UNRWA is set to close its East Jerusalem headquarters temporarily, after attacks by Israelis accompanied with armed men. UNRWA Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, said the latest arson attack was one of a series of threats, harassment and violent incidents perpetrated by Israelis against the agency’s staff over the past two months. The attacks on UNRWA and the lack of accountability reflects the systematic approach to halt and delegitimize attempts to relieve Palestinians from their suffering. 

● Almighty creator, we are witnessing the capabilities of evil and are aware of their dangers. Lord, ensure that UNRWA can continue working and aiding Palestinians who are continuously suffering from systematic sin. We plead that you remind us that you are love and whoever lives in love lives in you, and you in us. We pray for those living in hate to repent and join the work of love by struggling for Palestinian liberation. 

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

On the 29^th of May, Sabeel will be holding a pre-conference webinar for a further discussion on Antisemitism with Hadar Cohen, Rabbi Faryn Borella, Father David Neuhause, and our director, Omar Haramy. This webinar discussion will cover the history of Antisemitism, the experience of antisemitism by Jews who are vocal about advocating for Palestine, and strategies for combating antisemitism within our movements.

● God of inclusivity, we thank you for all the voices who are showing that Jewish security and Palestinian liberation is of the same struggle. Lord, help us understand that the fight against Zionism is also a struggle against antisemitism. Let us remember, that we must struggle against supremacy in all its forms everywhere and stop the weaponization of Jewish suffering to justify Palestinian oppression.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

Since October 7th, Israel has killed more than 500 Palestinians in the West Bank. This toll is more than three times the number of Palestinians killed in the West Bank in 2022. At the same time, settlements are increasing, further stealing Palestinian land. Sadly, in the past few months hundreds of olive trees have been burned by settlers. 

● God of truth, illuminate with your light that you see the oppression in our land. Ensure us that all those killed unjustly in the West Bank are met with your mercy. Lord, instil in us a hope which is lived, preached, and taught so that we can bear witness to your love and participate in the movement of the Holy Spirit.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

After over 200 days, Israel continues its military operations in Gaza. Israeli air strikes are relentless, killing many indiscriminately and destroying Mosques, residential buildings, ambulances, hospitals, and UN facilities. The little news coming out of Jabalia refugee camp is horrifying. Despite international pressure Israel has not withdrawn from Rafah and continues its invasion resulting in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. Experts contend that Israel’s impunity from international law threatens global security. As of this week, over 35,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 7th.

● Loving God, why is this nightmare continuing? Lord, for our siblings in Gaza we ask that you have mercy on them and strengthen them in these times, as for us, keep our hearts from being numb to the pain and show us the ways to stop these atrocities. Lord, in these dark times with no hope in sight, we remember that we must “endure patiently” (Revelations 3:10) and continue being witnesses of Christ irrespective of our circumstances.  

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

The student encampments for Palestine continue to increase around the globe. Although many students, lecturers, and professors have been subject to violence, arrests, threats, and slander, several universities have agreed to divest from Israel or are considering it. Many student encampments have shown strong community building as they have shared food, COVID tests, reading materials on Palestine, and interfaith services. These student movements are shaking up the world.

● Incarnated God, we thank you for the student movement for Palestine who are like the persistent widow who bothers unjust judges. Lord, we are grateful for the movement that is showing unwavering faith and causing the powerful to tremble, mountains to move, and inspiring millions. Lord, illuminate to us where we can bear witness in our lives through creative resistance. 

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

Last week, the Israeli forces demolished 47 homes in al-Naqab, sending those families into permanent exile and with no promise of alternative housing. The homes demolished belonged to the Abu Asa family. This is one of the largest demolitions in years for the Palestinians in al-Naqab.

● God of protection, in times of trouble we look to you as our shelter through the storm. Lord, restore the homes of the Abu Asa family and all Palestinians who have had their homes demolished. As we pray to you in lament may we remember that “the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:2) 

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer 

On the 30^th of April, Kairos-Sabeel Netherlands and the Christian Collective occupied the office of the Christian Union in the Netherlands. This was to demand from the Christian Union in the Netherlands to stop their support for Israel’s military operations, ensure sufficient aid into Gaza, and to engage with their critics in meaningful dialogue. 

● God of inclusivity, we are thankful for all our friends who are challenging unjust and corrupt structures. Lord, help the movement of liberation, justice, and peace in the Netherlands to call for repentance for the active and complicit role the Church in the Netherlands has taken in the ongoing Nakba Palestinians are facing. 

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer  

On the 23^rd of April, Kairos Palestine and Global Kairos for Justice Coalition issued a statement titled “A call for global Action and solidarity on Nakba Day May 15th, 2024: Israel’s Continuing Apartheid, Ethnic Cleansing, forcible displacement and now Genocide”. This statement calls on Churches, the International Community, and all other groups to use language which reflects the true realities on the ground and to act.   

● God of truth, help us discern the Kairos of our time so that we can bear true witness to your presence with those crucified today. Lord, help our movement maintain mutual love united for one common purpose which is led by the Holy Spirit. Remind us that our capability does not come from ourselves but “our competence comes from God” (2 Corinthians 3:5).

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer   

On the 15th of May, Palestinians around the world mark Nakba day. This day commemorates the Nakba as it is the beginning of the Palestinian people’s dispossession of their peoplehood, land, identity and culture. Although the events of 1948 completely changed the Palestinian reality, the Nakba is not an event but a structure, hence, the Nakba is ongoing. The current genocide in Gaza, the violence in the West Bank and Jerusalem, the realities of Palestinians in historic Palestine, and the refugees in the diaspora, all stem from the ongoing Nakba.

● God of Sumud, we the children of this land have been facing erasure for more than 76 years. The experience of oppression and death continues from our ancestors to our children and now more than ever we ask: for how long O Lord? Help us understand that every life destroyed from settler colonialism is itself a Nakba. We thank you for the Holy Spirit which manifests in the form of Sumud helping us to keep our humanity, our identity, our fight for justice, and our faith.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer    

Earlier last week, Hamas accepted an Egyptian-Qatari mediated cease-fire proposal. After the acceptance of Hamas, the Israeli military began bombing Rafah and fighting broke out at the border of Rafah. Many have been killed, including children. Humanitarian aid entering Gaza from Rafah has completely halted. Rafah hospitals are shutting down and according to UNRWA over 110,000 Palestinians have fled Rafah. The true extent of suffering in Rafah is unknown; all eyes on Rafah.

● God who was, and is and is to come, like Jesus, our souls are overwhelmed with sorrow by the actions of the empires. The present circumstances seem to have no end in sight. The experience of loss and pain will remain with us until we die. Lord, ensure us that you are present with those suffering in Rafah and that you see all evil deeds whether they are in the light or in the dark. Lord, teach us how to lament so that we can actively work for an alternative reality.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer