PM Netanyahu has invited Avigdor Lieberman of the extreme right wing party, Yisrael Beiteinu, to step in as Defense Minister in an attempt to bring his party into the government coalition. One of Lieberman’s conditions is the implementation of the death penalty in military courts where Palestinians in the West Bank are tried but not in the civil courts which tries illegal Israeli settlers, which would, in effect, be a death penalty only for Palestinians. Another condition, pensions for Russian immigrants, is being debated but has not been approved.
God of justice, every day we see evidence of how some lives are valued more highly than others, not just here in Palestine-Israel but throughout the world. Open our eyes and our hearts to see the sacred value of all life and help us to create a world that places a higher value on human life than it does on economic concerns.
Lord, in your mercy…
After many discussions with those deeply involved with the politics of Israel-Palestine, prominent feminist historian, Prof. Catherine Hall of University College, London, declined to accept the Dan David Prize, one of Israel’s most prestigious academic awards worth $300,000. Earlier this year, Hebrew University professor David Shulman chose to donate the $20,000 he won for the Israel Prize to Ta’ayush, a Palestinian-Jewish Israeli NGO that works with Palestinians in the West Bank.
Lord, we thank you for these people of conscience who put justice above personal gain and prestige. May their actions challenge us to examine our own values to see where we might be asked to make sacrifices so that your justice will be done.
Lord, in your mercy…
God, in all things we look to you for hope. For Palestinian young people, education is also a source of hope, a hope for a better future. This week, as our children take their school exams we ask that you give them clarity of mind and confidence to do their best, and ask a special prayer for our high school students as they take the tawjihi, the exams that will determine their ability to enter university. May our young people never lose hope in a future of possibilities for a life of freedom and peace.
Lord, in your mercy…
Liberating God, we pray for the Community Retreat sponsored by Sabeel Nazareth being held at Maison d’Abraham in Jerusalem May 28 and 29. We ask your blessing on all participants and on the leadership of Cedar Duaybis and Assis Naim Ateek as they reflect on Liberation Theology and what it means for life today. May their time together be a source of hope and encouragement.
Lord, in your mercy…
We pray alongside the World Council of Churches for the countries of Malawi and Zambia.
Lord, in your mercy…