The International Court of Justice (ICJ) held hearings from the 19th to the 26th of February in a case against Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories. The ICJ heard at least 50 countries and three international organisations on the legal consequences of Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories. This case is separate from the case by South Africa which charged Israel for committing the crime of genocide in the Gaza Strip.   

Loving God, we know that whoever has eyes to see and ears to hear will recognize truth and deceit. We remember that you see and hear all good and bad deeds. For us Palestinians we endure the burden of surviving colonial violence and explaining it to those unaware. Lord, use the ICJ hearings not to determine what is true and false, but to further advance the struggle for justice. Help us to resist creatively in all spaces on the foundation of your divine love.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer   

Austin Seminary will be holding a lecture on March 2nd titled “God & Religion in the Midst of Fear and Violence: Palestinian & Jewish Perspectives and Theologies Towards Liberation”. This lecture will feature Kohenet Shoshana A. Brown, a Black Jewish liberation theologian, and Omar Haramy, the director of Sabeel. This will be held virtually via Zoom for online attendees. 

God of inclusivity, grant us a vision of our world as your love would have it. Give us the revelation of peace built on justice which is guided by love. Help all voices and movements which stand for truth to be one united stream which overcomes the barriers of oppression and lies. May the words of Shoshana and Omar bear witness to love and cultivate alliances. 

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer  

On the 19th of February, UN experts were appalled by reported human rights violations against Palestinian women and girls in Gaza. The experts also are particularly distressed by reports that Palestinian women and girls in detention have also been subjected to multiple forms of sexual assault, such as being stripped naked and searched by male Israeli army officers. Moreover, at least two female Palestinian detainees were reportedly raped, while others were reportedly threatened with rape and sexual violence.

God of humanity, we pray for all women, Palestinian women, and especially all mothers, grandmothers, women and girls in Gaza. Be with them, hear their cries, and heal their oppression with empowerment. How broken must our oppressors be? Help us understand the multilayered oppression Palestinians experience so that we can better struggle for liberation.    

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer   

Several Palestinians who were detained in Gaza have recently been released. Many of them testify that they were beaten, tortured and humiliated while held in detention by Israeli forces. Some Palestinians who were detained have sustained severe physical and mental injuries. Israeli soldiers are facing increasing accusations of gross mistreatment of prisoners in violation of international law.

• God of the captives, countless Palestinians have endured the suffering of Christ. You too were crucified and mocked by authorities and structures of power. Lord, provide healing through justice and liberation to all who are tortured and abused. Humble the arrogant who are foolish to think they can act cruelly with impunity. We remember that you are co-suffering with Palestinians who are tortured and humiliated. 

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

On February 5^th, Wadea’ E’layan, aged 14, was shot and killed by Israeli forces near the Israeli settlement of Ma’ale Adumim. According to Israeli sources, E’layan allegedly attempted to stab an Israeli soldier at the roundabout leading to Ma’ale Adumim when Israeli forces shot toward him. After falling from the first shots, an Israeli soldier shot at him again. Israeli forces later confiscated E’layan’s body. 

• God of justice, protect all the young people in our land as they face so much danger and uncertainty. Have mercy on the family of E’layan and comfort them as they mourn. We hold on to our faith that you do not abandon us in life or death. Lord, we ask you to intervene and stop the bloodshed which has been ongoing for over 75 years. 

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer   

Last week, the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Ibrahimi Mosque were both stormed by Israeli settlers and Israeli forces. These actions mark a deliberate political act intended to “Judaize” Holy sites and promote Jewish supremacy. Since the 7^th of October, coverage on the abuse and restrictions Palestinians face in accessing Holy sites has been minimal, yet for the local communities, it is a daily reality. 

• Divine creator, the full extent of the suffering we are experiencing cannot be fully articulated and shown to the world. You alone see and hear all evil and good deeds. Protect us from all forms of supremacy and ensure that all Holy sites and rights of freedom of worship are respected. Lord, uproot the seeds of hate and replace it with seeds that will produce the fruit of love.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer 

On the 14^th of February, at least 10 people, including six children, were killed by Israeli air strikes in villages across southern Lebanon. Furthermore, Iran launched attacks in Syria and Iraq after members of its elite forces were killed in Damascus allegedly in Israeli attacks, while the US, along with the United Kingdom, has carried out several attacks against the Houthis in Yemen. Experts warn that if an immediate ceasefire is not achieved, there will be further escalation and violence in the region. 

• God of peace, the empires, states, and militaries of the world legitimise themselves through violence and deceit. As we proclaim that you are the “Prince of Peace,” help us to be agents who work for an immediate ceasefire of bombs and lies in our region, especially in Gaza. Help us disrupt and end settler colonialism so that we can rejoice in peace and justice.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer       

In recent weeks, all eyes have been on Rafah and Nasser Hospital in Gaza. Mass displacement in Rafah continues as Israel’s military increases its air raids and artillery fire. Many fear a ground operation on the southern city which was once designated a “safe zone.” In Nasser hospital, people are being indiscriminately attacked by Israeli forces, both inside and outside the hospital and as they try to flee the facility. 

• God of life, as we witness so much death and brutality, we come before you with the words of the Psalmist, “O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer; and by night, but find no rest” (Psalm 22:2). Lord, while we have no control and are experiencing a sense of powerlessness, remind us that we can be witnesses. Let us bear witness to the fact that you breathe life, conquer death, and restore justice.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer   

Last week, Ash Wednesday marked the beginning of Lent. In the coming weeks, many Christians in the world will practice fasting, meditation, daily prayers, and scripture readings. During this Lent season, there are various initiatives which dedicate their meditation and reflection with Gaza in mind. One initiative out of many, is the “Struggle and Lament Series”, organized by Friends of Sabeel North America, The Kairos Center, Freedom Church of the Poor, Black Christians for Palestine, Faith for Black Lives, and National Council of Churches, among other important organisations and movements. 

• Holy God, your perfect nature not only reveals our individual sins, but the sins present in structures and systems. During the season of Lent, help us, O Lord, to repent from our sins and turn the other way. Help us, with your Holy Spirit, reclaim holiness by ending oppression in all its forms and liberating all from the shackles of sin.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer   

On the 7th of February, many Muslims around the world marked the Israʾ and Miʿraj, or the Night Journey, and Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad. Many Muslims believe that the night journey and ascension was a miraculous occurrence during which prophet Muhammad travelled from Makkah to Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem before ascending to heaven, all in one night. This year the commemoration was sombre as many worshipers were denied access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque and police and settler violence in the old city are frequent.  

• God of love, we are angered and saddened that our Palestinian Muslim siblings are prevented from their right to worship, and at times harassed and attacked by settlers and Israeli police. Lord, you wept over Jerusalem, and we continue with that cry today as Jerusalem has become a city of intolerance and hate.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer