The New York Times reported that in the past decade the American
Treasury Department has approved $200,000,000 of tax-free charitable donations
to Israeli settlements. Such support funds building projects, weapons and
security equipment, and makes withdrawal even more difficult. We pray that support
for illegal activities such as these will be ended and all governments will
uphold justice.
According to a recent report by the Israeli organization B’Tselem,
500,000 Israeli settlers currently control 42% of the West Bank. Settlements
rob Palestinians of land and resources, restrict movement, choke economic
development, entrench the military occupation, and make impossible the
establishment of a self-determining Palestinian state. We pray for an end to imperialism.
O Lord, hear us.
Around the world, people appear to be more aware than ever of the
need for justice in Palestine and Israel. We are thankful for this change and
pray that it will continue to grow. May we not lose hope for peace in this
land.
This week, Sabeel is organizing a joint community program for
people from the Galilee and Jerusalem to spend time together, strengthening
ties between various communities. The group will meet with local clergy, hear about
work being done to prevent domestic violence, travel to Banias Springs and
visit a village on the border with Lebanon. May their time of fellowship be
nourishing and fruitful.
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