CLWR welcomes Canada’s recognition of the state of Palestine; points to GRIT as a proven Canada–Palestine partnership improving lives now
Winnipeg — September 22, 2025 — Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) welcomes Canada’s formal recognition of the state of Palestine, aligning with a broad international consensus on a solution based on international law and human dignity.
Canada’s announcement builds on decades of partnership with Palestinians, exemplified by its longstanding support for CLWR’s work for human rights and economic empowerment in the West Bank.
“Canada’s recognition is significant, and we view it through the lens of years of on-the-ground partnership working for the rights of Palestinians – especially women and people with disabilities – which the government of Canada has long been a partner in,” said Rev. Michael Pryse, Interim Executive Director of CLWR. “As a faith-based organization, we believe every step that affirms the equal dignity, rights and security of Palestinians and Israelis is a step toward a just peace.”
CLWR recently concluded a six-year, $10m partnership with nine institutes of higher learning across the West Bank, funded by the Government of Canada, focused on economic empowerment of women and girls through technical and vocational education. The project, called “GRIT,” led to thousands of new graduates, while nine technical and vocational training centres were strengthened with new funding, improved quality and relevance of programs, and renovations for accessibility. The project also built community support for women’s education and employment and worked for systems change with civil society and the private-sector.
“This recognition is a diplomatic decision, but a peace that lasts has to be built in the community — in classrooms, workshops and workplaces,” said Pryse. “We’re thankful to have had Canada’s support for that kind of on-the-ground work for years, as we’ve worked together for women’s rights and to build a growing, inclusive economy. I’m grateful that Canada’s taking this diplomatic step and hope to see continued commitment to peace through urgent support for the rights and empowerment of all Palestinians.”
CLWR continues to call urgently for a cessation of all violence in Israel and Palestine, an immediate release of hostages, and unhindered humanitarian access to those in critical need. As Canada’s relationship with the state of Palestine develops with the recognition of statehood, CLWR looks forward to continued partnership with Canada and the Palestinian government towards a robust Palestinian economy, a thriving education sector and protections for the rights of all Palestinians.
About GRIT
GRIT (Gender-Responsive and Inclusive Technical and Vocational Education and Training) is a six-year project implemented by CLWR with local partner Lutheran World Federation-Jerusalem and funded by Global Affairs Canada. GRIT has helped thousands of Palestinian women, including women with disabilities, access technical and vocational education and improve their incomes and lives. Read more at clwr.org/GRIT.
GRIT — by the numbers
Since 2019, CLWR and the Government of Canada have been empowering women in the West Bank through women-first training: opening doors to technical and vocational skills that build independence, confidence and careers.
Real-world results Canadians have already made possible:
6,653 graduates
82% of graduates from years 2–6 are employed
76% report higher monthly earnings
86% of women graduates are in the labour force (compared to a 17% West Bank average)
8 institutes have been upgraded to improve accessibility, and 201 teachers have been trained in gender-responsive methods
4.3/5 average confidence among graduates in their employment prospects
88% of community members who participated in outreach events say they gained stronger awareness and more positive views of women in technical/vocational education and training
90% of women with disabilities report increased monthly income after graduation