In the closing week of 2023, Israeli settlers hung a “donkey’s head” on a grave in the Bab al-Rahma cemetery in the old city of Jerusalem. The Bab al-Rahma is an ancient Muslim cemetery that has been an endowment property for more than 1,400 years. It contains numerous graves of notable companions of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad and is considered sacred for many in Palestine and around the world. This marks another religious desecration of non-Jewish sites in Jerusalem in recent years.
Lord Christ, aid us in overcoming the sin of racism in individuals, communities, social and civil institutions, and structures of power. We pray for our Palestinian Muslim brothers and sisters in Jerusalem who face harassment and violence, especially in sacred sites. Move our hearts so that we may move our feet to action.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer