MVMEP exists to bring awareness and education to the area of Indiana and Michigan, otherwise known as Michiana. While the focus of our work centers on Palestine and the Middle East, our events range in topic and geographical focal point, helping to uncover the clear connection and interconnectedness of our world. We host monthly events that range from workshops and children’s activities, to films and rallies, to panels and guest speakers from around the world. Our monthly events are free and open to the public!
Our Story
The original Michiana Voices for Middle East Peace began to take shape in the late 2010s when a group of folks from Goshen, Indiana forged a relationship with Indiana Center for Middle East Peace (ICMEP), based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This relationship grew and turned into a partnership. Unfortunately, with the arrival of COVID in 2020, the original Michiana Voices for Middle East Peace was forced to disband. As effects of COVID began to subside, the conversation of starting up another group in Northern Indiana to continue the work around Palestine began.
Talks between ICMEP and folks in Indiana/Michigan began to gain momentum when the attack on October 7, 2023 happened. Suddenly, the sense of urgency to grow awareness and spread education on the history of Israel/Palestine was palpable. A small group quickly formed, made up of concerned people from across Michiana with a strong tie to ICMEP. This new group decided to pay homage to our predecessors by keeping the name Michiana Voices for Middle East Peace. Then, we went to work hosting events and strengthening our partnership with ICMEP.
Today, our passionate team is putting all hands on deck to provide events and learning opportunities for our communities throughout Michiana. We believe Palestine to be the shadow work of the United States, the parts of ourselves we are too ashamed and afraid to fully look at in the light. In order to begin healing, we must face our whole selves in the light of day. This slow process commences with fully listening to the people of Palestine and the voices of our most marginalized populations here at home and around the world. The impact we have on one another as fellow human beings is great and it is time to search inward to create a more compassionate and resilient future for us all.