18/06/2015- English

This week our Muslim brothers and sisters in Palestine, Israel and around the world will begin observing the holy month of Ramadan.  Lord, we pray that amidst the violence and oppression in much of the Middle East, those who observe Ramadan will find comfort in turning towards God and helping the poor and needy.  We also pray that Ramadan will be a joyous time as family and friends break bread together.  Lord in your mercy… Last week Israel closed its criminal investigation into the killing of four young Gazan boys who were playing on the beach last summer when they were struck by missiles— clearing the involved soldiers of any wrongdoing. Also, recently a video emerged of several Israeli soldiers beating a Palestinian man in Jalazone refugee camp even after he was restrained.  Merciful God, we pray for an end to Israel’s impunity and that ultimately its military might will be replaced by justice, peace and reconciliation in this region.  Lord in your mercy…
 On Sunday the Israeli cabinet approved a bill allowing authorities to force feed prisoners who are on hunger strike if their life is deemed in danger.  Lord, we pray that this bill is ultimately not passed and that Palestinians in administrative detention without charge or trial are able to non-violently protest this injustice.  We also lift our gratitude for the Israel Medical Association and other groups for opposing the bill and the practice of force-feeding, which is in opposition to the standards of medical ethics accepted in Israel.  Lord in your mercy…
 Gracious God, please bless our programs this week, including a joint Jerusalem-Nazareth educational visit to the community of Battir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the West Bank.  Lord in your mercy…
 We pray alongside the World Council of Churches for the country of Brazil.  Lord in your mercy… 
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