English 25/1/2018

Sabeel Wave of Prayer

                                                        January 25^th, 2018

Last Wednesday, an Israeli military court ordered that Ahed al-Tamimi, a 16-year-old Palestinian activist, remain in custody indefinitely, until she faces trial for charges relating to slapping and kicking an Israeli soldier after he refused to leave her house.

·         Lord, we pray for Ahed Tamimi, as she sits vulnerable in jail, awaiting the injustice of the Israeli military court. We ask for courage from all people of conscience to help Israel see that this is not the way to treat a child. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers

In the village of Beit Iksa near Jerusalem, Israeli settlers vandalized Palestinian vehicles, in what appears to be a “price tag attack.”  The Israeli settlers, from the illegal Ramot settlement built on lands of the village, punctured the tires of several vehicles and spray- painted “racist slogans” on them.

·         Lord, our neighbors stole our land and continue to attack us. We pray for our communities who desperately struggle to keep their families and properties safe. Lord in your mercy…

On Sunday, vice-president Mike Pence, began a visit to Israel after meeting King Abdullah in Jordan.  King Abdullah appealed for an effort to “rebuild trust and confidence” shattered by US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. On Monday, while addressing the Israeli Knesset, Pence said that a new United States Embassy to Israel would open in Jerusalem before the end of 2019.

·         Lord, help the Palestinian people to continue to be persistent in demanding justice from the powerful. We pray for the long overdue peace that is based on justice , equality and international  law for the people of Palestine. Lord in your mercy…

On Sunday, several dozen Israeli worshipers who visited an ancient tomb in the village of Awarta, hurled stones at Palestinian homes and vehicles, causing property damage. Hundreds of Israelis, guarded by the Israeli army, were said to have taken part in the prayers at the tomb. A field worker for the Rabbis for Human Rights NGO said five Palestinian cars were damaged due to the rock-throwing. He added that graves at the Palestinian cemetery adjacent to the Jewish holy site were also desecrated by the Israeli worshipers.

·         Lord, extremists continue to use violence in your name. We give thanks for the members of Rabbis for Human Rights that glorify your name through exposing the injustice perpetuated against our people. Lord in your mercy…

Breaking the Silence, an organization of Israeli veterans, is launching a new booklet of testimonies - "Why I Broke the Silence" - in which soldiers reveal the harsh reality in the Occupied Territories .

·         Lord, we continue to praise your name as we see Israeli soldiers lay down their weapons and confess their sins against our people. We give thanks to those brave Israeli soldiers who reinforce our hope that justice and peace are possible. Lord in your mercy…

·         We join the World Council of Churches in praying for the countries of  Cyprus, Greece and Turkey. Lord in your mercy…