The decades of Israeli occupation and injustice have had many
negative effects; little reported are the deep spiritual consequences. Almighty
God, comfort and reassure the many people whose faith has been challenged or
destroyed through years of living in insecurity and uncertainty. Help us to
find meaningful and responsible ways to comfort those who do not see your hand
at work in places of deepest despair.
On Sunday,
Israeli troops entered Ramallah to arrest two peace activists from Australia and
Spain. This invasion of a Palestinian controlled area to enforce Israeli
immigration rules was struck down by an Israeli court on Monday and the two
women were released. We give thanks for such persistent non-violent protestors,
and pray that the world will understand Israel’s true aim is to silence all who
dare to nonviolently and courageously challenge its domination.
Jerusalem’s mayor has promised to demolish nearly 200 Palestinian buildings
in East Jerusalem. This decision is in response to the Attorney General’s order
that a settlement in East Jerusalem be dismantled. Every demolition is not just
pulling down bricks and mortar, but is aimed at the disruption of the very
fabric of Palestinian life through destroying families and communities. We give
thanks and pray for those who stay strong in holding their families and
communities together.
This week, Sabeel will be visited by the Ecumenical Action Group,
a committee of representatives from numerous churches in the United States and
Canada. The group is exploring economic responses to the Israeli occupation. We
pray that this trip will result in new actions and a renewed commitment by the
North American churches to challenge the economic pillars of the Israeli
occupation.
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