Last week, local media disclosed that the Israeli government is attempting to recruit around 30,000 asylum seekers from African countries to the country by offering them permanent residency if they join the occupation state’s armed forces in their war in Gaza. Recruitment efforts of African refugees come at a time when the Israeli army is facing severe shortages of soldiers. As a result of the shortage, Israel’s Supreme Court ruled in June that ultra-Orthodox Jews, a population that has long been exempted from military service, are now subjected to the military draft.
God of the Oppressed, we are outraged about the exploitation of vulnerable communities to further the purposes of war and violence. Protect asylum seekers, especially those in this region. May they find refuge, safety, and human dignity, rather than being coerced and used as pawns in the machinery of oppression, dehumanization, and genocide. Empower those who stand for peace and give courage to those resisting the forces of violence. Let your love transform hearts and bring healing to this world in dire need of your mercy and forgiveness.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer