We pray for political leaders in the
United States, Israel, and Palestine as a 90 day construction “freeze” of settlements
in the West Bank that are already illegal under international law goes to vote
in the Israeli cabinet. In exchange for this short-term freeze that excludes
East Jerusalem, the U.S. is offering massive concessions to Israel including no
future settlement freezes, a commitment not to support any United Nations
resolution recognizing Palestinian sovereignty, and an additional $3 billion in
military aid. We
lament that the U.S. appears blinded by short-term goals in making such an
offer and pray that the peace process can move forward in a way that is just
for the people of both sides.
This week we remember the children in Dbayeh, a Palestinian refugee camp in
Lebanon with a large Christian population, as they struggle to obtain a good
education and break the cycle of poverty. We pray for Palestinian refugees all over the world, especially those who
still struggle to build a life in refugee camps for
over sixty years, and for a just solution.
Yabous Productions recently won the prestigious
2010 Yasser Arafat Award for its work in reviving Palestinian popular culture
in Jerusalem. We pray for artists all over Palestine who creatively and nonviolently
resist the occupation through culture, and especially for Yabous as it strives “to
give Jerusalem the ambience that reflects its historical, religious, political
and cultural importance.”
We hold the staff at Sabeel in prayer during
this time of transition as several people in key roles end their time here. We
pray for flexibility and guidance in filling these gaps as we continue the
ministry of Sabeel.
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