24/06/2026
SCSC had the privilege of attending the Commissioning Ceremony for the 104th group of Ecumenical Accompaniers (EAs) with the EAPPI. The ceremony was held at the EAPPI office in Jerusalem and was attended by a diverse audience of clergy, staff, and supporters, with many others participating virtually via Zoom.
The ceremony was a profound and moving testament to the program's enduring commitment to justice and peace, even in the face of significant challenges.
The ceremony was opened by Rev. Frans Bouwen, who welcomed the new group, Group 104. Following this, Mr. Iskandar Majlaton, the Program Coordinator, provided an introduction to the EAPPI's ongoing projects and activities.
The gathering was honored with several poignant addresses and was interspersed with meaningful cultural and spiritual expressions to reinforce the themes of hope and resilience.
The centerpiece of the ceremony was the symbolic "Passing of the Light." During the singing of the Arabic prayer song Yarabba ssalami, the office staff lit candles for the members of Group 104. This act was a powerful ritual representing the transfer of responsibility, the continuity of the mission, and the call to "walk in the Light" with the people of Palestine and Israel. Both the staff and the new group exchanged words of commitment and blessing, formally marking the beginning of Group 104's service.
The ceremony carried a particularly heavy weight this year, as it marked the first in-person commissioning since a prolonged pause in the program's physical presence. As noted in the program's official handover speech, Group 102 was evacuated in March 2026, and Group 103 served valiantly via the Virtual Accompaniment Programme (VAP). Group 104's commissioning is, therefore, a powerful symbol of restoration and a recommitment to a tangible, protective presence on the ground.