20/8/09 - English

This weekend marks the start of the Islamic month of Ramadan. The month of fasting will begin in the heat of summer and we pray for safety and health for all our Muslim brothers and sisters who will participate. May this month be a joyful time of worship and fellowship.

Israeli border officials have stepped up their pressure on people traveling to Palestine. Recently, Israel unilaterally began issuing some travelers “Palestinian Authority Only” visas at the Allenby crossing from Jordan, thus making it impossible for the visa holders to travel from the West Bank into Israel. We pray for those affected by this violation of international law and hope that pressure on Israel will stop this arbitrary and unjust action.

For more information: http://thefastertimes.com/Palestine/2009/08/06/is-this-what-an-israeli-apartheid-stamp-looks-like/

The rise in violence and crime within Israel has caused a record number of Israelis to apply for gun permits. We pray for an end to corruption, hate crimes, organized crime, and domestic violence in Israel, and in all countries around the world. May we seek peace by establishing just societies instead of carrying more and more weapons. 

Last week, Nora Carmi of Sabeel spoke to the United Church of Canada as the Church considered boycotting Israeli goods in order to help end the Israeli Occupation. Although the Church chose not to pursue a boycott, the option was left open for individual churches. We pray that this decision will motivate many people and churches to pursue grassroots actions in their local communities to help bring about justice.

For more information: http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/The-United-Church-Of-Canada-1030587.html

This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:

the many countries of the Pacific islands