Friends of Tent of Nations North America (FOTONNA) is a non-profit corporation.  Our mission is to support the work of other nonprofit organizations in the United States and internationally devoted to the nonviolent resolution of conflict and peaceful coexistence between all faiths and nations.   FOTONNA is managed on a volunteer basis by a core group of people in the United States and is governed by a Board of Directors. A growing group of supporters assist with a variety of tasks, including publicity, writing, event organizing, and community outreach. Churches and Interfaith NGOs form an important base of spiritual and financial support. 

In pursuit of our mission, we work closely with other non-profits committed to the search for peace.  Organizations we have supported in our inaugural year include the following: 

TENT OF NATIONS

Daoud Nassar is a Palestinian farmer living and working in the fertile hill country south of Bethlehem. The Nassar's farm, in the family for four generations, is ringed by Jewish settlements and the encroaching Separation Wall.  The family has been offered millions for the land, but they remain steadfast. "This land is our mother," says Daoud. "Our mother is not for sale." Under his leadership, the family has taken the case to establish the family's land rights to the Israeli Supreme Court.  To demonstrate their commitment to peace and coexistence, the Nassar family has established "The Tent of Nations" providing arts, drama, and education to the children of the villages and refugee camps of the region. In addition, Daoud and his family have also established a Women's Educational Center offering classes in computer literacy, English, and leadership training.  In recognition of the Nassar’s courage and groundbreaking work for peace, we have named our nonprofit “Friends of Tent of Nations” to underscore our commitment to building a bridge between our country and others like the Nassars working for world peace.  Learn more about the Nassars at www.tentofnations.org,  

INTERFAITH PEACEBUILDERS 

Interfaith Peace Builders (IFPB) is a nonprofit organization based in Washington DC that sends delegations of Americans to Israel and Palestine to connect with peace groups and to understand the facts of the conflict first hand.  IFPB and FOTONNA enjoy a close relationship:  the Nassar farm is a regular feature of the IFPB delegation to Israel-Palestine.  In November 2008 FOTONNA co-sponsored an event the San Francisco Bay area with Interfaith Peace Builders featuring Daoud Nassar and several Palestinian and Israeli artists.    www.interfaithpeacebuilders.org  

COMBATANTS FOR PEACE 

FOTONNA maintains close connections with faith communities here and in Israel-Palestine and often co-sponsors events in support of non-profits working for peace in conflict areas.  In March 2009 we co-sponsored an event with Trinity Presbyterian Church in Arlington, VA.  The event was a presentation by Combatants for Peace, an Israeli-Palestinian organization devoted to reconciliation and a peaceful resolution of the conflict.  Combatants for Peace carries out its educational and fundraising work in the United States through the nonprofit Rebuilding Alliance.  Learn more about Combatants for Peace at www.rebuildingallliance.org  

LOVE THY NEIGHBOR 

FOTONNA is committed to working with and supporting the work of other organizations committed to non-violence in the search for a solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.  In early 2009 we co-sponsored an educational and fundraising event with Love Thy Neighbor,.  LTN is a Washington DC-based nonprofit organization that provides educational resources and programs to train young people in non-violence as a way of resolving conflict.  www.ltneighbor.com 

JOIN US 

To date, over 300 individuals and families have become members of FOTONNA. Use the contact form to become a member. Your information will not be shared with any organizations or individuals, nor will you be “spammed” with frequent emails! We will send out periodic newsletters and notices of special events such as events and program by partner nonprofits and organizations sponsored by FOTONNA.  Use the contact page to join and the donation form to help us in our work.