Don't Forget Palestine: Voices from the Ground on Nakba Day. Japanese NGOs to Hold Joint Online Press Conference on Thursday, May 14th
A joint online press conference will be held by Japanese NGOs on Thursday, May 14, 2026, to coincide with "Nakba Day" (May 15). The event aims to convey the severe current situation in Palestine and re-engage public attention, advocating for an end to occupation and blockade, and for Palestinian self-determination based on international law.
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- 📰 Published: May 13, 2026 at 02:49
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To all media representatives,
The "Action Committee for Peace in Palestine," composed of NGOs active in Palestine, will hold an online press conference to coincide with "Nakba Day" on May 15th. The purpose is to convey the worsening situation in Palestine amidst reduced media coverage due to the Middle East situation, and to re-engage public attention.
Nakba refers to the catastrophe in May 1948, when over 600 Palestinian towns and villages were destroyed, and more than 750,000 Palestinians lost their homes and became refugees, around the time of Israel's establishment. This year, 78 years after the Nakba, as organizations active in Palestine, we call for the Nakba to be understood not just as a historical memory, but as an ongoing reality.
Six months after the ceasefire, Gaza still faces attacks and shortages of supplies, with no clear future, leaving many people living in anxiety. In the West Bank, too, the lives of Palestinians are severely threatened by expanding occupation and settler violence.
At this conference (event), a Middle East researcher will first explain the recent situation in the Middle East, the current state of Gaza six months after the ceasefire, and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the West Bank. Following this, video messages from Gaza and the West Bank will be screened, sharing live voices that convey the "now" of Palestine. Furthermore, broadening the perspective to the entire region, voices from local NGOs will be introduced regarding the situation in Lebanon, which is severely affected by the Middle East situation. Finally, Japanese NGOs continuing support activities on the ground will be introduced, and their statements will be announced.
Through this conference, we hope that Japanese society will once again turn its attention to Palestine on "Nakba Day," and that it will be an opportunity for all to reflect together on ending the occupation and blockade, and on the self-determination of Palestinians based on international law.
■ Event Outline
Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026, 16:00-17:30 JST
Duration: Conference 70 minutes, Q&A 20 minutes
Format: Online (webinar format)
How to participate: Please fill in the necessary information using the form below
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lVrr1nQ9ST6CrUiOJ1QcHQ
■ Organizer
Action Committee for Peace in Palestine
(Constituent organizations of the committee, in alphabetical order)
Specified Non-profit Organization APLA
Specified Non-profit Organization Ayus Buddhist International Cooperation Network
Alter Trade Japan Co., Ltd.
Specified Non-profit Organization Children without Borders (KnK)
Specified Non-profit Organization Japan International Volunteer Center (JVC)
Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Japan YMCA Alliance
Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Japan YWCA
Specified Non-profit Organization PARCIC
Specified Non-profit Organization Peace Winds Japan
Peace Boat
Specified Non-profit Organization Human Rights Now
■ Speaker Introduction (Planned)
*Researchers and Palestinian guests are scheduled to appear via video.
● Commentary by a Researcher (Video Commentary)
Dr. Hiroyuki Suzuki, Middle East Research Center, The University of Tokyo
Born in 1987. Graduated from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Faculty of Foreign Studies in March 2010. Completed doctoral coursework at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo in May 2015 (without degree). Served as a JSPS Research Fellow PD (Japan Women's University) and an Overseas Research Fellow before assuming his current position in September 2019. Holds a Ph.D. (Academic).
● Voices from Palestine (Both appearing via video)
Dr. Bassam Zaqout, Palestine Medical Relief Society (PMRS)
A local NGO conducting medical activities throughout Palestine, including Gaza. Since October 2023, many clinics have been damaged by bombing. Collaborating with Japan International Volunteer Center in Gaza.
*You can view JVC's activities with PMRS here.
Mr. Mustafa Sheta, The Freedom Theatre
A theater and cultural center based in Jenin Refugee Camp in the West Bank. In addition to professional theater training and stage performances, it conducts cultural and educational activities for children, youth, and women. Collaborating with Children without Borders in Jericho Governorate.
■ Contact Information
Specified Non-profit Organization Japan International Volunteer Center (JVC)
Toei Building 4F, 5-22-1 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81-(0)3-3834-2388 Contact: Takahashi (palestine@ngo-jvc.net)
*For individual interview requests, please use the participation form or the contact information above.
*Q&A will be handled by each NGO.
◆ Japan International Volunteer Center (JVC)
Established by Japanese in 1980, JVC currently implements a wide range of support, including regional development and humanitarian aid, worldwide, including Sudan. With a policy of "solving the root causes of problems," JVC emphasizes support that empowers local people, rather than merely providing goods.
The "Action Committee for Peace in Palestine," composed of NGOs active in Palestine, will hold an online press conference to coincide with "Nakba Day" on May 15th. The purpose is to convey the worsening situation in Palestine amidst reduced media coverage due to the Middle East situation, and to re-engage public attention.
Nakba refers to the catastrophe in May 1948, when over 600 Palestinian towns and villages were destroyed, and more than 750,000 Palestinians lost their homes and became refugees, around the time of Israel's establishment. This year, 78 years after the Nakba, as organizations active in Palestine, we call for the Nakba to be understood not just as a historical memory, but as an ongoing reality.
Six months after the ceasefire, Gaza still faces attacks and shortages of supplies, with no clear future, leaving many people living in anxiety. In the West Bank, too, the lives of Palestinians are severely threatened by expanding occupation and settler violence.
At this conference (event), a Middle East researcher will first explain the recent situation in the Middle East, the current state of Gaza six months after the ceasefire, and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the West Bank. Following this, video messages from Gaza and the West Bank will be screened, sharing live voices that convey the "now" of Palestine. Furthermore, broadening the perspective to the entire region, voices from local NGOs will be introduced regarding the situation in Lebanon, which is severely affected by the Middle East situation. Finally, Japanese NGOs continuing support activities on the ground will be introduced, and their statements will be announced.
Through this conference, we hope that Japanese society will once again turn its attention to Palestine on "Nakba Day," and that it will be an opportunity for all to reflect together on ending the occupation and blockade, and on the self-determination of Palestinians based on international law.
■ Event Outline
Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026, 16:00-17:30 JST
Duration: Conference 70 minutes, Q&A 20 minutes
Format: Online (webinar format)
How to participate: Please fill in the necessary information using the form below
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lVrr1nQ9ST6CrUiOJ1QcHQ
■ Organizer
Action Committee for Peace in Palestine
(Constituent organizations of the committee, in alphabetical order)
Specified Non-profit Organization APLA
Specified Non-profit Organization Ayus Buddhist International Cooperation Network
Alter Trade Japan Co., Ltd.
Specified Non-profit Organization Children without Borders (KnK)
Specified Non-profit Organization Japan International Volunteer Center (JVC)
Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Japan YMCA Alliance
Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Japan YWCA
Specified Non-profit Organization PARCIC
Specified Non-profit Organization Peace Winds Japan
Peace Boat
Specified Non-profit Organization Human Rights Now
■ Speaker Introduction (Planned)
*Researchers and Palestinian guests are scheduled to appear via video.
● Commentary by a Researcher (Video Commentary)
Dr. Hiroyuki Suzuki, Middle East Research Center, The University of Tokyo
Born in 1987. Graduated from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Faculty of Foreign Studies in March 2010. Completed doctoral coursework at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo in May 2015 (without degree). Served as a JSPS Research Fellow PD (Japan Women's University) and an Overseas Research Fellow before assuming his current position in September 2019. Holds a Ph.D. (Academic).
● Voices from Palestine (Both appearing via video)
Dr. Bassam Zaqout, Palestine Medical Relief Society (PMRS)
A local NGO conducting medical activities throughout Palestine, including Gaza. Since October 2023, many clinics have been damaged by bombing. Collaborating with Japan International Volunteer Center in Gaza.
*You can view JVC's activities with PMRS here.
Mr. Mustafa Sheta, The Freedom Theatre
A theater and cultural center based in Jenin Refugee Camp in the West Bank. In addition to professional theater training and stage performances, it conducts cultural and educational activities for children, youth, and women. Collaborating with Children without Borders in Jericho Governorate.
■ Contact Information
Specified Non-profit Organization Japan International Volunteer Center (JVC)
Toei Building 4F, 5-22-1 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81-(0)3-3834-2388 Contact: Takahashi (palestine@ngo-jvc.net)
*For individual interview requests, please use the participation form or the contact information above.
*Q&A will be handled by each NGO.
◆ Japan International Volunteer Center (JVC)
Established by Japanese in 1980, JVC currently implements a wide range of support, including regional development and humanitarian aid, worldwide, including Sudan. With a policy of "solving the root causes of problems," JVC emphasizes support that empowers local people, rather than merely providing goods.