Each Thursday at noon in Jerusalem, Sabeel holds a Communion service that is open to the community. It is a time to join together to celebrate the Eucharist, to discuss how the scriptures apply to our lives today, and to pray for the specific needs of this region. Following the 2006 Sabeel International Conference, the Friends of Sabeel coordinators met and discussed the idea of "Waves of Prayer." The premise is that in their respective time zones, individuals and groups around the world will pray together at 12:00 on Thursdays, in solidarity with Sabeel in Jerusalem and with "Friends of Sabeel" worldwide. Starting in Australia, passing through Palestine, and on around the world we will pray for Peace with Justice and focus on specific issues each week.
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, February 25, 2010
Last week, Friends of Sabeel-North America hosted a large conference in Seattle. This week, another conference will be held in Honolulu. On March 5, a third Sabeel conference will take place near San Francisco. The conferences feature Israeli, Palestinian, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim speakers. We pray that these events will inspire new and powerful action to change American policy toward Israel and Palestine.
This Thursday marks the 16th anniversary of the Cave of the Patriarchs massacre in Hebron. In 1994, an Israeli settler's killing of 29 people at prayer resulted in riots and curfews and the closure of Shuhada Street-the main artery of the city. In the past week, Israel included the Cave of the Patriarchs (Ibrahimi Mosque) and Rachel's Tomb (in Bethlehem) on a list of Israeli heritage sites. On Thursday, Palestinians will hold a nonviolent action to pressure Israel to end its chokehold on Hebron and to reopen Shuhada Street. We pray for the safety of all people involved in Thursday's action.
Friday, March 5, is the World Day of Prayer. This year's prayer was written by the women of Cameroon. They say, "In the Cameroonian context, people praise God even in, and especially during, difficult times in their lives. This is because generally we consider life to be God's greatest gift to us. As long as one has breath, there is hope. So we sing in the hope that things will be better." May it be so.
Starting March 12, Bethlehem Bible College will host a conference titled "Christ at the Checkpoint: Theology in the Service of Peace and Justice." The conference is designed to reach people and churches not previously involved in Palestine. We are thankful for all organizations that encourage Christians to explore Christ's message of justice and peace and to then apply that message to their lives.
This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:
France, Germany
Friday, February 26, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Pacific Sabeel Conferences
In coming weeks, many Pacific Coast Progressive Christians will gather to contemplate what justice requires of US in Israel and Palestine. Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA) is hosting conferences in the Pacific Northwest, Hawai'i and Northern California for the next few weekends.
FOSNA is an American affiliate of Sabeel, the Palestinian Liberation Theology organization founded by Anglican Canon, the Rev. Naim Ateek. Among the speakers headlining all of the conferences are Mohammad Alatar, Naim Ateek, Anna Baltzer, Mark Braverman and Jeff Halper:
The first conference is this weekend in Seattle, WA February 19 and 20. Additional speakers include Neve Gordon, Kathleen and Bill Christison and Cindy and Craig Corrie:
Among the weekend's workshops is one offered by blogger, Richard Silverstein:
The next conference is in Honolulu, HI February 26 and 27:
The last conference is in Marin County, March 4 and 5:
Additional workshops are offered by guests such as Omar Barghouti, Mads Gilbert, Paul Larudee, Barbara Lubin, Edward Peck and Stephen Zunes:
The conferences last for two days, but it is possible to attend just one day or the other. So if you missed today's session in Seattle, it is still possible to make tomorrow's. Sabeel conferences are great opportunities not only to learn, but to meet other activists. A few of us in the Bay Area are planning a get together for I/P bloggers after the Marin Sabeel Conference (contact me, rustdotypipesatyahoodotcom, for details).
Friends of Sabeel regional conferences are an effective tool for broadening awareness among western Christians on the issues relevant to the peoples of the Holy Land. Drawing on a rich pool of expertise in the fields of theology, biblical scholarship, church social justice teaching, regional history, international law, foreign policy and political currents, these educational events are able to attract wide participation from an ecumenical audience. Our speakers are individuals who represent the Palestinian Christian and Muslim communities as well as the Israeli Jewish community--religious leaders, scholars, writers and activists. American presenters come from all three religious traditions and from secular strands within the Sabeel movement.
FOSNA is an American affiliate of Sabeel, the Palestinian Liberation Theology organization founded by Anglican Canon, the Rev. Naim Ateek. Among the speakers headlining all of the conferences are Mohammad Alatar, Naim Ateek, Anna Baltzer, Mark Braverman and Jeff Halper:
Mohammed Alatar - Filmmaker and human rights activist from town of Jenin in the West Bank. Nominated for the Martin Luther King Jr. Award for Humanity in 2002 for his work campaigning for human rights. Films include The Iron Wall and Jerusalem: The East Side Story.
The Rev Naim Ateek The Rev. Naim Ateek is an Arab Israeli citizen, founder and leader of Sabeel, (Arabic for 'the way'), and a former canon pastor of the Episcopal Cathedral of Jerusalem. He is the author of many books and articles including Justice and Only Justice: A Palestinian Theology of Liberation and, most recently, A Palestinian Christian Cry for Reconciliation. He has been called the Bishop Tutu of Palestine.
Anna Baltzer - Jewish-American granddaughter of Holocaust survivors. Fulbright scholar and volunteer with International Women’s Peace Service, where she documented human rights abuses. Author of Witness in Palestine: Journal of a Jewish American Woman in the Occupied Territories.
Mark Braverman is a Jewish American clinical psychologist, founder of Crisis Management Group Associates in Maryland, and activist for justice. Mark focuses on the role of religious beliefs and theology in the current discourse on Israel/Palestine and the future of interfaith relations. He has recently published Fatal Embrace: Christians, Jews, and the Search for Peace in the Holy Land.
Jeff Halper is coordinator of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICAHD) and an Israeli-American peace activist. He is also a professor of anthropology, an acclaimed speaker and a 2006 Nobel Prize nominee. He is the author of Obstacles to Peace: A Re-framing of the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict and An Israeli In Palestine: Resisting Dispossession, Redeeming Israel.
The first conference is this weekend in Seattle, WA February 19 and 20. Additional speakers include Neve Gordon, Kathleen and Bill Christison and Cindy and Craig Corrie:
Neve Gordon is a senior lecturer on Politics and Government at Ben Gurion University, the author of Israel's Occupation, and editor of From the Margins of Globalization: Critical Perspectives on Human Rights.
Kathleen and Bill Christison: Kathleen is a former CIA political analyst and has worked on Middle East issues for 35 years. She is the author of Perceptions of Palestine and The Wound of Dispossession. Bill is also formerly with the CIA. Kathleen and Bill have just published Palestine in Pieces: Graphic Perspectives on the Israeli Occupation.
Cindy and Craig Corrie are the parents of Rachel Corrie and founders of the Corrie Foundation for Peace and Justice
Among the weekend's workshops is one offered by blogger, Richard Silverstein:
... media panel on Saturday, February 20th at 3:15 PM:
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict in the Media
Richard Silverstein, author of Tikun Olam, Israeli-Palestinian peace blog
Bruce Ramsey, Seattle Times editorial writer
Larry Johnson former foreign editor, Seattle Post Intelligencer and author, Looking for Trouble, foreign affairs blog
The panel will examine the nature and quality of reporting on the conflict in both the U.S.:
Getting more & better coverage into the media
Making coverage more accessible to the average American
the collapse of print media: how does it alter the landscape for coverage
Where do people get their coverage of the conflict?
Critique of media coverage of I-P conflict: why is so much, so bad?
Political issues that should be covered and aren’t?
Improving communications between Israeli, Palestinian and U.S. media and peace activists
Role of digital media, social networking in expanding access to news about the conflict
The next conference is in Honolulu, HI February 26 and 27:
What Does Justice Require of US?
Peace with Justice in the Holy Land
a conference presented by Friends of Sabeel Hawai'i
Conference Goals: Educate others about the conflict in Palestine/israel; Provide a venue for discussion and dialogue; Empower U.S. citizens to become effectivde advocates of a just and peaceful solution.
Cathedral of Saint Andrew
Episcopal Diocese of Hawaii
229 Queen Emma Square
Honolulu, HI 96813
The last conference is in Marin County, March 4 and 5:
A Time for Truth, A Time for Action:
Palestine/Israel & the U.S. at the Crossroads
First Presbyterian Church of San Anselmo
Additional workshops are offered by guests such as Omar Barghouti, Mads Gilbert, Paul Larudee, Barbara Lubin, Edward Peck and Stephen Zunes:
Omar Barghouti - Independent Palestinian researcher, commentator and human rights activist committed to upholding international law and universal human rights. Founding member of the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) and of the Palestinian Civil Society Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign against Israel. Holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from Columbia University, NY.
...
Dr. Mads Gilbert - Norwegian doctor specializing in anesthesiology and emergency medicine. Solidarity worker with a range of international experience, including in Lebanon and Palestine. Provided emergency medical support in Gaza during Israeli attacks in December 2008 and January 2009. Has written and lectured about this experience.
...
Dr. Paul Larudee - Human rights advocate for peace and justice in Palestine. Active in the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), a Palestinian-led movement dedicated to nonviolent resistance to the occupation. Was wounded in 2002 by Israeli gunfire in an attempt by ISM volunteers to help Palestinian families. Cofounder of Free Gaza Movement, whose boats became the first in 41 years to enter Gaza by sea, breaking the Israeli naval blockade. Founder of the Free Palestine Movement. Holds a PhD in linguistics from Georgetown University.
Barbara Lubin - Life-long peace, justice and disability rights activist and leader. Cofounder of the Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA), which has delivered more than $17 million in food and medical aid to children in Palestine, Iraq and Lebanon and provided support for hundreds of community projects in the West Bank and Gaza. Has led nearly .20 delegations of North Americans to the Middle East.
...
Ambassador Edward Peck - Career Foreign Service officer who has held senior posts in Washington and abroad, including service in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt. Was ambassador in Mauritania, chief of mission in Iraq, deputy director of Covert Intelligence Programs, director of the Office of Egyptian Affairs and special assistant to the under secretary for political affairs. Served as deputy director of the White House Task Force on Terrorism in the Reagan
Administration. Currently president of Foreign Services International, a consulting firm working with governments, businesses and educational institutions.
...
Dr. Stephen Zunes - Professor of politics and international studies and chair of the program of Middle East Studies at the University of San Francisco. Author of numerous articles on U.S. policy, the Middle East, nonviolence and human rights. Has received several awards for his work. Author of Tinderbox: U.S Middle East Policy and the Roots of Terrorism.
The conferences last for two days, but it is possible to attend just one day or the other. So if you missed today's session in Seattle, it is still possible to make tomorrow's. Sabeel conferences are great opportunities not only to learn, but to meet other activists. A few of us in the Bay Area are planning a get together for I/P bloggers after the Marin Sabeel Conference (contact me, rustdotypipesatyahoodotcom, for details).
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Sabeel Wave of Prayer
Each Thursday at noon in Jerusalem, Sabeel holds a Communion service that is open to the community. It is a time to join together to celebrate the Eucharist, to discuss how the scriptures apply to our lives today, and to pray for the specific needs of this region. Following the 2006 Sabeel International Conference, the Friends of Sabeel coordinators met and discussed the idea of "Waves of Prayer." The premise is that in their respective time zones, individuals and groups around the world will pray together at 12:00 on Thursdays, in solidarity with Sabeel in Jerusalem and with "Friends of Sabeel" worldwide. Starting in Australia, passing through Palestine, and on around the world we will pray for Peace with Justice and focus on specific issues each week.
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, February 18, 2010
Last week's Sabeel clergy conference in Jericho brought together 51 ministers and priests from all Palestinian denominations to discuss the challenges facing today's clergy in this land. Thirty Muslim sheikhs also participated in one day of the conference. We pray that the relationships made at the conference will develop into strong ties between the various Palestinian denominations and faiths.
As we enter this Lenten season of prayer and penitence, our prayers for justice take a more personal tone. We confess there have been times when we have failed to speak the truth because it meant confrontation, times when action seemed too difficult, and instances when we failed to fully trust in God. May we use this season to reflect on the things that make for peace and to recommit ourselves to Christ's message of nonviolent transformation that was demonstrated at the cross.
The Canadian government, through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), recently began to distance itself from groups that speak out about the current situation in Palestine and Israel and organizations that provide support to Palestinians. CIDA also canceled its regular $15 million donation for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). These developments in Ottawa can only hamper the important work of organizations that seek a just peace. We pray that politicians and voters will recognize the need for, and the value of, speaking the truth to power.
Israel continues to hint at its interest in military actions in Lebanon, Syria, Iran and Gaza. We pray that the nations of the world will denounce this saber-rattling and encourage Israel to engage in an honest peace process instead of maintaining a perpetual state of war.
This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:
Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, February 18, 2010
Last week's Sabeel clergy conference in Jericho brought together 51 ministers and priests from all Palestinian denominations to discuss the challenges facing today's clergy in this land. Thirty Muslim sheikhs also participated in one day of the conference. We pray that the relationships made at the conference will develop into strong ties between the various Palestinian denominations and faiths.
As we enter this Lenten season of prayer and penitence, our prayers for justice take a more personal tone. We confess there have been times when we have failed to speak the truth because it meant confrontation, times when action seemed too difficult, and instances when we failed to fully trust in God. May we use this season to reflect on the things that make for peace and to recommit ourselves to Christ's message of nonviolent transformation that was demonstrated at the cross.
The Canadian government, through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), recently began to distance itself from groups that speak out about the current situation in Palestine and Israel and organizations that provide support to Palestinians. CIDA also canceled its regular $15 million donation for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). These developments in Ottawa can only hamper the important work of organizations that seek a just peace. We pray that politicians and voters will recognize the need for, and the value of, speaking the truth to power.
Israel continues to hint at its interest in military actions in Lebanon, Syria, Iran and Gaza. We pray that the nations of the world will denounce this saber-rattling and encourage Israel to engage in an honest peace process instead of maintaining a perpetual state of war.
This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:
Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Sabeel Wave of Prayer
Each Thursday at noon in Jerusalem, Sabeel holds a Communion service that is open to the community. It is a time to join together to celebrate the Eucharist, to discuss how the scriptures apply to our lives today, and to pray for the specific needs of this region. Following the 2006 Sabeel International Conference, the Friends of Sabeel coordinators met and discussed the idea of "Waves of Prayer." The premise is that in their respective time zones, individuals and groups around the world will pray together at 12:00 on Thursdays, in solidarity with Sabeel in Jerusalem and with "Friends of Sabeel" worldwide. Starting in Australia, passing through Palestine, and on around the world we will pray for Peace with Justice and focus on specific issues each week.
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, February 11, 2010
The decades of Israeli occupation and injustice have had many negative effects; little reported are the deep spiritual consequences. Almighty God, comfort and reassure the many people whose faith has been challenged or destroyed through years of living in insecurity and uncertainty. Help us to find meaningful and responsible ways to comfort those who do not see your hand at work in places of deepest despair.
On Sunday, Israeli troops entered Ramallah to arrest two peace activists from Australia and Spain. This invasion of a Palestinian controlled area to enforce Israeli immigration rules was struck down by an Israeli court on Monday and the two women were released. We give thanks for such persistent non-violent protestors, and pray that the world will understand Israel's true aim is to silence all who dare to nonviolently and courageously challenge its domination.
Jerusalem's mayor has promised to demolish nearly 200 Palestinian buildings in East Jerusalem. This decision is in response to the Attorney General's order that a settlement in East Jerusalem be dismantled. Every demolition is not just pulling down bricks and mortar, but is aimed at the disruption of the very fabric of Palestinian life through destroying families and communities. We give thanks and pray for those who stay strong in holding their families and communities together.
This week, Sabeel will be visited by the Ecumenical Action Group, a committee of representatives from numerous churches in the United States and Canada. The group is exploring economic responses to the Israeli occupation. We pray that this trip will result in new actions and a renewed commitment by the North American churches to challenge the economic pillars of the Israeli occupation.
This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:
Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, February 11, 2010
The decades of Israeli occupation and injustice have had many negative effects; little reported are the deep spiritual consequences. Almighty God, comfort and reassure the many people whose faith has been challenged or destroyed through years of living in insecurity and uncertainty. Help us to find meaningful and responsible ways to comfort those who do not see your hand at work in places of deepest despair.
On Sunday, Israeli troops entered Ramallah to arrest two peace activists from Australia and Spain. This invasion of a Palestinian controlled area to enforce Israeli immigration rules was struck down by an Israeli court on Monday and the two women were released. We give thanks for such persistent non-violent protestors, and pray that the world will understand Israel's true aim is to silence all who dare to nonviolently and courageously challenge its domination.
Jerusalem's mayor has promised to demolish nearly 200 Palestinian buildings in East Jerusalem. This decision is in response to the Attorney General's order that a settlement in East Jerusalem be dismantled. Every demolition is not just pulling down bricks and mortar, but is aimed at the disruption of the very fabric of Palestinian life through destroying families and communities. We give thanks and pray for those who stay strong in holding their families and communities together.
This week, Sabeel will be visited by the Ecumenical Action Group, a committee of representatives from numerous churches in the United States and Canada. The group is exploring economic responses to the Israeli occupation. We pray that this trip will result in new actions and a renewed commitment by the North American churches to challenge the economic pillars of the Israeli occupation.
This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:
Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Sabeel Wave of Prayer
Each Thursday at noon in Jerusalem, Sabeel holds a Communion service that is open to the community. It is a time to join together to celebrate the Eucharist, to discuss how the scriptures apply to our lives today, and to pray for the specific needs of this region. Following the 2006 Sabeel International Conference, the Friends of Sabeel coordinators met and discussed the idea of "Waves of Prayer." The premise is that in their respective time zones, individuals and groups around the world will pray together at 12:00 on Thursdays, in solidarity with Sabeel in Jerusalem and with "Friends of Sabeel" worldwide. Starting in Australia, passing through Palestine, and on around the world we will pray for Peace with Justice and focus on specific issues each week.
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, February 4, 2010
The Israeli military has agreed to re-establish a military base in Beit Sahour, next to Bethlehem. The site was abandoned in 2006 but recent demonstrations by settlers have convinced the military to reoccupy the base. This further tightens the Israeli grip on Bethlehem and threatens the community of Beit Sahour. God, whose Son was born in this place during Roman military occupation, never let us forget your message of liberation and hope for all people.
It was recently announced that Danske Bank, a large Danish bank, would divest from two companies involved in settlements and the Separation Wall. This decision follows several positive developments in the area of divestment. We pray that this effective nonviolent tool for encouraging companies to respect international law will gain in popularity and scope. God, give us courage and the will to take risks for justice.
Crime in some parts of the West Bank seems to be on the rise. The social fabric of many Palestinian communities is yet another of the casualties of occupation and conflict. We pray for the organizations and individuals working to counteract the effects of the occupation. May their efforts at strengthening Palestinian communities nurture tolerance and love.
On Sunday, Sabeel-Nazareth will bring nearly 50 people from the Galilee to meet Father Manuel Musallam who served the Christian community in Gaza for many years, including during last year's attack on the Gaza Strip. They will hear about his experiences and offer prayers for the Gazans still under siege. Merciful God, may we never forget those who are silenced or those who are mistreated. Remind us of our duty as peacemakers.
This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:
Ireland, United Kingdom
Wave of Prayer for Thursday, February 4, 2010
The Israeli military has agreed to re-establish a military base in Beit Sahour, next to Bethlehem. The site was abandoned in 2006 but recent demonstrations by settlers have convinced the military to reoccupy the base. This further tightens the Israeli grip on Bethlehem and threatens the community of Beit Sahour. God, whose Son was born in this place during Roman military occupation, never let us forget your message of liberation and hope for all people.
It was recently announced that Danske Bank, a large Danish bank, would divest from two companies involved in settlements and the Separation Wall. This decision follows several positive developments in the area of divestment. We pray that this effective nonviolent tool for encouraging companies to respect international law will gain in popularity and scope. God, give us courage and the will to take risks for justice.
Crime in some parts of the West Bank seems to be on the rise. The social fabric of many Palestinian communities is yet another of the casualties of occupation and conflict. We pray for the organizations and individuals working to counteract the effects of the occupation. May their efforts at strengthening Palestinian communities nurture tolerance and love.
On Sunday, Sabeel-Nazareth will bring nearly 50 people from the Galilee to meet Father Manuel Musallam who served the Christian community in Gaza for many years, including during last year's attack on the Gaza Strip. They will hear about his experiences and offer prayers for the Gazans still under siege. Merciful God, may we never forget those who are silenced or those who are mistreated. Remind us of our duty as peacemakers.
This week we join with the World Council of Churches in praying for:
Ireland, United Kingdom
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