ABOUT JORDAN VALLEY ACTIVISTS
WHO WE ARE
In the northern Jordan Valley, shepherding communities have lived for generations on land that sustains their families, their culture, and their way of life. Today, these communities face unprecedented pressure: harassment from settlers, blocked access to grazing areas and water sources, confiscation of equipment, violence, and attempts to drive them from their homes.
Jordan Valley Activists formed in response to this reality.
We are Israeli volunteers who believe that no family should be forced from their land through intimidation, violence, or neglect. Together with the shepherding communities, we stand in the field—day and night—to help ensure their safety, dignity, and freedom to remain on their land.
Our presence matters. When activists accompany shepherds, violence decreases, access to pasture improves, and communities gain a measure of security they cannot achieve alone. The families we work with consistently tell us that our presence is what enables them to continue their daily lives despite the pressure around them.
We accompany communities upon request and act only through nonviolent means. Beyond protective presence, we monitor land encroachment, document human-rights violations, assist in legal emergencies, support access to water, and help families navigate daily challenges amplified by the region’s harsh conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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We are a group of Israeli volunteers supporting Palestinian shepherd communities in the northern Jordan Valley through nonviolent protective presence, documentation, and practical assistance.
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These communities face ongoing harassment, land encroachment, blocked access to grazing areas and water sources, property destruction, and attempts to displace them—mainly from settlers and outposts operating illegally under international law.
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Protective presence means accompanying shepherds in their daily routines—grazing, tending to herds, and moving around their land—to deter violence and document incidents when they occur. The presence of Israeli volunteers significantly reduces harassment.
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Yes. We operate strictly through nonviolence and intervene only at the request of community members. Our roles are de-escalation, accompaniment, and documentation.
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We work in the northern Jordan Valley, in Area C, between Mehola and Hamra. This area includes roughly ten shepherding communities and several isolated families.
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Activities include walking with shepherds and their herds, documenting incidents, monitoring outposts, accompanying community members, responding to urgent calls, and helping families navigate daily challenges.
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Only when necessary, and always nonviolently. Our role is to witness, de-escalate, and document—not to confront.
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Yes. New volunteers receive guidance, situational training, and field instruction from experienced members before participating.
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Always. We only operate in communities that ask for support and maintain ongoing consent.
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You can sign up through our website Volunteers can join short-term or long-term protective presence, documentation teams, media teams, or legal support teams.
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No experience is required. Training and guidance are provided, although familiarity with fieldwork, human rights, or nonviolent accompaniment is helpful.
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The work involves risks due to the nature of the situation, but activists operate in pairs or groups, receive safety protocols, and make informed decisions together.
Jordan Valley Excursions
About the Tour
Our tours last approximately four hours and include visits to Palestinian shepherding communities in the northern Jordan Valley. During the tour, participants hear directly from community members about the daily challenges they face and the increasing pressures they experience.
We will also observe nearby “agricultural farms” (outposts) and learn about their impact on the area. Together, we will examine the situation in the context of current and emerging government policies.
Format & Expectations
Small-Group, Guided Tours
Tours take place in small groups and include personal guidance from trained volunteers.
Because each tour has limited spaces, we ask participants to make every effort to attend the date they choose.
After registering, you will receive an email with the exact meeting point, timing, and additional details.
We operate on a democratic basis, in accordance with the votes of a plenary assembly of members. In addition to the ongoing protective presence, we operate a number of professional teams, including legal, media, archive, material assistance, coordination, absorption and finance.
However, the activity has a significant cost, which is currently based on collecting donations from group members and the public, via “Rabbis for Human Rights” NGO accounts. The volume of donations is not sufficient to meet our main goal – preventing the expulsion of the Palestinian shepherd communities from their lands.
All of the members in our group work on a fully voluntary basis.
Please help us to continue our work.
Every Hour in the Field Makes a Difference
Your presence can help ensure that shepherd families remain on their land with dignity and safety. Thank you for standing with us.