We remember the 58 people killed in an
attack in a Baghdad church on Sunday, and pray for the survivors, families and
others in the region deeply affected by this senseless violence. We pray for an
end to all religious intolerance, especially in this region once celebrated for
its cultural and religious diversity.
A bill permitting community acceptance
committees in Israel to refuse residence applications that "are
incompatible with the social-cultural fabric of the community" is ready to
be approved in the Knesset. This law would make official what is already seen
in practice: almost complete segregation between Jews and Arabs in Israel. Rather
than further division that enables alienation, we pray for opportunities for
all peoples in this land to live together in peace.
According to the Israeli NGO Ir Amim,
5,300 children in East Jerusalem are denied education because there is no room
in the schools. This week several schools were opened in East Jerusalem, funded
by the Palestinian Authority, to address this deficiency by the Jerusalem
municipality. Salam Fayyad, the PA Prime Minister, was unable to participate in
the ceremonies after threats by the Israeli authorities. We hold in prayer all
children around the world who are denied the right to education and a normal
childhood.
We pray for Sabeel’s Youth Program as
weekly meetings and Bible study begin for the fall. May this time of fellowship
and spiritual growth be a blessing for all participants and the community.
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