Veolia, a French company, is
attempting to withdraw from Israel’s
light rail project that connects settlements to the heart of West Jerusalem and
confiscates land in East Jerusalem. It appears
that this recent development is partially a result of boycott and divestment
initiatives around the globe aimed at companies who benefit from the Israeli
occupation of Palestine.
We pray that this success story will embolden others who seek to end the
occupation through economic means.
In his recent speech in Cairo, President Obama articulated strong opposition to
Israeli settlements, demonstrated a good understanding of the Palestinian
experience, and spoke of the need for a two state solution in Palestine
and Israel.
We pray that these inspiring words will lead to practical and positive action.
The World Council of Churches’ “World
Week for Peace in Palestine Israel” ended yesterday, but the
work of the Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum (PIEF) continues. Established by
the WCC in 2007 to "catalyze and co-ordinate new and existing church
advocacy for peace, aimed at ending the occupation," the PIEF core group
will meet in Bethlehem
this weekend. We pray for the members of the PIEF and that their work will be
fruitful in helping churches work together to support a just and durable peace
for Palestine and Israel.
This Thursday, Sabeel is
facilitating a two day retreat in the West Bank town of Taybeh for the wives of Palestinian clergy. The
gathering will focus on issues related to the family and Christian education In
addition, a counselor from Nazareth
will introduce the participants to methods for helping women in their
communities who regularly face conflict. We pray that these women from the
Galilee, the West Bank, and Jerusalem
can find meaningful ways to apply what they learn within their own
congregations.
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