English 29/6/2017

Sabeel Wave of Prayer

June 29^th, 2017

There have been a string of attacks by Israeli settlers in the West Bank recently, particularly in the region of Nablus. At the same time, the Knesset has just approved the preliminary reading of a bill to annex some of the settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which would further solidify the system of applying Israeli civilian law to settlers and military law to Palestinians living in the same areas.

·         God, we lament the violence that comes from the settlements and the ways that the Israeli government excuses and condones this theft of land. We pray that the words of international law will be more than just rhetoric and that people around the world will act for justice and accountability. We pray that Israeli authorities will take responsibility to stop this violence, and that the eyes of the settlers who perpetrate this violence will be opened and that they will see the harm they are causing.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer…

In the past months, there have been many women who have been killed by their family members both in Palestine and Israel, as well as around the world. Some of these women had previously filed domestic violence complaints or asked for legal or social service help in other ways.

·         Lord, we lament the violent deaths of women around the world. We pray for legal and societal changes which will curb the tide of violence and discrimination against women, and that law enforcement and social services will be attentive to the needs of the vulnerable people who ask for their help. We pray that perpetrators of violence against women will be held accountable for their actions, and that no more men will see the lives of the women closest to them as expendable.

Lord, in your mercy…

Inside Palestine and Israel, freedom of the press is being restricted and news sources are being blocked. Many of the groups and organizations being restricted have been critical of their governments or associated with their political competitors. NGOs reporting human rights abuses are also particularly at risk of being suppressed.

·         Lord, freedom of the press has been threatened by both Palestinian and Israeli authorities. We pray that all journalists are able to tell their stories without fear of suppression, and we thank you for the work of people who try to provide the public with fair and accurate information and speak truth to power.

Lord, in your mercy…

Israel has restricted water access across the West Bank this month, with some areas, including Ramallah and Kufr Aqab, having been deprived of water for over two weeks. Many people have run out of stored water. At the same time, people living in nearby settlements have enough water to fill swimming pools.

·         Lord, many thirst and feel weak. We lament the water shortages caused by unjust distribution and misuse of limited resources. Access to clean water is the most basic and essential of human rights. We pray that the Palestinian people whose water is being stolen and denied to them will soon be able to meet their needs.

Lord, in your mercy…

We join the World Council of Churches in praying for the countries of Kenya and Tanzania.

·         Lord, in your mercy…