Building Bridges for the Future: American for Peace Now

Some non-profit organizations aim to assist the individual. By providing health care to persons afflicted by terminal illnesses or affording one-on-one tutoring to socio-economically disadvantaged youths, they hope to empower the single person who may then contribute to the community as a whole. Other groups stress a larger goal accomplished by the participation of people devoted to the cause. In this factor lies Americans for Peace Now (APN). Theodore H. Friedman and numerous other volunteers work together to further the mission.

Established in 1981, APN exists to foster understanding between the Israeli and Palestinian states. Friedman formerly served on the Board of Directors of the organization and later catalyzed its inclusion into the Conference of Major American Jewish Organizations. Today, APN oversees a number of initiatives and events. The non-profit oversees grassroots political activism campaigns, organizes large demonstrations, and monitors the safe settlement of Israelis in the West Bank. APN also maintains an active voice through government relations, effectively creating a diplomatic channel through which citizens and officials and communicate. APN emphasizes a host of pressing issues, including Palestinian statehood, the boycott and divestment of Israel, U.S. National Security, aid to Palestinians and Israelis, and Palestinian statehood. Dedicated to providing the world with intelligent conversations rather than violence, APN also supervises a number of news outlets. The group publishes News Nosh, daily news from Israel, as well as a cache of online articles exploring the current political climate and video segments entitled Hard Questions, Tough Answers. Working for peace for over 30 years, APN continues to elicit progress.