Last week, Israel sentenced 70-year-old Sheikh Jamal Mustafa, an imam of a mosque in the al-Issawiya neighborhood of Jerusalem, to three years in prison for “incitement to terrorism.” Israeli authorities have also imprisoned two other imams in Jerusalem on similar charges. Unfortunately, the crackdown on religious figures in the region is nothing new. In August, the Israeli occupation banned Grand Mufti and preacher of the al-Aqsa Mosque, Sheikh Ekrima Sabri, from entering Al Aqsa for six months. Sheikh Sabri was arrested the same month after Israeli forces raided his home in the al-Sawana neighborhood of East Jerusalem. He was later released.
God of Freedom, protect those who worship amid fear, and grant courage to those barred from sacred spaces. Soften the hearts of those in power, that they may choose mercy over oppression. Bring peace to every street and let justice flow through the land. May all worship in freedom and safety, and may peace and dignity be restored to all.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer