Thursday, January 21, 2010

21/1/14 - English

In the wake of the devastation in Haiti, we pray for comfort and strength for the injured, the missing, rescuers, and survivors of this tragedy. As aid pours in from around the world (Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel included), we remember that rebuilding cannot happen overnight and that the effects of this catastrophe will be felt for decades. May we commit to the long process of healing involved in conflicts and disasters worldwide.

On Monday morning, illegal Israeli excavations under the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan collapsed and created a 12 meter deep hole in a street. Israeli archaeological digs have resulted in several cave-ins in the area. Other excavations have resulted in cracks in the foundation of Al-Aqsa Mosque, threatening its collapse. We pray that Israel will put the lives of real people before the study of history.

Israel’s policy of kidnapping without charge continues unabated. On Monday, alone, seventeen Palestinians were taken from their homes in the West Bank by Israeli military forces. Typically, those captured are released several days or weeks later without going before a judge or learning why they were detained. God of justice, we offer to you our prayers for those unjustly targeted by Israeli forces.

Next week, Rev. Naim Ateek will address a group of Israeli tour guides on Palestinian Liberation Theology. We pray that the guides will be open to hear what he has to say and will share their learning with those whom they will lead.



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