As part of Sabeel’s women’s Bible study program, 25 participants took part in a spiritual and cultural educational trip to the Galilee. Accompanied by Fr. Aref Al-Yameen and local guide Ibrahim Elias Abu Wasim, they explored the region’s historical and spiritual significance. The group also visited the Municipality of Sakhnin, where Mayor Mazen Ghanayem shared the city’s history, current challenges, and community initiatives. The day concluded with warm hospitality at St. Joseph Greek Catholic Church, where participants met Bishop Youssef Matta, who reflected on the church’s mission and its shared commitment with Sabeel to serving society.
Holy God, we thank you for the opportunity to serve and for granting us a safe journey to the Galilee. We pray for your continued presence and protection over Sabeel’s ministry and the ministries of all who serve their communities in the Galilee. Through our work, help us strengthen the unity and connection among the church throughout the Holy Land.
Lord, in Your mercy… hear our prayer.
Israeli authorities have advanced a new plan to establish a large illegal settlement neighbourhood of about 450 illegal housing units inside the Palestinian neighbourhood of Umm Lison in occupied East Jerusalem. The project had been frozen for more than two years due to infrastructure-related obstacles. Umm Lison lies between the Palestinian neighbourhoods of Jabal al-Mukabber and Sur Baher in occupied East Jerusalem and currently includes around 800 Palestinian housing units. According to Ir Amim, the new settlement project is expected to significantly alter the neighbourhood's urban and demographic character by introducing around 2,000 new Israeli settlers to the area. The UN has repeatedly affirmed that Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories are illegal under international law.
God of Nahab, protect us against modern day Jezebels and Ahabs who plot, scheme, and steal land. As we become more vulnerable to settler-colonialism in Jerusalem, we hold firm to your justice. We pray that our oppressors repent like Ahab, turning away from supremacy and domination. Until they repent, help us to bear witness against the theft of land and displacement of Palestinian communities in East Jerusalem.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
Ro Khanna, a progressive Democratic politician and Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, was detained along with other Americans by armed settlers during a trip to the West Bank. Khanna reported that when the army arrived, they sided with the settlers and continued the group’s detention. The incident has drawn renewed attention to settler violence in the occupied West Bank. Last month, several Western countries sanctioned networks linked to settler violence. During the tour, Rep. Khanna was joined by B'Tselem's executive director as an expert on settler violence.
God of the oppressed, we grieve the worsening situation in the West Bank. Through the experience of Rep. Khanna, illuminate to the world of the everyday crimes being committed in the West Bank. We pray for your presence and protection over the many families and communities in the West Bank who experience worsening settler and israeli military occupation violence.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
Last month, Sabeel welcomed new staff members, Majd Salfiety, Yasmiena Kassasieh, Sara Wazwaz, Yara Zaed and Rojeh Gharfeh.
Holy God, we thank you for the work of Sabeel staff in uplifting our community. We pray for Majd, Yasmina, Sara, Rojeh and Yara as they join the Sabeel family. Give them strength, humility, and courage as they live out Sabeel’s call to be your witnesses in this world and show love to the oppressed.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
As the genocidal war in Gaza passes 1000 days, deadly Israeli strikes continue to hit Gaza. In one attack last week, Israeli fire killed at least six Palestinians, including 9-year-old Tala Abu Matar, in attacks on a blacksmith shop and displacement camps.
God of the oppressed, do not let us be numb to the suffering in Gaza, but help us to be disturbed by the continued loss of life. We repent for dehumanizing the dead in Gaza by counting them as numbers and not as people with dreams and aspirations. We pray for the family of Tala Abu Matar and for her soul as she returns home to you. Let Tala and all victims of injustice remind us of our mandate to practice solidarity and revolutionary love.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Eritrea and Ethiopia.
Lord in your mercy...hear our prayers
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