15th of September 2022
Next week Kumi Now will commemorate the International Day of Peace on Wednesday, the 21st of September by focusing on the need for peace in Gaza. Israel implemented a blockade on Gaza to punish Hamas for the 2006 election victory. In reality it is the children and families in Gaza who have been punished, suffering from increasing levels of poverty and deprivation.
• Lord, we pray for the lifting of the Israeli blockade of Gaza to enable the people there to rebuild their shattered economy.
Lord, in your mercy…
Sabeel Australia will be hosting its fifth event this year with a celebration of Palestinian cookery and other aspects of Palestinian cultural heritage on Saturday, the 17th of September. Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcuceuvqDIvHdeCm6GqXDpdUSmKo0uH8Skz
• Lord, we give thanks for the work of Sabeel Australia as they raise awareness in their country of the situation faced by those living in Palestine, Israel and the Middle East.
Lord in your mercy…
On Sunday, the 18th of September, Sabeel France will host an event led by Professor Mazin Qumsiyeh who will speak about his work at the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability and the Palestine Museum of Natural History based at Bethlehem University. Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAoc-qgpjMsHteQKDr6ZxVYo7xg9oMal8QO
• Lord, we thank you for all those working to inspire Palestinian communities by showing them sustainable ways of respecting and interacting with their environment, even under the difficulties brought about by the Israeli occupation.
Lord, in your mercy…
The Israeli authorities have taken a further step in tightening the rules over foreigners living in the West Bank. Foreign spouses of Palestinians in the West Bank are already banned from receiving residency status. Now the Israeli Defense Ministry requires all foreigners to declare on their visa applications if they have a romantic attachment to anyone with a Palestinian ID. This regulation was later rescinded under pressure from the US administration.
• Lord, we pray for the end of the use of permits to control and effectively disrupt and isolate the lives of Palestinians living in the West Bank. We cry out to you as we see Palestinian families separated and relationships threatened by harsh regulations.
Lord, in your mercy…
A long-lost Banksy mural called ‘Slingshot Rat’ originally painted in protest at the nine-metre-high separation wall in Bethlehem, has turned up in an expensive Tel Aviv art gallery. The artwork had been spray-painted on a concrete block that was part of an abandoned Israeli army position. It was later defaced with acrylic paint and then secretly removed. Banksy has worked in the West Bank and Gaza since 2005 to draw attention to the sufferings of the Palestinians living under Israeli occupation.
• Lord we pray that Israel will abide by the Hague Convention to which it is a signatory and prevent the removal of cultural property from the occupied Palestinian territory.
Lord, in your mercy…
Don Wagner’s newly published book ‘Glory to God in the Lowest:
Journey to an Unholy Land’ was the focus of a discussion which took place on Wednesday, the 14th of September in Maryland. Rev. Sari Ateek invited Rev. Don Wagner to talk about his memoir and to trace ‘his personal, political and religious journey from evangelical Christian faith and conservative politics to solidarity with the poor and advocacy for anti-war, anti-racism and Palestinian rights.’ Attend the meeting online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87257497516?pwd=TWc3MlJxaDJobExlRUlNTkpIUTk4Zz09&utm_campaign=STJNFallForums#success
• Lord, we give thanks for the life and work of Don Wagner and for his heart for justice and peace for the Palestinian people.
Lord, in your mercy…
• We join with the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the countries of Ghana and Nigeria.
Lord in your mercy…