This week Palestinians mark 48 years since the 1967 war and Israel’s occupation
of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem (Palestine) and Golan Heights
(Syria). Not only did this war cause massive displacement and refugees,
it started what has been one of the longest military occupations of modern
times—nearly half of a century. Merciful God, with no end to occupation
in sight, we pray for signs of change that the international community will no
longer stand by the status quo of unjust and chronic occupation of Palestinian
land. Lord in your mercy…
Last weekend Palestinians heavily criticized the Palestinian
football (soccer) chief for dropping Palestine’s bid to suspend Israel from
world football at the 65th FIFA Congress due to Israel’s discriminatory
practices, including restricting the movement of Palestinian players.
Lord, we pray for an end to Israel’s disruptions to the sport with impunity,
and that the world community takes action against these violations. Lord
in your mercy…
On Sunday the Israeli Ministerial Committee
for Legislation approved a bill allowing harsher punishment to stone throwers. Lord, we pray for an end to Israel’s unjust practices in
East Jerusalem including heightened discrimination, home demolitions, and the Judaizing
of Palestinian neighborhoods— all the while severely punishing
any resistance against these injustices. Lord in your mercy…
Lord, we praise you for the work Sabeel has been able to do
through you, and we ask that you continue to bless our programs, including this
week’s clergy meeting with H.B. Patriarch Michel Sabbah to discuss the results
of several Palestinian youth focus groups about the challenges they face.
Lord in your mercy…
We pray alongside the World Council of Churches for the
countries of Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Swaziland. Lord in your mercy…
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