A teachers
strike throughout the West Bank has caused schools to be closed for over two
weeks now, affecting an estimated 1 million Palestinian children. The teachers
are asking for regular salary increases that can keep up with the rising cost
of living. The Palestinian Authority has been coming down harshly on
protestors, and is refusing to cede to their demands.
God of all, we
pray for perseverance for these teachers who are trying, peacefully, to have
their voices be heard. We ask that you give their leaders ears to hear and
hearts that will be open to understanding their struggles and concerns. God, be
also with the children whose lives have been disrupted these past two weeks
with no school, and allow their routines to return back to normal soon.
Lord, in your
mercy…
Imprisoned
Palestinian journalist Muhammad al-Qiq ended his 94-day hunger strike last week
after a compromise was reached with the Israeli authorities. Al-Qiq will remain
in custody until May 21 to finish his 6 months of administrative detention, a
policy by which Israel imprisons individuals without trial or charge.
God of mercy,
we rejoice that al-Qiq’s life has been saved while also recognizing that his
battle for justice and freedom must still continue. We ask that you lay your
healing hands upon him and his family, and also send strength and courage to
all those who remain wrongly imprisoned without support or legal aid.
Lord, in your
mercy…
Palestinian
youth in Hebron held their 7th Annual Open Shuhada Street Campaign last
week. The campaign included nonviolent demonstrations, art exhibitions, and
cultural events to raise awareness of the 22 years of increasing restrictions
on Palestinians living in Hebron and the human rights violations they suffer.
Lord, we cry
out at the injustices experienced by those living in Hebron, particularly the
economic and social violence caused by the sustained closing of Shuhada Street.
We pray for healing of the land, and for peace to those who must currently live
with so much fear and persecution.
Lord, in your
mercy…
Sabeel is
preparing for a two-day training this week for about 40 individual’s to come
and learn how to be Bible study facilitators. The participants come from
various churches and denominations within both Palestine and Israel, and will
learn firsthand from biblical theologians in order to implement new Bible study
programs within their local communities.
God, we thank
you for community leaders who are hungry to learn more of you and who wish to
spread what they know to others. Send your Spirit to guide this training, and
allow it to be both educationally and spiritually fulfilling for those who
attend.
Lord, in your
mercy…
We pray alongside the World Council of Churches for the countries
of France and Germany.
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