Last week, the Israeli Knesset on 6 November voted for a collective punishment law that allows authorities to deport family members of Palestinians who carry out armed operations against Israelis to the Gaza Strip and “other locations.” Parents, siblings, children, and spouses would be targeted by the law. They can also be deported on the basis of expressing “support or sympathy” for the act of “terrorism” committed or for publishing “praise, admiration, or encouragement.”
God of Justice and Compassion, we cry out for those in the Holy Land facing unjust laws and relentless oppression. We grieve for families torn from their homes and exiled. We see mothers, fathers, children stripped of their rights, their dignity trampled, and we lament for a system that punishes them for who they are. Holy Spirit, awaken the world to the suffering of those crushed beneath the weight of occupation and unjust systems. May your light shine into the darkest halls of power, and may your love bring freedom to the oppressed and courage to the persecuted.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer