Friday Nov 15th, Rabbis for Human Rights and participants of Sabeel’s pre-pilgrimage tour attempted to go to Dir Jrir, east of Ramallah, to support Palestinian farmers in their olive harvest. Over 100 volunteers joined the day but were blocked by a large security team who claimed it was a “Closed Military Zone Order” for the fields they had planned to harvest in Dir Jrir. Security vehicles and the military continued following and threatening the group of non-violent activists to leave. Just a few days before, a Rabbis for Human Rights activist group had been violently attacked by extremist settlers at the same site with the Israeli military turning a blind eye.
God of Hope, we pray for the Palestinian farmers who work the earth under threat of violence. For those at Rabbis for Human Rights, friends of Sabeel, and all nonviolent activists, we give thanks for their courage to stand in solidarity, even in the face of military blockades and settler violence. May the olive trees, symbols of peace and sumud, remind us of the deep roots of resilience in these communities and strengthen our resolve. Holy Spirit, give strength to the peacemakers and protect the vulnerable.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer