OCHA has documented 71 settler attacks in the West Bank happening between 7 and 13 October. Half of these attacks occurred in the context of the olive harvest season, which commences in October each year. Israeli settlers injured at least 43 Palestinians, while the army injured at least 99 and killed 1 Palestinian. In addition, over 1,430 Palestinian-owned trees and saplings (mostly olive) and 40 vehicles were vandalized.
Divine Creator, in your hand is “the life of every living thing and the breath of every human being” (Job 12:10). We mourn the sins of settler colonialism that defile the beauty and goodness of your creation. During this olive harvest, marked by pain and violence, we pray for comfort and strength for Palestinian farmers and their families. We pray for an end to occupation and for justice and accountability for all who commit acts of violence.
Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayer.