For
the week of Passover, Israel has enforced a closure on the entire West Bank.
Until next Tuesday, very few Palestinians can enter Jerusalem, including
Palestinian Christians hoping to participate in Holy Week and Easter
activities. Also, in response to a nonviolent protest on Palm Sunday, Israel has
barred international tourists from visiting Bethlehem. We pray for freedom of
movement and freedom of worship for the many people who are still denied both.
Last
week, Israel approved more settlements in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of
East Jerusalem. In response, Israelis and Palestinians held a protest on
Friday. Michael Solsberry, an Israeli leader of the nonviolent protest, was among
the participants arrested in their homes later that night following Shabbat
dinner. We pray for courage for the leaders of nonviolent movements throughout
Israel and Palestine. May they continue to speak out boldly in spite of the
efforts to silence them.
At
a time when President Obama is publicly pressuring Israel to freeze settlement
expansion and engage in the peace process, support from his government and
constituency is vital. We pray that the American people and their elected
officials will support their President and will have the will to maintain
pressure on Israel to respect international law.
We
pray for Sabeel’s staff and volunteers in Palestine and Israel, and Friends of
Sabeel leaders and members around the world. Negative reactions to Sabeel’s
work are common and sometimes progress seems slow. May we all draw strength
from Christ’s message of hope, justice and truth. We give thanks to God for the
life-giving prayers, encouragement, and action of our friends around the globe.
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