We give thanks for the growing movement of non-violent resistance in
the West Bank and Jerusalem which is constantly challenging the Israeli
occupation. It is also meeting increasingly violent tactics from the police and
military forces. Last Friday in Sheikh Jarrah security forces kicked and hit
protestors, including a former Israeli Attorney General. We pray for the safety
and wellbeing of all who courageously challenge the occupation with non-violent
tactics.
In the coming two weeks, forty young adults from Palestine and
around the world will gather in Jerusalem to participate in the fifth annual Sabeel international Young Adult Conference:
"From the Belly of the Whale: A Palestinian Christian Cry for
Justice." May their time of pilgrimage and learning inspire them to pursue
peace with justice in Palestine and Israel and in all conflicts wherever they
may be in the world.
More and more churches are understanding that it is necessary to
see justice applied to the situation here before we can progress to peace and
reconciliation. There is substantial criticism now being made of the policies
of Israel and pressure is mounting on the social and political leadership. We
give thanks for these winds of change around the world and pray for energy,
enthusiasm and imagination for all the movements and individuals who devote
themselves to freedom for the Palestinian people.
Ahlan wa Sahlan is the traditional welcoming greeting here. And it
is heartily meant to all who come and visit. In the first half of the year over
1000 people have visited Sabeel to
hear about this ministry and what it means to live as a Palestinian under
occupation. We give thanks for this interest and ask for prayers as we prepare
for and seek interested people to participate in the Sabeel
Witness Visit in October 2010 and the eighth international conference in
February 2011.
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