22/01/2015- English

Last week the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced that it will launch a preliminary examination into Israel’s possible war crimes in the Palestinian territories, including Israel’s massive military offensive in Gaza last summer where Palestinians suffered heavy civilian casualties—including the death of around 500 children.  Lord, we pray that in all investigations truth will be sought, justice will be done, and impunity will end.  Lord in your mercy… Tensions in the Negev in southern Israel have escalated since last week when a man from the Bedouin village of Rahat was killed on the patio of his home during a police raid.  Contrary to an agreement, Israeli forces drove into this man’s funeral procession, triggering clashes.  Around 20 people from Rahat were injured and one man died from inhaling tear gas.  God of mercy, we pray for the end of Israel’s excessive use of force against the Bedouin citizens of Israel and the discrimination and displacement suffered in these indigenous communities.  Lord in your mercy…
 Eleven cars in the southeast Jerusalem Palestinian neighborhood of Beit Safafa were vandalized last Wednesday in a “price-tag” attack by Jewish extremists who slashed tires and spray-painted anti-Arab graffiti on the hood of one of the cars.  Lord, we pray that extremist acts driven by racism in the city and country will be replaced by tolerance, human rights, and justice and peace for all the people of the land.  Lord in your mercy…
 
We pray alongside the World Council of Churches for the countries of Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Western Sahara, and Tunisia. Lord in your mercy…
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Lord, we continue to ask for your blessing on our Nazareth and Jerusalem events, including a Study Circle next Tuesday featuring a Skype link-up with  author Alain Weaver to discuss his new book Mapping Exile and Return.  Lord in your mercy…