- Through Study Tours to Israel and Palestine;
- At national level, acting as a point of information and advice, consulting and providing material for national organisations and institutions.
## **Governance**
The trustees met virtually during this period and were in regular communication between trustees and the Programme Director.
3
## **THE FORUM FOR DISCUSSION OF ISRAEL AND PALESTINE (FODIP)**
## **For the Financial Year**
## **1ST SEPTEMBER 2023 – 31ST AUGUST 2024**
_Trustees report cont’d_
## **Summary**
FODIP has continued to successfully engage and maintain good relations with beneficiaries, partners, and stakeholders during one of the most challenging years in our history. The ongoing crisis in the region has created unprecedented demand for our support, with individuals and organisations turning to us to help navigate heightened tensions, deepened divides, and sensitive conversations around Palestine and Israel.
Antisemitism and Islamophobia are issues that have been constantly addressed in relation to our work offering practical support and dialogue-based solutions. Beyond our core project work we have worked with colleges, universities and local councils and national inter faith organisations helping them to support their stakeholders and even repair relationships and better support their communities. In particular, young people involved in our programmes, many of whom are Jewish and Muslim have faced emotional and relational strain, with longstanding friendships tested by conflicting perspectives, who may have enjoyed years of friendship, now have no idea how to talk to each other.
Our Listening Events, delivered nationwide, created essential spaces for dialogue, even when such conversations felt impossible. These spaces included students, educators, community and faith members and leaders, and professionals.
Throughout the period of September 2023 to August 2024, FODIP has continued to advise government departments and local authorities, while delivering a wide range of impactful activities. Our work has directly and indirectly reached over 2000 people nationally and internationally, creating meaningful impact and opportunities, and expanding our network of experts, facilitators, and grassroots organisations.
Despite the difficulties, this year has reaffirmed the value, relevance, and necessity of FODIP’s mission together with our ability to adapt and respond with compassion, integrity, and expertise.
## **Activities:**
Our work over the year has included:
**The continuation of our projects** : Tough Options Moving Forward (TOMF), Breaking Barriers Creating Conversations (BBCC), FODIP Ambassadors and Women’s Sports Programme (WSP). These programmes have continued to bring together the participants and have welcomed new participants. They are supported by funding from The National Lottery and small donations.
4
## **THE FORUM FOR DISCUSSION OF ISRAEL AND PALESTINE (FODIP)**
## **For the Financial Year**
## **1ST SEPTEMBER 2023 – 31ST AUGUST 2024**
## _Trustees report cont’d_
_**Tough Options Moving Forward:**_ During this period, TOMF continued to engage with participants and sensitively brought the group together, amid heightened tensions within the region and the impact it had on communities here in the UK. We held 7 online sessions, 4 in-person workshops, and 2 residentials, one in England (January) and another at Corrymeela, Northern Ireland (August). Following the October 2023 escalation, we adapted by prioritising smaller, reflective sessions, including an interfaith vigil and drop-in spaces.
Key moments have included training with our experts, insights from academics, and a film screening that provoked a deep discussion on the different perspectives. New and existing cohorts bonded through workshops, mediation sessions, and discussions on narratives and safe spaces. The Corrymeela residential deepened understanding through the images and the tour in Belfast, historical reflections, and role-playing exercises.
TOMF continues to create safe spaces to hold difficult issues in challenging times.
_**Extension of funding**_ – Following the escalation of the crisis in the region, the planned programme was temporarily halted and redeveloped into an urgent intervention to address the needs of the participants. The National Lottery supported the request made by FODIP to adapt its delivery and timeline whilst increasing the funding. This enabled us to respond meaningfully and sensitively to the emotional, social and interpersonal challenges participants were facing. The additional resources helped support deeper and more responsive engagement in addition to repairing friendships and understanding at a highly sensitive time.
_**Breaking Barriers, Creating Conversations:**_ The project has remained responsive to the needs of the participants, and events planned accordingly. A focus on positive, respectful and meaningful interaction between people of all faiths and none emerged as a necessity, with mental health and well-being as the main issue. Activities and resources were redesigned to address these concerns. Workshops, co led by experts and young people, allowed participants to share experiences in a safe space. In total, four events have been delivered in this period with additional one to ones and smaller group discussions held between sessions to provide ongoing support and build trust.
5
## **THE FORUM FOR DISCUSSION OF ISRAEL AND PALESTINE (FODIP)**
## **For the Financial Year 1ST SEPTEMBER 2023 – 31ST AUGUST 2024**
## _Trustees report cont’d_
_**FODIP Ambassadors:**_ The situation in the region has significantly impacted on all those involved in FODIP in some way or another, many who feel conflicted or experience personal or relational strain. Some participants became what we describe as ‘social casualties’ of the conflict, with existing relationships fractured. To repair broken relationships required time and intentional effort. Despite this, the group is able to work together and support other members of the projects. They have shown renewed commitment to making a positive contribution to the work. The group has also grown in diversity, adding richer lived experiences and perspectives.
_**Women’s Sports Group:**_ The group has continued to meet weekly with breaks for festivals and religious holidays. Some women have expressed that engaging in these spaces has become more important than ever before **,** offering continued connection. In early February, a social event was organised by a participant from the group who was deeply concerned about the rising community tensions. Feelings of anxiety, anger, pain, and mistrust had rocketed between these communities, breaking down interfaith and community relations. The women wanted to do something to encourage connection and counter the division **.**
New participants were mostly recruited through recommendations of existing participants. These are usually those from traditional backgrounds and who are less likely to meet people who are from a different background to their own. The increase in participation, especially at a time that has seen challenges highlights the programmes effectiveness.
The sessions provide opportunities for participants to learn new sports and develop new skills, contributing to their overall personal growth. Two women have gained experience and qualifications to run sessions themselves and have done so for FODIP.
**Listening Events** : A series of Listening Events have been held, both online and in person, across the country. These events were designed to create safe, respectful spaces for dialogue and reflection in response to the ongoing crisis in the region.
These have been held for
- Local councils, for councillors, community members and staff.
- Universities, colleges and schools, with staff, parents and learners.
- Interfaith and community organisations with their stakeholders and community
- Youth and community organisations for their beneficiaries and staff that are engaging with young people.
In addition to this, FODIP has also held dedicated listening sessions for its own participants and beneficiaries, ensuring that the voices and experiences of those closest to the work are heard and supported.
6
## **THE FORUM FOR DISCUSSION OF ISRAEL AND PALESTINE (FODIP)**
## **For the Financial Year 1ST SEPTEMBER 2023 – 31ST AUGUST 2024**
_Trustees report cont’d_
**Webinars:** FODIP has run online webinars with faith and community leaders from the UK and the region in response to the ongoing situation. These bring diverse voices from the region and allow people to hear about the realities, so beginning to understand and empathise with the ‘other’.
## **National Events and Conferences:**
In November FODIP led a national Interfaith Vigil for all the children of Palestine and Israel jointly with St James’s Church, Piccadilly. This was attended by faith and community leaders and was a time for prayers and reflection. FODIP has also contributed to a number of national and local events to address the current issues faced by civic leaders and others from faith communities.
A reception with lunch was held in May at St Mary Axe in London, funded by one of our donors, and addressed by some of our young people. Invited guests were updated on our ongoing work and encouraged to continue their support, financial or otherwise. The event helped strengthen relationships and highlighted the importance of investing in FODIP during challenging times.
**Facilitated Dialogue and Troubleshooting** : This has been an exceptional year, with much of our time dedicated to supporting schools, communities, and professional settings through complex challenges. Much of our time has involved responding to increasing hate speech involving Palestinians, Arabs, Muslims and Jews. In addition, we had to address rhetoric surrounding the anti-immigration and racist riots that took place over the summer of 2024.
7
## **THE FORUM FOR DISCUSSION OF ISRAEL AND PALESTINE (FODIP)**
## **For the Financial Year 1ST SEPTEMBER 2023 – 31ST AUGUST 2024**
## _Trustees report cont’d_
Throughout this period, FODIP has provided targeted support, advice, and facilitated dialogue, helping the young people from our programmes. This allowed us to work within the existing structures and safe spaces we had already established to address the fear and frustrations experienced by our participants. We have strived to support local government initiatives through participation in roundtables, offering our expertise on the impact on our communities and offering approaches to sensitive responses to the situation.
**Advice and guidance:** FODIP remains a trusted source of support on issues relating to Palestine and Israel. We have continued to advise at local and national level, assisting a range of organisations **,** including those delivering programmes in educational settings, to help ensure sensitive and effective outcomes.
**Training:** While much of this year focused on supporting communities navigate through the challenges, FODIP has continued to deliver training where possible, recognising the importance of building confidence and skills to engage in this divisive issue.
Through our programmes we have trained TOMF participants who have gone on to work in interfaith and dialogue spaces equipping them to facilitate sensitive conversations around Palestine and Israel. They have gained invaluable practical experience and exposure to diverse perspectives, networks and narratives.
We also continued to invest in staff development and training to strengthen delivery, expertise, capacity and impact.
**Creation of resources and diversifying income generation:** Our methodology and approach involves a library of resources and activities FODIP has created to support programme delivery. This year, we have begun exploring ways to market these resources to help diversify our income and strengthen long-term sustainability.
FODIP was commissioned by an international organisation to write an article on tackling online hate, and to produce a series of short videos aimed at supporting young people in engaging with current issues in the region. These resources focus on mental health and wellbeing, and specifically address islamophobia and antisemitism
**Recruitment and growth of FODIP Team:** We successfully recruited a part time Project Manager for the TOMF programme replacing the previous post holder and a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer to enhance our reporting and impact measurement.
8
## **THE FORUM FOR DISCUSSION OF ISRAEL AND PALESTINE (FODIP)**
## **For the Financial Year 1ST SEPTEMBER 2023 – 31ST AUGUST 2024**
We also strengthened our governance by appointing a new Christian trustee, a former participant in our Peacebuilders programme the previous year, bringing valuable lived experience and perspective to our board.
**Visit to the Palestine and Israel –** All planned tours and trips had to be cancelled. TOMF participants cancelled booked flights to the region for their visit that was to take place in Jan 2024. These will resume once it is safe to do so.
In the meantime, we continue to bring voices from the region to our participants through online engagements **,** ensuring connection, learning, and lived perspectives remain central to our work.
**Public Engagement:** Regular social media engagement, and participation in networking events has helped raise FODIP’s profile and enabled contributions into important discussion
## **Testimonials**
_“An exemplary session in how to share space for different beliefs, ideas and identities with respect and mutual, gentle support. I felt able to share openly in the session and I got a lot from the way the facilitators set up a safe, open and honest space. It felt safe to share thoughts in a scaffolded environment that allowed others to hold the expertise and lived experience -this meant I could share my own less formed and secure thoughts knowing I'd receive support in better shaping these. I would definitely recommend this session to others and hope to see it repeated at the University. It is responsible, vital, brave work and I'm proud that our Chaplaincy is undertaking it with this organisation”._ _**University staff member**_
_“The session was a really important time to share how the events in the Middle East have shaped my life and to understand how it has done the same for other people. After the session I felt I had found greater comfort in addressing other people’s perceptions of how Jewish students were feeling and I had also gained greater understanding as to how Muslim students were feeling too”._ _**Student**_
9
## **THE FORUM FOR DISCUSSION OF ISRAEL AND PALESTINE (FODIP)**
## **For the Financial Period**
## **1[ST] SEPTEMBER 2023 – 31[ST] AUGUST 2024**
## **Financial Reserves**
Reserves Policy
The members have agreed the reserves policy to leave enough to meet three months’ running costs. This means that the reserves for the year are as set at 31[st] August 2024 of £14,747 (unrestricted) which is equal to more than four months’ expenditure on costs (that is, rent and management).
## **Principal funding sources**
The main source of income this year have been from The National Lottery Community Fund and donations were significantly higher than previous years. The delivery of seminars, consultation expertise and facilitation where appropriate, attract payment for such services.
## **Investment policy and objectives**
The association has no long-term investments. All cash reserves are held in the Unity Trust current bank account.
## **Plans for future period**
Aims for the forthcoming twelve months are:
- To establish a sound financial base
- To build capacity
- To utilise the ongoing programmes to raise the profile of the organisation;
- To continue to deliver our 3 major programmes.
Rabbi Warren Elf MBE Joint Chair/Honorary Treasurer
Date 13/12/2024
10
## **THE FORUM FOR DISCUSSION OF ISRAEL AND PALESTINE (FODIP) For the Financial Period**
**1[ST] SEPTEMBER 2023 – 31[ST] AUGUST 2024 FODIP Income and Expenditure, 1 September 2023 – 31 August 2024**
|**Income**
TNLottery
MB Reckitt
A4A Project
Peacebuilders Donations
Bury HCAW Grant
QWB Deposits
TOMF Deposits + Refund
Donations
Services
**Total Income**
**Expenditure**
TOMF Project Worker
TOMF Project Director
TOMF Equipment
TOMF Venue
Payroll
TOMF Facilitation
TOMF Advert
TOMF Travel
Phone
Women’s Voices
Bank Charges
Website
Office
Travel Expenses
Peacebuilders
A4A Project
QWB
Insurance
Fundraising
Safeguarding
**Total Expenditure**
**Excess of Income**
Opening bank balance
**Closing bank balance**|**_Year ended 31st August_**
**_2024_**
**Total**
**Restricted**
**£**
**£**
65,150.00
65,150.00
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
575.00
7,978.74
-
2,938.95
-
**76,642.52**
**65,150.00**
19,685.00
19,685.00
33,000.00
33,000.00
3,785.83
3,785.83
1,611.19
1,611.19
238.92
238.92
4,639.60
4,639.60
-
-
3,308.11
3,308.11
375.88
-
1,531.70
-
72.00
-
325.58
325.58
6,285.32
6,285.32
742.12
742.12
-
-
744.01
744.01
--
-
340.32
340.32
8,159.88
8,159.88
100.00
100.00
**84,945.36**
**73,623.46**
**-8302.84**
99,125.49
**90,822.65**|**_Year ended 31st August_**
**_2023_**
**Total**
**Restricted**
**£**
**£**
94,221.50
94,221.50
4,000.00
-
-
-
6,950.00
6,950.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
809.54
-
636.51
-
450.00
-|
|---|---|---|
|||**109,067.55**
**103,171.50**|
|||14,134.22
14,134.22
26,500.00
26,500.00
2,870.94
2,870.94
14,676.40
14,676.40
183.15
183.15
2,109.50
2,109.50
56.03
56.03
3,339.52
3,339.52
215.00
-
1,425.00
-
72.00
-
281.40
281.40
5,763.54
5,763.54
700.08
-
12,764.24
-
386.60
-
500.00
500.00
327.27
327.27
48.00
-
-
-|
|||**86,352.89**
**70,741.97**|
|||**22,714.66**
76,410.83
**99,125.49**|
11
## **TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT,**
## **WITH ANNUAL ACCOUNTS**
## **FOR**
**THE FORUM FOR DISCUSSION OF ISRAEL AND PALESTINE (FODIP)**
## **For the Financial Period**
**1[st] SEPTEMBER 2023 – 31[ST] AUGUST 2024**
1
**TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT, WITH ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE FORUM FOR DISCUSSION OF ISRAEL AND PALESTINE (FODIP)**
**Registered Charity Number 1189476 CIO - ASSOCIATION Registered 14 May 2020**
**For the Financial Period 1[ST] SEPTEMBER 2023 – 31[ST] AUGUST 2024**
**Patrons:**
**Lord Harries of Pentregarth**
**Rabbi Dr Tony Bayfield**
**Shaykh Dr Abdal Hakim Murad**
**Trustees**
**Dr Jane Clements MBE (Joint Chair)**
**Rabbi Warren Elf MBE (Joint Chair/Treasurer)**
**Jawad Amin**
**Rev Toby Crowe (Appointed on 3 March 2024)**
**Muddassar Ahmed**
**FODIP - The Forum for Discussion of Israel and Palestine**
**Registered Address from 14 May 2020 Manchester Multifaith Centre Unit 18, The Wesley Centre Royce Road Manchester M15 5BP www.fodip.org.uk** ; **E:** admin@fodip.org.uk
2
## **TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT, WITH ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE FORUM FOR DISCUSSION OF ISRAEL AND PALESTINE (FODIP) For the Financial Year 1[ST] SEPTEMBER 2023 – 31[ST] AUGUST 2024**
## **FODIP is a charitable incorporated organisation (registered on 14 May 2020) established to improve inter faith relations in the UK in the context of the Israeli Palestinian conflict.**
## **Trustees report**
## **Our Aims**
FODIP’s objects are:
The promotion of racial and religious harmony for the benefit of the public in particular but not exclusively by:
- a) Promoting mutual understanding and respect between Jews, Christians, Muslims and the wider public in the UK;
- b) The provision of assistance, through dialogue and education, where community relations are threatened by differences in perspectives regarding the Israeli/Palestinian conflict and other global problems;
- c) Resourcing the public concerning religious issues and approaches to peace and justice, involving events and people in the Middle East.
## **Objectives**
In order to fulfil these aims, FODIP works through three main areas of activity:
- On a local level, resourcing and facilitating dialogue and education among local faith and inter faith groups on the Israeli Palestinian conflict;
- Through Study Tours to Israel and Palestine;
- At national level, acting as a point of information and advice, consulting and providing material for national organisations and institutions.
## **Governance**
The trustees met virtually during this period and were in regular communication between trustees and the Programme Director.
3
## **THE FORUM FOR DISCUSSION OF ISRAEL AND PALESTINE (FODIP)**
## **For the Financial Year**
## **1ST SEPTEMBER 2023 – 31ST AUGUST 2024**
_Trustees report cont’d_
## **Summary**
FODIP has continued to successfully engage and maintain good relations with beneficiaries, partners, and stakeholders during one of the most challenging years in our history. The ongoing crisis in the region has created unprecedented demand for our support, with individuals and organisations turning to us to help navigate heightened tensions, deepened divides, and sensitive conversations around Palestine and Israel.
Antisemitism and Islamophobia are issues that have been constantly addressed in relation to our work offering practical support and dialogue-based solutions. Beyond our core project work we have worked with colleges, universities and local councils and national inter faith organisations helping them to support their stakeholders and even repair relationships and better support their communities. In particular, young people involved in our programmes, many of whom are Jewish and Muslim have faced emotional and relational strain, with longstanding friendships tested by conflicting perspectives, who may have enjoyed years of friendship, now have no idea how to talk to each other.
Our Listening Events, delivered nationwide, created essential spaces for dialogue, even when such conversations felt impossible. These spaces included students, educators, community and faith members and leaders, and professionals.
Throughout the period of September 2023 to August 2024, FODIP has continued to advise government departments and local authorities, while delivering a wide range of impactful activities. Our work has directly and indirectly reached over 2000 people nationally and internationally, creating meaningful impact and opportunities, and expanding our network of experts, facilitators, and grassroots organisations.
Despite the difficulties, this year has reaffirmed the value, relevance, and necessity of FODIP’s mission together with our ability to adapt and respond with compassion, integrity, and expertise.
## **Activities:**
Our work over the year has included:
**The continuation of our projects** : Tough Options Moving Forward (TOMF), Breaking Barriers Creating Conversations (BBCC), FODIP Ambassadors and Women’s Sports Programme (WSP). These programmes have continued to bring together the participants and have welcomed new participants. They are supported by funding from The National Lottery and small donations.
4
## **THE FORUM FOR DISCUSSION OF ISRAEL AND PALESTINE (FODIP)**
## **For the Financial Year**
## **1ST SEPTEMBER 2023 – 31ST AUGUST 2024**
## _Trustees report cont’d_
_**Tough Options Moving Forward:**_ During this period, TOMF continued to engage with participants and sensitively brought the group together, amid heightened tensions within the region and the impact it had on communities here in the UK. We held 7 online sessions, 4 in-person workshops, and 2 residentials, one in England (January) and another at Corrymeela, Northern Ireland (August). Following the October 2023 escalation, we adapted by prioritising smaller, reflective sessions, including an interfaith vigil and drop-in spaces.
Key moments have included training with our experts, insights from academics, and a film screening that provoked a deep discussion on the different perspectives. New and existing cohorts bonded through workshops, mediation sessions, and discussions on narratives and safe spaces. The Corrymeela residential deepened understanding through the images and the tour in Belfast, historical reflections, and role-playing exercises.
TOMF continues to create safe spaces to hold difficult issues in challenging times.
_**Extension of funding**_ – Following the escalation of the crisis in the region, the planned programme was temporarily halted and redeveloped into an urgent intervention to address the needs of the participants. The National Lottery supported the request made by FODIP to adapt its delivery and timeline whilst increasing the funding. This enabled us to respond meaningfully and sensitively to the emotional, social and interpersonal challenges participants were facing. The additional resources helped support deeper and more responsive engagement in addition to repairing friendships and understanding at a highly sensitive time.
_**Breaking Barriers, Creating Conversations:**_ The project has remained responsive to the needs of the participants, and events planned accordingly. A focus on positive, respectful and meaningful interaction between people of all faiths and none emerged as a necessity, with mental health and well-being as the main issue. Activities and resources were redesigned to address these concerns. Workshops, co led by experts and young people, allowed participants to share experiences in a safe space. In total, four events have been delivered in this period with additional one to ones and smaller group discussions held between sessions to provide ongoing support and build trust.
5
## **THE FORUM FOR DISCUSSION OF ISRAEL AND PALESTINE (FODIP)**
## **For the Financial Year 1ST SEPTEMBER 2023 – 31ST AUGUST 2024**
## _Trustees report cont’d_
_**FODIP Ambassadors:**_ The situation in the region has significantly impacted on all those involved in FODIP in some way or another, many who feel conflicted or experience personal or relational strain. Some participants became what we describe as ‘social casualties’ of the conflict, with existing relationships fractured. To repair broken relationships required time and intentional effort. Despite this, the group is able to work together and support other members of the projects. They have shown renewed commitment to making a positive contribution to the work. The group has also grown in diversity, adding richer lived experiences and perspectives.
_**Women’s Sports Group:**_ The group has continued to meet weekly with breaks for festivals and religious holidays. Some women have expressed that engaging in these spaces has become more important than ever before **,** offering continued connection. In early February, a social event was organised by a participant from the group who was deeply concerned about the rising community tensions. Feelings of anxiety, anger, pain, and mistrust had rocketed between these communities, breaking down interfaith and community relations. The women wanted to do something to encourage connection and counter the division **.**
New participants were mostly recruited through recommendations of existing participants. These are usually those from traditional backgrounds and who are less likely to meet people who are from a different background to their own. The increase in participation, especially at a time that has seen challenges highlights the programmes effectiveness.
The sessions provide opportunities for participants to learn new sports and develop new skills, contributing to their overall personal growth. Two women have gained experience and qualifications to run sessions themselves and have done so for FODIP.
**Listening Events** : A series of Listening Events have been held, both online and in person, across the country. These events were designed to create safe, respectful spaces for dialogue and reflection in response to the ongoing crisis in the region.
These have been held for
- Local councils, for councillors, community members and staff.
- Universities, colleges and schools, with staff, parents and learners.
- Interfaith and community organisations with their stakeholders and community
- Youth and community organisations for their beneficiaries and staff that are engaging with young people.
In addition to this, FODIP has also held dedicated listening sessions for its own participants and beneficiaries, ensuring that the voices and experiences of those closest to the work are heard and supported.
6
## **THE FORUM FOR DISCUSSION OF ISRAEL AND PALESTINE (FODIP)**
## **For the Financial Year 1ST SEPTEMBER 2023 – 31ST AUGUST 2024**
_Trustees report cont’d_
**Webinars:** FODIP has run online webinars with faith and community leaders from the UK and the region in response to the ongoing situation. These bring diverse voices from the region and allow people to hear about the realities, so beginning to understand and empathise with the ‘other’.
## **National Events and Conferences:**
In November FODIP led a national Interfaith Vigil for all the children of Palestine and Israel jointly with St James’s Church, Piccadilly. This was attended by faith and community leaders and was a time for prayers and reflection. FODIP has also contributed to a number of national and local events to address the current issues faced by civic leaders and others from faith communities.
A reception with lunch was held in May at St Mary Axe in London, funded by one of our donors, and addressed by some of our young people. Invited guests were updated on our ongoing work and encouraged to continue their support, financial or otherwise. The event helped strengthen relationships and highlighted the importance of investing in FODIP during challenging times.
**Facilitated Dialogue and Troubleshooting** : This has been an exceptional year, with much of our time dedicated to supporting schools, communities, and professional settings through complex challenges. Much of our time has involved responding to increasing hate speech involving Palestinians, Arabs, Muslims and Jews. In addition, we had to address rhetoric surrounding the anti-immigration and racist riots that took place over the summer of 2024.
7
## **THE FORUM FOR DISCUSSION OF ISRAEL AND PALESTINE (FODIP)**
## **For the Financial Year 1ST SEPTEMBER 2023 – 31ST AUGUST 2024**
## _Trustees report cont’d_
Throughout this period, FODIP has provided targeted support, advice, and facilitated dialogue, helping the young people from our programmes. This allowed us to work within the existing structures and safe spaces we had already established to address the fear and frustrations experienced by our participants. We have strived to support local government initiatives through participation in roundtables, offering our expertise on the impact on our communities and offering approaches to sensitive responses to the situation.
**Advice and guidance:** FODIP remains a trusted source of support on issues relating to Palestine and Israel. We have continued to advise at local and national level, assisting a range of organisations **,** including those delivering programmes in educational settings, to help ensure sensitive and effective outcomes.
**Training:** While much of this year focused on supporting communities navigate through the challenges, FODIP has continued to deliver training where possible, recognising the importance of building confidence and skills to engage in this divisive issue.
Through our programmes we have trained TOMF participants who have gone on to work in interfaith and dialogue spaces equipping them to facilitate sensitive conversations around Palestine and Israel. They have gained invaluable practical experience and exposure to diverse perspectives, networks and narratives.
We also continued to invest in staff development and training to strengthen delivery, expertise, capacity and impact.
**Creation of resources and diversifying income generation:** Our methodology and approach involves a library of resources and activities FODIP has created to support programme delivery. This year, we have begun exploring ways to market these resources to help diversify our income and strengthen long-term sustainability.
FODIP was commissioned by an international organisation to write an article on tackling online hate, and to produce a series of short videos aimed at supporting young people in engaging with current issues in the region. These resources focus on mental health and wellbeing, and specifically address islamophobia and antisemitism
**Recruitment and growth of FODIP Team:** We successfully recruited a part time Project Manager for the TOMF programme replacing the previous post holder and a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer to enhance our reporting and impact measurement.
8
## **THE FORUM FOR DISCUSSION OF ISRAEL AND PALESTINE (FODIP)**
## **For the Financial Year 1ST SEPTEMBER 2023 – 31ST AUGUST 2024**
We also strengthened our governance by appointing a new Christian trustee, a former participant in our Peacebuilders programme the previous year, bringing valuable lived experience and perspective to our board.
**Visit to the Palestine and Israel –** All planned tours and trips had to be cancelled. TOMF participants cancelled booked flights to the region for their visit that was to take place in Jan 2024. These will resume once it is safe to do so.
In the meantime, we continue to bring voices from the region to our participants through online engagements **,** ensuring connection, learning, and lived perspectives remain central to our work.
**Public Engagement:** Regular social media engagement, and participation in networking events has helped raise FODIP’s profile and enabled contributions into important discussion
## **Testimonials**
_“An exemplary session in how to share space for different beliefs, ideas and identities with respect and mutual, gentle support. I felt able to share openly in the session and I got a lot from the way the facilitators set up a safe, open and honest space. It felt safe to share thoughts in a scaffolded environment that allowed others to hold the expertise and lived experience -this meant I could share my own less formed and secure thoughts knowing I'd receive support in better shaping these. I would definitely recommend this session to others and hope to see it repeated at the University. It is responsible, vital, brave work and I'm proud that our Chaplaincy is undertaking it with this organisation”._ _**University staff member**_
_“The session was a really important time to share how the events in the Middle East have shaped my life and to understand how it has done the same for other people. After the session I felt I had found greater comfort in addressing other people’s perceptions of how Jewish students were feeling and I had also gained greater understanding as to how Muslim students were feeling too”._ _**Student**_
9
## **THE FORUM FOR DISCUSSION OF ISRAEL AND PALESTINE (FODIP)**
## **For the Financial Period**
## **1[ST] SEPTEMBER 2023 – 31[ST] AUGUST 2024**
## **Financial Reserves**
Reserves Policy
The members have agreed the reserves policy to leave enough to meet three months’ running costs. This means that the reserves for the year are as set at 31[st] August 2024 of £14,747 (unrestricted) which is equal to more than four months’ expenditure on costs (that is, rent and management).
## **Principal funding sources**
The main source of income this year have been from The National Lottery Community Fund and donations were significantly higher than previous years. The delivery of seminars, consultation expertise and facilitation where appropriate, attract payment for such services.
## **Investment policy and objectives**
The association has no long-term investments. All cash reserves are held in the Unity Trust current bank account.
## **Plans for future period**
Aims for the forthcoming twelve months are:
- To establish a sound financial base
- To build capacity
- To utilise the ongoing programmes to raise the profile of the organisation;
- To continue to deliver our 3 major programmes.
Rabbi Warren Elf MBE Joint Chair/Honorary Treasurer
Date 13/12/2024
10
## **THE FORUM FOR DISCUSSION OF ISRAEL AND PALESTINE (FODIP) For the Financial Period**
**1[ST] SEPTEMBER 2023 – 31[ST] AUGUST 2024 FODIP Income and Expenditure, 1 September 2023 – 31 August 2024**
|**Income**
TNLottery
MB Reckitt
A4A Project
Peacebuilders Donations
Bury HCAW Grant
QWB Deposits
TOMF Deposits + Refund
Donations
Services
**Total Income**
**Expenditure**
TOMF Project Worker
TOMF Project Director
TOMF Equipment
TOMF Venue
Payroll
TOMF Facilitation
TOMF Advert
TOMF Travel
Phone
Women’s Voices
Bank Charges
Website
Office
Travel Expenses
Peacebuilders
A4A Project
QWB
Insurance
Fundraising
Safeguarding
**Total Expenditure**
**Excess of Income**
Opening bank balance
**Closing bank balance**|**_Year ended 31st August_**
**_2024_**
**Total**
**Restricted**
**£**
**£**
65,150.00
65,150.00
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
575.00
7,978.74
-
2,938.95
-
**76,642.52**
**65,150.00**
19,685.00
19,685.00
33,000.00
33,000.00
3,785.83
3,785.83
1,611.19
1,611.19
238.92
238.92
4,639.60
4,639.60
-
-
3,308.11
3,308.11
375.88
-
1,531.70
-
72.00
-
325.58
325.58
6,285.32
6,285.32
742.12
742.12
-
-
744.01
744.01
--
-
340.32
340.32
8,159.88
8,159.88
100.00
100.00
**84,945.36**
**73,623.46**
**-8302.84**
99,125.49
**90,822.65**|**_Year ended 31st August_**
**_2023_**
**Total**
**Restricted**
**£**
**£**
94,221.50
94,221.50
4,000.00
-
-
-
6,950.00
6,950.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
809.54
-
636.51
-
450.00
-|
|---|---|---|
|||**109,067.55**
**103,171.50**|
|||14,134.22
14,134.22
26,500.00
26,500.00
2,870.94
2,870.94
14,676.40
14,676.40
183.15
183.15
2,109.50
2,109.50
56.03
56.03
3,339.52
3,339.52
215.00
-
1,425.00
-
72.00
-
281.40
281.40
5,763.54
5,763.54
700.08
-
12,764.24
-
386.60
-
500.00
500.00
327.27
327.27
48.00
-
-
-|
|||**86,352.89**
**70,741.97**|
|||**22,714.66**
76,410.83
**99,125.49**|
11
CHARITY COMMISSION
FOR ENGLAND AND WALES
Independent examinerfs report on the
accounts
Section A
ndependent Examiner's Report
Report to the trustees
FORUM FOR THE DISCUSSION OF ISRAEL AND PALESTINE (FODIP)
On accounts for the year
ended
31 AUGUST 2024
Charity no
Irf any)
1189476
Set out on pages
10-11
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above
charity (Ihe Trusn forthe year ended 31108r2024.
Responsibilities and
basis of report
As the chatiws trustees, you are responsible for the pparatiOn of the
accounts in accordano wtth the requirements of the Charities Act 2011
he ).
I report in respect of my examinalion of the Trusys accounts carried out
under sedion 145 of the 2011 Act and in wrying out my examination. I
have followed all the apt4icable Direc*ions given by the Chaiyty Commission
under section 145(5)(b) of the ACL
Independent I comw my examination. I cOnfin that no material matters have
examinevs statement come to my attention in connection with the examination (olheFth
los. thich gives me (2use to believe that in, any material
the accounting re¢dS tre not keFrt in accordan with section 130
of the Charittes Act; or
the accounts did not aco)rd wth the accounting rerds. or
the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements
COnmIj the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities
(Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 othei than any requirement
that the accounts give a kne and fairf vtew whith is not a matter
consKlered as part of an independent examination.
I have no COnmS and have come auoss no other matters in connection
with the examination to which attention should tt drawn in this report in
order to enatrk a proper undetstanding of the accounts to be reached.
. Please delete the words in the brad(ets rfthey do not appty.
Signed:
Date:
24 June 2025
Stephen Yaffe
Relevant professional
qualification{s) or body
(rfany):
Financial Adviser Retired
Address:
168 Parr Lane . Unyworth Bury BL9
IER
Oct 2018
Section B
Disclosure
Only complete rf the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern
(see CC32. Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and
guidance for examiners).
Give here brief details of
any ttems that the
examiner wishes to
disclose.
IER
Oct 2018