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WORLD COUNCIL OF REFORMED CHURCHES CONDEMNS ISRAELI RESPONSE TO PEACEFUL GAZA PROTESTCALLS ON WORLD CHURCH COMMUNITY TO EXPRESS SOLIDARITYAt its General Council conference in Leipzig Germany in July 2017, The World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) unanimously approved a history statement committing the world body to study, discern and act in support of justice for the Palestinian people. The WCRC is the largest association of Reformed churches in the world, with 233 member denominations in 110 countries, together comprising 100 million people. Read the 2017 Leipzig resolution here. On May 18, as the people of Gaza continued their Great March of Return in witness to their suffering and the denial of life and homeland, the WCRC affirmed the commitment it made in Leipzig, issuing an unequivocal statement of support for the people of Gaza, condemning the violent and murderous response by Israel. Quoting from the Leipzig resolution that “with respect to the situation of injustice and suffering that exists in Palestine, and the cry of the Palestinian Christian community, the integrity of Christian faith and praxis is at stake,” the WCRC has issued a call to the world Christian community to remain true to its deepest principles: “The WCRC expresses regret that sections of the Christian community have welcomed the move of the United States Embassy to Jerusalem. We call on the Christian community to disown any theology that propagate and justify discrimination and oppression. The WCRC further calls on the Christian community to stand in solidarity with the Palestinians, both Christian and Muslim, as they struggle in the context of an ongoing occupation. We call for solidarity with Israeli citizens and organizations that defend Palestinian rights.” |
Kairos Palestine Statement on Gaza and Jerusalem
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South African Christian Groups to hold Nakba Day Vigil
A group of South African Christian organizations, including Kairos Southern Africa, South African Council of Churches, Palestine Solidarity Alliance, and the Council of African Independent Churches, along with South African Jews for a Free Palestine and BDS South Africa will hold a vigil this coming Sunday 13 May in support for Kairos Palestine’s call for action and cooperation within the global Christian community. Participants will include Christian, Muslim and Jewish groups. The vigil will be part of a number of events in South Africa related to Nakba Day commemorations and in support for the Great Return March. Main events are taking place in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The initiative will be launched with the presentation of a Christian witness message that includes the commitment to pursue specific actions.
The organizers have emphasized that they form part of an international network commemorating the Nakba this week, especially from the global Christian community and request you to send messages of support.
Read Messages of Support to Sisters and Brothers in South Africa on Nakba Day
Palestinian Christian groups in the US, call on faith communities to end Israel’s Apartheid against the Palestinian people.
This call has been endorsed by several faith-based solidarity groups.
We the undersigned, a group of Palestinian-American Christians from several church traditions, call on all faith communities to:
- Denounce the Trump administration’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and the decision to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem.
- Lift up, in your places of worship, the plight of Palestinians, Muslims and Christians alike, recognizing that Israeli policies of occupation and apartheid are leading to the virtual extinction of the indigenous Christian population in Palestine.
- Recognize the urgency of ending Israel’s genocidal siege and attacks on the entire Palestinian hostage population of the Gaza Strip.
- Continue to use economic pressure as well as other nonviolent means to compel Israel to end its apartheid practices and policies against the Palestinian people.
PALESTINIAN CIVIL SOCIETY STATEMENT ON GAZA
As the peaceful gathering along the Gaza border that began on Land Day on March 30 continues, a historic call has gone out from Palestinian civil society to Palestinian leaders, Israel, the USA, the Arab states, and the international community. This statement calls for support for the people of Gaza and and for worldwide demonstrations in advance of the 70th commemoration of the Nakba in May.
“We address our call to all those of good will who support us in seeking our freedom and independence…Heed the cries of the oppressed, of the people whose freedom you deny, and who were displaced from their land, villages and houses.”
Kairos & Civil Society Gaza Statement
INTERFAITH CLERGY TO DURHAM: END POLICE PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE IDF
Demilitarize from Durham2Palestine, a group supported by Jewish Voice for Peace-Triangle, Durham for All, Inside-Outside Alliance, Black Youth Project 100-Durham Chapter, and other groups, called on the city to cut any police partnerships with Israel. A debate that divided Durham’s Jewish community and prompted accusations of anti-Semitism culminated Monday night with the City Council’s approval of a statement opposing international military-style police training.
An interfaith letter signed by 72 clergy endorsed the petition, calling on the most precious principles of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions, and citing “the brutality of Israel’s military occupation and the daily violations of Palestinians’ most basic human rights,” urged the City Council to act. The letter was initiated by Friends of Sabeel North America, American Muslims for Palestine, and Jewish Voice for Peace.
On Tuesday, April 17, the City Council unanimously passed a statement prohibiting police exchanges, “rejecting the militarization of our police force.” “Black lives matter,” concludes the statement, linking the “counter-terrrorism” trainings provided by Israel to police departments in the U.S. to the brutalization of oppressed groups here in the U.S. and across the world.
Read the report and the full statement.
NEW PUBLICATION FROM IPMN: WHY PALESTINE MATTERS
The Israel Palestine Mission Network of the Presbyterian Church (USA) [IPMN] is pleased to announce the publication of Why Palestine Matters, The Struggle To End Colonialism.
The book is grounded in international law and brings Palestine into focus through the lens of intersectionality. In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.” Why Palestine Matters contains study guides and videos to make the material easily accessible and usable in a wide variety of learning settings.
Learn more about the book and how to order.
TRUMP’S JERUSALEM ANNOUNCEMENT
Ignoring warnings from around the world and rejecting international law, Trump announces that the US recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, says US will move its embassy there. See the outpouring of opposition statements and several opportunities to Take Action!
PALESTINIAN CHILD DETENTION BILL
Historic legislation comes to US Congress: the first bill to address Palestinian human rights would end US funding for Israeli military detention of Palestinian children. Introduced by Rep. Betty McCollum and 9 more members of Congress, it now has many more co-sponsors. See a short video, news reports, documentation of Israeli abuse of Palestinian children... learn more here.
CHALLENGING ANTI-BDS LEGISLATION
The ACLU has filed a lawsuit on behalf of a Kansas teacher – a member of the Mennonite Church USA – who supports her church’s call for boycott. See the ACLU report
Faith Coalition Takes Action to Defend Free Speech
In historic show of unity, dozens of faith organizations publish full-page newspaper ad; 20 Christian leaders from national organizations send open letter to Congress. Both defend the right to boycott and oppose anti-BDS laws that violate Americans’ rights. Read the news, the statement & the letter
MORE FROM THE PALESTINE PORTAL COMMUNITY
Historic legislation comes to US Congress – first bill to address Palestinian human rights
Bill would end US funding for Israeli military detention of Palestinian children, introduced by Rep. Betty McCollum and nine other members of Congress. See a short video on this bill, news reports, factual documentation of Israeli abuse of Palestinian children... learn more here.
Quaker Palestine Israel Network (QPIN)
Engaging Critics of BDS: A Resource for Activists!
We are pleased to announce the publication of Engaging Critics of BDS: A Resource for Activists! QPIN has written this guide as a tool for BDS activists to help counter some often encountered arguments from critics of BDS. This document was inspired by discussions held at a Quaker consultation in April, 2016 organized by QPIN and hosted by the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC). Get this resource
Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA)
The FOSNA Clergy and Seminary Action Council
The Council offers a voice of bold solidarity. As church and seminary leaders, we possess spirit, wisdom, privilege, and opportunity. Let us employ these traits as we join Palestinian colleagues and friends who call for our support in this urgent moment….we aim to strengthen the North American Christian voice for justice for Palestine.” Learn more; join the council
The Palestinian Speakers Bureau from FOSNA
No one can tell the story of Palestine better than a Palestinian. The speakers on this list, organized by region, are happy to address your congregation, sit on a panel, or speak at a conference. See the speakers, make inquiries, suggest additions
Episcopal Peace Fellowship – Palestine Israel Network
The Palestine Israel Toolkit
Resources to help readers learn the basics, broaden their knowledge, dispel misunderstandings, and find ways to work with others toward peace with justice in the Holy Land. Sections include: The Basics, Going Deeper, Why It’s Important, and Time to Take Action. See/download the toolkit
Defense for Children International–Palestine
DCI-Palestine and AFSC Host Capital Hill Briefing on HR 4391 (End Palestinian Child Detention Bill)
Washington, June 29, 2019—Staff from at least 58 congressional offices joined Defense for Children International – Palestine on June 25 in Washington for a congressional briefing on H.R. 4391 and the situation of Palestinian children’s rights under Israeli military occupation. Read more
Open letter, Palestinian Christians to WCC
Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. (Isa. 1:17)
Excerpts of the letter:
“We need your costly solidarity. We need brave women and men who are willing to stand in the forefront. This is no time for shallow diplomacy Christians. We urge you to hear our call….
“Things are beyond urgent. We are on the verge of a catastrophic collapse. The current status-quo is unsustainable.” Read the letter
Get occasional updates on what’s happening in the community and at Palestine Portal, with our e-news!▼
Our newsfeeds include:
• Mondoweiss • Electronic Intifada
• +972 Magazine • Ma’an News
• The Palestine Chronicle • The Jerusalem Fund’s Recommended Reading
Get the latest news
Support historic legislation in Congress
First bill ever to address Palestinian human rights! Would end U.S. funding for Israeli military detention and abuse of Palestinian children. Contact your legislators to support this bill
Protect Free Speech and the Right to Boycott
Laws that penalize support for Palestinian human rights violate Americans’ rights. Urge your elected officials to protect constitutional rights and reject anti-BDS legislation. Send a message to your federal and state elected officials – take action here
Urge Congress to support Palestinian unity and end the Gaza blockade
The recent Palestinian unity agreement is a ray of hope for devastated Gaza and all Palestinians. Urge your legislators to make sure the US supports this effort and works for an end to the blockade of Gaza, which has caused a humanitarian catastrophe. Take action: contact your U.S. legislators
Tell the International Criminal Court: Children in Gaza deserve life
Until we hold Israeli authorities accountable and demand an end to Israel’s collective punishment against Palestinians, children in Gaza will suffer grave violations of their basic rights to life, safety, health, and childhood. Sign the petition from Defense for Children International-Palestine
See more action alerts
Every week, Christians around the world join in prayer with Palestinian Christians, through the Wave of Prayer from Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center. Below are recent prayers and news bytes from Sabeel. Click on any item, to see it at Sabeel’s website.
Christ at the Checkpoint USA • Mon-Thur, Oct 15-18, 2018 – Oklahoma City, OK
Christ at the Checkpoint USA is an event designed to inform and engage Christians in the issues related to the conflict in the Holy Land and provide opportunities to learn and connect with their brothers and sisters in Christ who live in the land. Following the model of the original Christ at the Checkpoint event held in Bethlehem, this event will feature speakers, teachers, hands on learning, worship and conversations to fully engage participants. SPEAKERS:
Father Elias Chacour, Archbishop, Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Mar Elias Schools; Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, Physician, Author, and Speaker, Daughters for Life Foundation; Rev. Alex Awad, Author and Speaker, Bethlehem Bible College; Jonathan Kuttab, Human Rights Attorney, Co-Founder Palestinian Center for the Study of Nonviolence; Mubarak Awad, Non-violence Advocate, Speaker, Teacher, Nonviolence International; Dr. Mark Braverman, Executive Director, Kairos USA; Rev. Dr. Mae Cannon, Executive Director, Churches for Middle East Peace, Dr. Munther Isaac, Pastor and Teacher, Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church & Bethlehem Bible College; Sami Awad, Executive Director, Holy Land Trust; Rabbi Michael Davis, Rabbi, Cantor, and Social Activist, Makom Shalom; Bob Roberts, Pastor, Leader, and Speaker, Northwood Church & GlobalVentures; Dr. Gary Burge, Professor, Author, & Speaker, Calvin Theological Seminary; Dr. Gerald McDermott, Anglican Chair of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School; Bishop Robert Hayes, Leader and Speaker, The United Methodist Church; Rev. Dr. Jack Sara, President, Bethlehem Bible College; Dr. Joel Willits, Professor, Author, & Speaker, North Park University; Dr. Stephen Sizer, Author & Human Rights Advocate, Peacemaker Trust
The Jerusalem Conference – Jerusalem: What Makes for Peace? • Oct 11, 2018 • Houston, TX
In recent months, Jerusalem has taken center stage as historic commitments to this city as a holy place for two peoples of three faiths are increasingly undermined.
This conference is more timely than ever, as inter-faith efforts towards a just peace in Jerusalem are critical. Now is the time to stand together, as people of all faiths, to work towards an inclusive Jerusalem and demand a just peace.
Featuring National Speakers: Jim Winkler, President of the National Council of Churches; Rev. Dr. Mae Cannon, Director of CMEP; Jim Wallis, President of Sojourners and more. Learn More
What Does Justice Look Like? Moving Towards a Just Peace in Palestine and Israel • Dec 14-16, 2018 • Wallingford, PA
A conference sponsored jointly by the American Friends Service Committee and Pendle Hill. Learn More
Watch this inspiring video from Ginghamsburg Church in Ohio (click the photo below): Church members share how they were convicted and touched by the experience of their 2017 Olive Harvest Trip, their first time in the Holy Land.
• Olive Harvest Delegation; IFPB: Oct 27-Nov 9, 2018
Learn & Work with Others: DISCOVER organizations in your denomination, FIND groups near you, and SEE the global Church movement for justice in the Holy Land.
Explore Mapping the Movement
