For the last month, Jenin Refugee Camp in the West Bank has been under siege and assault by the Palestinian Authority who seek to weed out armed groups in coordination with Israel. Since the start of the assault on Jenin, innocent civilians have been killed by the PA, including 21-year old female journalist Shatha al-Sabbagh. Shatha was killed in the same refugee camp where journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was assassinated by the Israeli regime in 2022. 

Holy God, we grieve the violence and oppression that besieges our people. We lift before you in prayer for the family of Shatha al-Sabbagh. We lament that her death echoes the loss of Shireen Abu Akleh, another truth-teller taken from us too soon. May their sacrifice not be forgotten but illuminate new ways of solidarity and action across the world. Grant strength to those living amidst fear and destruction, and peace to the families who mourn. Heal the wounds of this broken community, and let your spirit of justice and compassion move through those with power to bring an end to this suffering. May Jenin and all of our lands know freedom, dignity, and peace in their land. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer 

Across the West Bank, settlers continue to wreak havoc across towns. Last week alone, settlers committed several arson attacks across villages east of Hebron, a farm in Ramallah, and Palestinians’ tents and livestock east of Bethlehem. Meanwhile, the Israeli military continues to abduct Palestinians in the West Bank and kill and injure Palestinian civilians. Just last week, two children aged 8 and 10 were killed by the Israeli military in Tubas. 

Holy God, we cannot keep track of the deaths and lives lost due to the injustice and cruelty carried out in the West Bank. We grieve the havoc wrought by settlers and the suffering inflicted upon innocent lives. We lament the loss of children in Tubas and all in the Holy Land whose futures are stolen by oppression and tyranny. Amidst this violence, help us to see your life-giving presence in the West Bank and ignite in the world a resolve to denounce injustice and work for liberation. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer 

Israel recently admitted, under international pressure, to detaining Dr. Hussam Abu Safiyyah, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, who was abducted by Israeli forces on December 27, 2024. Reports indicate he is being held and tortured at the notorious Sde Teiman camp. During his detention, Dr. Hussam’s mother passed away from a heart attack, as Israel continues to withhold updates on his condition. Palestinians have highlighted the targeting of healthcare workers by Israeli forces, including the imprisonment of Ahmed Muhanna, director of Al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza, who has been held for over a year. 

Dear God, we cry out to you for Dr. Hussam Abu Safiyyah and all who endure imprisonment, torture, and oppression. Comfort them in their trials, and bring justice to their situation. Lord, protect all healthcare workers who risk their lives to serve others and be present with the people of Gaza. Holy Spirit, guide us to keep our eyes and hearts open so that we may never be complacent in the face of oppression, but rather, be strengthened in our resolve to act against injustice. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer 

Later this month, Sabeel’s friend and partner Save The ArQ will be on the East Coast of the United States on an advocacy tour to save the Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem. Launched in May 2023, Save the ArQ is dedicated to preserving and protecting the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem. The movement was initiated after the discovery of a controversial 98-year lease signed by the Armenian Patriarchate with a company named Xana Gardens without following the internal laws of the Church. Armenian community claims that this lease threatens the treasured and historic Armenian Quarter. 

Gracious God, we pray for the success of Save The ArQ’s advocacy tour in the United States as they work to protect the historic Armenian Quarter and the diversity of Jerusalem. Strengthen their voices as they proclaim justice and expose corruption. May their advocacy awaken hearts and stir leaders to act with righteousness. Let this work serve as a testimony to the power of truth and the steadfastness to protect what is holy and just. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer 

Sabeel is hosting two international delegations this month and is anticipating 1-2 delegations each month for the coming year. The delegations to be planned are comprised of a diverse variety of activists, professionals, and leaders. Like past pilgrimages and delegations in 2024, Sabeel’s goals with international delegations are to shed light on the current reality in the Holy Land and to encourage participants in creative advocacy for justice and peace. 

Lord of justice and truth, we lift Sabeel’s upcoming delegations, praying for safe travels and transformative experiences for all participants. May these pilgrimages ignite a movement for change and inspire us to be prophetic agents of your love. Grant wisdom and strength to the staff at Sabeel as they continue to be servants of your will and to walk humbly with you.  

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer 

The start of the Jewish holiday Hannukah began last week on the evening of December 25. The last night of Hannukah will occur on January 2nd, 2025.  

Lord of light, in this Hanukkah season, we lift our Jewish brothers and sisters standing in courage and solidarity for the oppressed. Despite the suffering we witness, may we never conflate Judaism with Zionism, but instead uphold the true spirit of faith—one of love, mercy, and dignity for all. Continue to bless their work for peace and justice, and may your light change the hearts of those who misuse faith to justify violence and oppression. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer 

The Israeli army is preparing to deploy dystopic technological security systems in the occupied West Bank, which include watchtowers and mechanisms that will fire live ammunition from a distance without taking into account the safety of Palestinians in case of technological errors. This move comes in conjunction with the continuation of Israeli raids and settler attacks on Palestinian cities and towns, as well as official Israeli statements calling for annexing the occupied West Bank and expanding illegal settlements there. 

God of Justice, we decry the technologies of empire used to maim and destroy. As we live in fear of a worsening reality in the West Bank, our souls long for your righteousness. Lord, we pray for the protection of the innocent, an end to the violence, and the softening of the hearts of those in power. Illuminate to the world the plight of communities under durress in the West Bank, and help strengthen the voices around the world that work in solidarity with those suffering.  

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer 

The latest destruction of Kamal Adwan Hospital and the horrors committed by the Israeli military at the hospital are unfathomable. As the last functioning hospital in Northern Gaza, its violent raid and burning on 27th December, 2024 by Israeli forces left patients and staff displaced, with hundreds of individuals unaccounted for, including hospital director Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya. Survivors interviewed by EuroMed Monitor revealed the Israeli military conducted deliberate field executions, sexual assaults, and physical beatings while abducting over 240 medical personnel. Northern Gaza now stands without any functioning hospitals. 

God who was, and is and is to come, we stand overwhelmed at the latest destruction of Kamal Adwan Hospital. We cry out for justice, for the healing of the wounded, and for the safe return of the disappeared. We pray for all medical personnel abducted, and we pray for the safety of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, who selflessly served his patients despite threats and violence. In the face of such cruelty, help us to hold on to hope, guide us as we strive to stand in solidarity with those suffering, and grant us the strength to continue working for peace, justice, and compassion. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer 

On Christmas in Gaza, three babies died because of the cold. In one massacre, five journalists were murdered in a press van while waiting for the birth of one’s child at al Awda Hospital, along with 5 healthcare workers. The names of the journalists are:  Ayman Al-Jadi (Journalist), Faisal Abu Al-Qumsan (Reporter), Fadi Hassouna (Editor), Ibrahim Sheikh Ali (Journalist), and Mohammed Al-Lada’a (Editor). The names of the healthcare workers are:  Dr. Ahmad Samour (Pediatrician), Israa Abu Zayda (Laboratory Specialist), Abdul Majeed Abu Al-Eish (Paramedic), Maher Al-Ajrami (Paramedic), Fares Al-Houdali (Maintenance Specialist). 

Good God, help us to you see the realities in Gaza and put an end to the massacres that happen daily. Lord, Amidst our lament, we cry out for those who were killed while serving others—journalists who sought truth and healthcare workers who gave their lives for their patients. We confess our inability to name all the dead, and we ask you to bring them into your heavenly care. Help us with our faith, help us witness the suffering, and help us see your face in the faces of the fallen. Strengthen our resolve to participate in the work of your revolutionary love despite the suffering. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer