11/6/09 - English

Veolia, a French company, is attempting to withdraw from Israel’s light rail project that connects settlements to the heart of West Jerusalem and confiscates land in East Jerusalem. It appears that this recent development is partially a result of boycott and divestment initiatives around the globe aimed at companies who benefit from the Israeli occupation of Palestine. We pray that this success story will embolden others who seek to end the occupation through economic means.

In his recent speech in Cairo, President Obama articulated strong opposition to Israeli settlements, demonstrated a good understanding of the Palestinian experience, and spoke of the need for a two state solution in Palestine and Israel. We pray that these inspiring words will lead to practical and positive action.

The World Council of Churches’ “World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel” ended yesterday, but the work of the Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum (PIEF) continues. Established by the WCC in 2007 to "catalyze and co-ordinate new and existing church advocacy for peace, aimed at ending the occupation," the PIEF core group will meet in Bethlehem this weekend. We pray for the members of the PIEF and that their work will be fruitful in helping churches work together to support a just and durable peace for Palestine and Israel.

This Thursday, Sabeel is facilitating a two day retreat in the West Bank town of Taybeh for the wives of Palestinian clergy. The gathering will focus on issues related to the family and Christian education In addition, a counselor from Nazareth will introduce the participants to methods for helping women in their communities who regularly face conflict. We pray that these women from the Galilee, the West Bank, and Jerusalem can find meaningful ways to apply what they learn within their own congregations. 

4/6/09 - English

Tensions between Hamas and Fatah erupted once again in a deadly shootout in Qalqilya on Sunday. We pray that Palestinians can work through their internal divisions so that families already living under Israeli occupation need not fear yet another source of hardship and violence.

A UN inquiry team, led by Richard Goldstone (who headed UN tribunals in Yugoslavia and Rwanda), has arrived in Gaza to investigate Israeli war crimes committed in Israel’s three-week assault in December and January. Although Israel is refusing to cooperate with the investigation, we pray that the team’s findings will open the world’s eyes and set into motion events that will end the siege on Gaza.

This week marks the start of the World Council of Churches’ “World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel.” Worldwide, Christians will be praying, acting, and educating about the realities of living in “The Holy Land.” The Jerusalem Christian community will participate in an ecumenical peace service at St. Stephen’s Cathedral on Sunday that will be shared around the world. Lord, in your mercy, hear our cry for peace.

Last Friday, an ecumenical group of Sabeel young adults joined the community in Jifna (north of Ramallah) to repair and clean Christian cemeteries that were defaced by vandals. We are thankful that even destruction of holy spaces can result in stronger relationships between disparate Palestinian communities, denominations and individuals. 

28/5/09 - English

As Israel moves closer to banning commemorations of the Palestinian Nakba, we pray that God will stop this unjust law from coming into effect. This and a law requiring a loyalty oath of all citizens are the latest measures facing the Arab population of Israel.  May the day come soon when discrimination is replaced with equity and respect.

President Obama is currently preparing to address the Arab world on June 4 in Cairo. We pray that whatever Middle East policy he articulates will be solidly rooted in a commitment to justice. It is our prayer that he will listen to wise advisors and have the courage to make the difficult changes that are necessary for peace.

Next Thursday the World Council of Churches “World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel” begins. We are thankful for the worldwide community spanning more than 38 countries that will join together in prayer, education, and advocacy in the cause of justice.  

This Pentecost, we remember how the way of eternal life began in Jerusalem and spread throughout the world to all people through the sending of the Holy Spirit. We pray for closer understanding and unity among the different members of the one church, so that we can better bring about Christ’s vision of the Kingdom. 

21/5/09 - English

Due to an extremely dry winter, water issues threaten to be a source of contention this summer—areas of East Jerusalem have already experienced water shortages. This is exacerbated by the unjust distribution of water resources. We pray for a mild summer in Palestine and an end to the misuse of water as a political tool and weapon.

President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu are meeting in Washington, this week. We pray that the United States will keep Israel accountable to its obligations to the peace process and international law. May President Obama be moved to stand with conviction and courage in the interest of human rights and justice.

In recent talks, Fatah and Hamas have agreed to create a joint security force in Gaza until new elections are held next year. We earnestly pray that this development marks a new spirit of cooperation among Palestinian political parties. Cooperation is necessary to improve the situation of Palestinians and is vital to establishing a lasting and just peace.

As Pope Benedict XVI returns to the Vatican from his pilgrimage to the Holy Land, we offer a prayer of thanksgiving for his willingness to acknowledge the difficulties facing Palestinians living under Israeli occupation. Christians from Gaza, Jerusalem, and the West Bank delivered a message to His Holiness during his time in Jerusalem. We pray that this and other experiences will encourage the Church in working for justice and peace for all people of this region.

7/5/06 - English

After several months of discernment, evaluation and prayer, Christian Peacemaker Teams have chosen to restart their Hebron team. We thank God for CPT’s presence in the midst of violence and settlement expansion. We pray that they may remain safe and resolute in their work of “getting in the way.”

Pope Benedict XVI will arrive in Israel and Palestine on Saturday. We pray that he will have opportunity to see and comprehend the realities of life in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. May his pilgrimage offer encouragement to the shrinking Palestinian Christian community who are leaving because of the brutality of living under occupation.

This weekend, Sabeel will host a dialogue event for young adults from Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Nazareth. The participants will spend two days together enjoying cultural events, sharing meals, and cleaning a Muslim cemetery and a church in Ma’lul, a mixed Christian/Muslim village that was depopulated during the Palestinian Nakba of 1948. We pray that these young adults will develop new relationships and learn from the story of Ma’lul.

Last Friday, the United Nations’ Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs issued a report  highlighting the issues of house demolitions and evictions of Palestinians in East Jerusalem and the increase in Israeli settlers in East Jerusalem. The UN called on Israel to uphold the Geneva Convention. We pray that Israel will follow this path and seek to act legally and justly.