English 28/7/2016

In a 62-47 vote, the Israeli Knesset on Tuesday night passed an impeachment law that enables Members of Knesset (MKs) to expel fellow elected lawmakers found to have “incited” against the state of Israel. Analysts say the law is aimed mainly at Arab legislators and defies the basic principles of democracy.

Acts 18:9  "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.”

·         Lord, they conspire to keep the truth silent. We pray for courage for the Arab members of the Knesset to keep crying out and not be silent. May the different perspectives and voices of the Arab Knesset members continue to disturb the unjust structures that exist. Lord in your mercy…   

Dozens of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli military jails have launched a hunger strike in solidarity with Bilal Kayed, a 35-year-old man from Nablus. Bilal Kayed, has been hospitalized in Israel as his health deteriorated because of his own 40-days extended hunger strike protesting his detention without charge or trial.

·         We pray for Palestinians who are courageously choosing to resist injustice in various non-violent ways, like hunger strikes. We pray especially for the Palestinians who have been detained without charge or trial. Lord please sustain them and all fellow hunger-strikers, and protect Bilal’s family who has been repeatedly abused in various ways. Lord, in your mercy...

On July 15th , the Sabeel women of Jerusalem visited Nazareth in an educational trip to learn more about their Palestinian heritage. Also on Friday the 22^nd, Sabeel held a leadership training workshop for the Sabeel bible study group facilitators at Zababdeh village.

·         We give thanks for the optimism, energy, and enthusiasm of the many women who participate in the programming of Sabeel’s activities, from the grassroots to the leadership level.  We also give thanks for the gracious commitment of the Sabeel contextual bible study groups.  Lord in your mercy…

On July 20th three young Palestinians took their musical instruments and performed on the streets of Ramallah. The unprecedented street performance was cheerfully welcomed by people of the city. Also, this year’s edition of the Palestine International Festival for Music and Dance will open on 27th July and will run until 8th August, with concerts scheduled to take place in Ramallah, Jenin, Jerusalem and Hebron.

·         We thank God for the resilience of the Palestinian spirit as shown in the cultural and performing arts that continue to thrive in Palestine. We pray especially for the young artists who creatively direct their anger and frustration to empower their creative resistance. Lord in your mercy…

·         We pray alongside the World Council of Churches for the countries ofBelize, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico.  Lord, in your mercy…