Three Sabeel Conferences in the USA affirmed activism and concern for justice and peace
Friends of Sabeel - North America (FOSNA - www.fosna.org) and local organizers hosted three conferences earlier this year, in Seattle, San Anselmo, Calif., and Honolulu. These notes are adapted from FOSNA reports.
"The United States, Israel and Palestine: What Does Justice Require of US?" was the theme Feb. 19-20, 2010, at St Mark's Cathedral in Seattle.
Attendance was double that which was expected, close to 450, with participants coming from 19 states and 3 Canadian provinces.
A member of Veterans for Peace suggested, "Every major city in the US needs to host such a conference."
"A Time for Truth, A Time for Action - Palestine/Israel and the U.S. at the Crossroads" was the theme March 5-6, 2010, at First Presbyterian Church of San Anselmo, Calif. In the final days before the Marin Sabeel Conference, Zionist groups had sent smear-filled letters to sponsoring churches and local bishops, rumors were afloat of their plans to disrupt workshops, and the weather service was predicting rain.
The planning committee met with diocesan officials to counter the hate mail, spent a morning in non-violence training and alerted local police. Registrations streamed in, passing 400, and the web site announced that enrollment was closed. The local daily ran a well-placed profile of a committee member and touted the conference.
Friday, March 5th, participants gathered in the sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church of San Anselmo to sing "Bearers of Peace," and Rev. Naim Ateek spoke from his heart and to our hearts about the Nakba and occupation, comparing the situation to a banyan tree that sends down more and more roots as it strangles the life from its unwilling host, a once healthy palm.
Participants heard from witnesses to the occupation, both Palestinian and Jewish, and in the workshops activists spoke on Christian Zionism, the media, Palestinian politics, anti-Semitism, liberation theology and the needs of children and youth in occupied Palestine. We heard calls to boycott and divest from Israel and learned how to educate our communities and deal with hostile opponents.
Mohammed Alatar showed his film "Jerusalem: The East Side Story" and answered questions.
On Saturday morning spring sunshine filled the patio. The fake "Women in Black" who sowed confusion at the 2007 Berkeley Sabeel conference made no appearance.
The morning session opened with Dr. Mads Gilbert bringing to life his experience in Gaza's Shifa Hospital during Israel's slaughter in the winter of 2008-2009. His photos of wounded children, Palestinian health workers, ambulance drivers and stunned families, his recordings of drones and bombs and mortar fire, made a searing impression that moved many to tears. Dr. Gilbert's images sent a message: the situation is critical; we have no time to lose.
The audience was ready to listen as panelists spoke of religious extremism and the prospects for change in U.S. policy and then gave their attention to Omar Barghouti's appeal for nonviolent action in the form of boycott, divestment and sanctions.
From the opening moment, music punctuated the program, and Jim McFadden's singing to piano accompaniment was a signal to gather in the sanctuary after breaks. Local poets shared their work, and "down time" offered a chance to take in Middle Eastern music and food. And at the end, before the final dismissal and prayers, there was Remi Kanazi, a Palestinian hip-hop artist reciting his impassioned lines about oppression and hope.
More than 500 people attended the conference, and from the beginning at least a few Zionist opponents were in the crowd. At one point they included an official from the Israeli consulate, but although they took notes, no one disrupted workshops or plenary sessions.
We gained many friends, and they have been sending their comments via email and blog: "The most powerful and educational conference I've ever been to." Another said, "The people who came from our church were totally impressed with the speakers and the content. It couldn't have been better." Someone else wrote, "I know you changed people's thinking and their lives."
Best of all, many of them are saying in various ways: "We're getting involved from now on. Count on us!"
The Rev Liz Zivanov and the Rev Richard Toll welcomed more than 100 to the Cathedral Church of St Andrew, in Honolulu, for the 31st Sabeel Conference held in the USA on 26 February 2010. The committee had amassed a vibrant array of speakers, presenters, and workshop leaders for what would be a 2-day Conference.
Shortly after concluding Friday's dinner, program, and conversation, however, a massive earthquake struck near Ascunsión, Chile. Hawai'i Civil Defense forces went into "alert" status, but by Saturday morning, the "alert" had morphed into a Tsunami Warning. With a history of devastating Tsunami in 1946, 1957, and 1960, Hawai'i is well-organized to deal with this threat to life and property.
By 6:00 when the sirens sounded the warning, and the Civil Defense network had pre-empted all broadcast media with their spiel from Diamond Head Crater, the police had blocked access to coastal areas: folks could get out, but no one could get into Waikiki, for instance. This alert impacted the Saturday morning sessions of the Sabeel Conference.
Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick, V Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i, reports he had no adverse criticism or contacts over using the Cathedral Church of St Andrew as the venue for the Conference. A vigorous discussion appeared, however, in the HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN's "Island Commentary/Op-Ed" columns between the Rev Neal MacPherson, UCC (retired) and Professor Peter Hoffenberg of the University of Hawai'i History Department. Hoffenberg attempted to analyse the Sabeel website as an "anti-Israel organization" intent on siding exclusively with the Palestinians.
The Sabeel Honolulu Conference organizing committee worked hard, kept the fees incredibly low, and helped bring justice and peace issues to the fore in great detail. The Tsunami waves arrived as predicted; but they lacked the destructive energy of those in earlier years. People in Hawai'i, as elsewhere, were none the less grieving the loss of life and property in Chile as had been the case with Haiti and with a Tsunami striking Samoa some months ago.
[Honolulu report provided by Prof Willis H A Moore, Adjunct Faculty of History and Political Science, Chamiade University of Honolulu, reporting to: The Diocese of Hawai'i, The Diocese of Eastern Oregon, and others...]
Friends of Sabeel - North America: www.fosna.org
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To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, go the the blog: A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.blogspot.voicesforpeace.com/
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
NCC: Ease Palestinians' passage to holy sites
National Council of Churches urges Israeli government to assure Palestinian Christians can visit holy sites at Easter
New York, March 30, 2010 --
The National Council of Churches is asking the Israeli government to provide access for Palestinian Christians who wish to visit Christian sites in Jerusalem during Holy Week.
Israel has stepped up security between Israel and the West Bank, essentially closing the border to all except individuals carrying government approved permits. However, reports from NCC partners in Jerusalem indicate that some Israeli checkpoints have denied access to the city and its holy sites for many Christians who have been given Easter permits.
Israel Defense Minister Ehud Barak ordered the measure during the Passover holiday, citing "situation assessments adopted by the defense establishment." This year Passover and the Christian celebration of Holy week take place during the same period.
The Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon, NCC General Secretary, said he understood Israel's need to provide strict security during the religious holidays, which have historically been times of terrorist attacks. "But I hope the Israeli government realizes that it is unacceptable to us that Christians be denied the right to worship in Jerusalem, especially Christians whose roots in the region go back to the time of Christ."
Kinnamon urged Israel to open its doors to West Bank Christians as widely as possible.
Christians from outside the area who are visiting Jerusalem, and Christian Arabs who live in Israel, have free access to the holy sites in Jerusalem.
Two leading rabbis have echoed Kinnamon's request to Israel to make it easier for Christians who live in occupied territories to have the same access. Rabbi Steve Gutow, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, and Rabbi David Saperstein, Director and Counsel of the Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism, urged that the Israeli government find a way to "fulfill its security concerns while also seeking accommodations to permit Christians to worship at their holy sites during the holidays."
"I'm grateful to Steve and David for their partnership in supporting our call to the Israeli government to help all Christians participate in the celebration of the most holy events in our calendar," Kinnamon said.
This year, through a confluence of calendars, Eastern and Western Christians will celebrate Easter on the same date. This means that, in terms of celebrating the most important events of their faith, all Christians will be focused together and at the same time on what happened in Jerusalem more than 2,000 years ago. But travel restrictions encountered by Christians who live on the West Bank have made it impossible for thousands of the faithful to celebrate at some of Christianity's holiest sites.
NCC News contact: Philip E. Jenks
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To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, go the the blog: A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.blogspot.voicesforpeace.com/
New York, March 30, 2010 --
The National Council of Churches is asking the Israeli government to provide access for Palestinian Christians who wish to visit Christian sites in Jerusalem during Holy Week.
Israel has stepped up security between Israel and the West Bank, essentially closing the border to all except individuals carrying government approved permits. However, reports from NCC partners in Jerusalem indicate that some Israeli checkpoints have denied access to the city and its holy sites for many Christians who have been given Easter permits.
Israel Defense Minister Ehud Barak ordered the measure during the Passover holiday, citing "situation assessments adopted by the defense establishment." This year Passover and the Christian celebration of Holy week take place during the same period.
The Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon, NCC General Secretary, said he understood Israel's need to provide strict security during the religious holidays, which have historically been times of terrorist attacks. "But I hope the Israeli government realizes that it is unacceptable to us that Christians be denied the right to worship in Jerusalem, especially Christians whose roots in the region go back to the time of Christ."
Kinnamon urged Israel to open its doors to West Bank Christians as widely as possible.
Christians from outside the area who are visiting Jerusalem, and Christian Arabs who live in Israel, have free access to the holy sites in Jerusalem.
Two leading rabbis have echoed Kinnamon's request to Israel to make it easier for Christians who live in occupied territories to have the same access. Rabbi Steve Gutow, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, and Rabbi David Saperstein, Director and Counsel of the Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism, urged that the Israeli government find a way to "fulfill its security concerns while also seeking accommodations to permit Christians to worship at their holy sites during the holidays."
"I'm grateful to Steve and David for their partnership in supporting our call to the Israeli government to help all Christians participate in the celebration of the most holy events in our calendar," Kinnamon said.
This year, through a confluence of calendars, Eastern and Western Christians will celebrate Easter on the same date. This means that, in terms of celebrating the most important events of their faith, all Christians will be focused together and at the same time on what happened in Jerusalem more than 2,000 years ago. But travel restrictions encountered by Christians who live on the West Bank have made it impossible for thousands of the faithful to celebrate at some of Christianity's holiest sites.
NCC News contact: Philip E. Jenks
--- --- ---
To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, go the the blog: A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.blogspot.voicesforpeace.com/
Monday, March 29, 2010
During Holy Week take action for peace
March 29, 2010
ACTION ALERT from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
During Holy Week
TAKE ACTION FOR PEACE
"As (Jesus) came near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, 'If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace!'" - Luke 19:41-42a
This Holy Week, on the heels of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, in anticipation of his death, and in celebration of his resurrection, take two actions that make for peace:
1. Join the call from Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) to"Support the Administration's Efforts to Get Israelis &Palestinians Serious about Negotiations."
From CMEP: "...the White House was inundated with emails from Christian Zionists after the Administration criticized Israel for announcing the approval of a plan to build 1,600 apartments in an east Jerusalem neighborhood.
As a CMEP supporter, you have a unique voice, one of moderation and compassion for the dignity of every human being. The White House and Congress need to hear from you so they know you appreciate their efforts to hold both sides accountable..." (CMEP action alert March 19, 2010)
Let your representative in Congress know that you support the administration's efforts to restart peace negotiations and to hold both parties accountable. Take action here: http://ga6.org/ct/y7LYbS51zBNS/.
2. Sign the Churches for Middle East Peace petition to address the crisis in Gaza. Add your name to the message to "Urge President Obama to end the blockade of Gaza."
From CMEP: Living conditions in Gaza imposed by the blockade aredeplorable. Damage to buildings, homes and other critical infrastructure from the war a year ago remain unrepaired because construction materials are prohibited from entering. With no materials for maintenance there are now millions of gallons of untreated waste water being dumped into the Mediterranean Sea on a daily basis. Much of the drinking water is unhealthy. This has negative public health repercussions for Palestinians and Israelis ... Gaza's residents have been left without adequate housing, without work, and without hope. This is a dangerous situation that needs urgent attention.
Seven organizations, including CMEP, sent a letter to the President urging that, "...your administration use America's unique relationship with Israel to persuade it to lift the closure of its border crossing with Gaza now." Endorse this message to the President by adding your name to CMEP's petition: http://ga6.org/ct/ydLYbS51zBNz/. Deadline for signatures is April 2. Thank you to those who have already signed!
Let shouts of praise on Palm Sunday herald actions for peace during Holy Week. Take action today!
--------------------------------------------------
Visit the web address below to tell your friends about this.
http://ga6.org/join-forward.html?domain=elca_advocacy&r=opLYbS5qE9MD
Sign up forEvangelical Lutheran Church in America e-Advocacy Network at:
http://ga6.org/elca_advocacy/join.html?r=opLYbS5qE9MDE
--- --- ---
To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, go the the blog: A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.blogspot.voicesforpeace.com/
ACTION ALERT from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
During Holy Week
TAKE ACTION FOR PEACE
"As (Jesus) came near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, 'If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace!'" - Luke 19:41-42a
This Holy Week, on the heels of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, in anticipation of his death, and in celebration of his resurrection, take two actions that make for peace:
1. Join the call from Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) to"Support the Administration's Efforts to Get Israelis &Palestinians Serious about Negotiations."
From CMEP: "...the White House was inundated with emails from Christian Zionists after the Administration criticized Israel for announcing the approval of a plan to build 1,600 apartments in an east Jerusalem neighborhood.
As a CMEP supporter, you have a unique voice, one of moderation and compassion for the dignity of every human being. The White House and Congress need to hear from you so they know you appreciate their efforts to hold both sides accountable..." (CMEP action alert March 19, 2010)
Let your representative in Congress know that you support the administration's efforts to restart peace negotiations and to hold both parties accountable. Take action here: http://ga6.org/ct/y7LYbS51zBNS/.
2. Sign the Churches for Middle East Peace petition to address the crisis in Gaza. Add your name to the message to "Urge President Obama to end the blockade of Gaza."
From CMEP: Living conditions in Gaza imposed by the blockade aredeplorable. Damage to buildings, homes and other critical infrastructure from the war a year ago remain unrepaired because construction materials are prohibited from entering. With no materials for maintenance there are now millions of gallons of untreated waste water being dumped into the Mediterranean Sea on a daily basis. Much of the drinking water is unhealthy. This has negative public health repercussions for Palestinians and Israelis ... Gaza's residents have been left without adequate housing, without work, and without hope. This is a dangerous situation that needs urgent attention.
Seven organizations, including CMEP, sent a letter to the President urging that, "...your administration use America's unique relationship with Israel to persuade it to lift the closure of its border crossing with Gaza now." Endorse this message to the President by adding your name to CMEP's petition: http://ga6.org/ct/ydLYbS51zBNz/. Deadline for signatures is April 2. Thank you to those who have already signed!
Let shouts of praise on Palm Sunday herald actions for peace during Holy Week. Take action today!
--------------------------------------------------
Visit the web address below to tell your friends about this.
http://ga6.org/join-forward.html?domain=elca_advocacy&r=opLYbS5qE9MD
Sign up forEvangelical Lutheran Church in America e-Advocacy Network at:
http://ga6.org/elca_advocacy/join.html?r=opLYbS5qE9MDE
--- --- ---
To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, go the the blog: A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.blogspot.voicesforpeace.com/
Saturday, March 27, 2010
World Lutherans welcome Quartet position on new settlements
In a statement issued last week, the Lutheran World Federation called new settlement activity in East Jerusalem and the West Bank an obstacle to progress toward a two-state solution. See a news release here and the full statement below.
ELCA NEWS SERVICE
March 22, 2010
http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4487
LWF Executive Committee Welcomes Middle East Quartet Statement
10-101-LWI/JB
GENEVA (ELCA) -- The Executive Committee of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) welcomed the "clear and forceful language" used by representatives of the United Nations, the Russian Federation, the United States and the European Union --known as the Middle East Quartet -- in denouncing new settlement activity in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.
In a statement issued in Geneva, March 20, the LWF Executive Committee said such activity was a "principal obstacle" to progress toward the objectives of "a two-state solution, to the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state alongside the State of Israel, to peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians, and to Jerusalem as a city shared between the two peoples and three religions," according to a news release from Lutheran World Information (LWI).
The Quartet, meeting in Moscow last week, issued a statement reaffirming its previous declarations urging the government of Israel to stop settlement activity in the contested areas, dismantle outposts erected since 2001 and refrain from demolitions and evictions in East Jerusalem, the release said.
The LWF governing body said it concurred with the Quartet's call "for a freeze on all Israeli settlement activity (including 'natural growth')." It endorsed the group's expressed support "for the negotiated resolution of all final status issues, the end of the occupation, and the establishment of a Palestinian state within 24 months," LWI reported.
The Quartet expressed deep concern about continuing deterioration in Gaza, including the humanitarian and human rights situations of the civilian population, the release said.
On that subject the LWF leaders said: "We reiterate our special concern about the accelerating emigration of Christians from the land of Christ's birth. We call for urgent and continuing international solidarity with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land and its sister churches in the Holy Land and for enhanced support for their ministries for education and social services and for justice, peace and reconciliation," according to LWI's report.
For many years, Lutheran churches have provided humanitarian services to people in Jerusalem and the West Bank, largely through the Augusta Victoria Hospital and related programs, the release said. The LWF remains committed to continuing those services, the executive committee stated.
The LWF Executive Committee called "for the immediate lifting of the economic blockade of the Gaza Strip, for urgent international action to alleviate the suffering of its people, and for all parties to refrain from violent or provocative actions."
The 13-member executive committee met in Geneva March 19-21. It oversees the functions of the LWF between meetings of the Council, and acts as the LWF Board of Trustees and Personnel Committee. The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop, is also LWF president and committee chair.
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The full text of the LWF Executive Committee statement is available at http://www.lutheranworld.org/News/LWI/EN/2507.EN.html on the Web.
LWF Executive Committee statement in response to 19 March 2010 statement by Middle East Quartet
20 March 2010
On the occasion of its meeting in Geneva, the Executive Committee of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) warmly welcomes the statement issued on 19 March 2010 by the Middle East Quartet (United Nations, Russian Federation, United States and European Union) concerning the present status of the peace process in Israel-Palestine.
The LWF, with 140 member churches in 79 countries and representing approximately 70 million people, has long maintained its commitment to a two-state solution, to the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state alongside the State of Israel, to peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians, and to Jerusalem as a city shared between the two peoples and three religions. The fulfillment of this vision, as noted by the Quartet in its statement, is in the fundamental interests of both parties and essential for peace in the region and wider world.
The LWF especially welcomes the clear and forceful language with which the Quartet has denounced ongoing settlement activity in East Jerusalem and the West Bank as a principal obstacle to progress towards these objectives. We concur with the call issued by the Quartet for a freeze on all Israeli settlement activity (including ‘natural growth’), for the dismantling of outposts erected since March 2001, and for the Israeli authorities to refrain from demolitions and evictions in East Jerusalem.
We strongly endorse the Quartet’s expressed support for the negotiated resolution of all final status issues, the end of the occupation, and the establishment of a Palestinian state within 24 months.
We urge the Quartet to follow these clear words with effective actions, to closely accompany the parties in the negotiation process, and to take expeditiously such additional steps as may be necessary to address the situation as it evolves.
We reiterate our special concern about the accelerating emigration of Christians from the land of Christ’s birth. We call for urgent and continuing international solidarity with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) and its sister churches in the Holy Land, and for enhanced support for their ministries for education and social services, and for justice, peace and reconciliation.
The LWF remains committed to continuing to provide essential humanitarian services to the people of Jerusalem and the West Bank, through the Augusta Victoria Hospital and its other programs. We further call for the immediate lifting of the economic blockade of the Gaza Strip, for urgent international action to alleviate the suffering of its people, and for all parties to refrain from violent or provocative actions.
The LWF Executive Committee asks the General Secretary to convey these concerns and sentiments to the members of the Quartet, to the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority, and to such others as he may consider appropriate.
ELCA NEWS SERVICE
March 22, 2010
http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4487
LWF Executive Committee Welcomes Middle East Quartet Statement
10-101-LWI/JB
GENEVA (ELCA) -- The Executive Committee of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) welcomed the "clear and forceful language" used by representatives of the United Nations, the Russian Federation, the United States and the European Union --known as the Middle East Quartet -- in denouncing new settlement activity in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.
In a statement issued in Geneva, March 20, the LWF Executive Committee said such activity was a "principal obstacle" to progress toward the objectives of "a two-state solution, to the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state alongside the State of Israel, to peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians, and to Jerusalem as a city shared between the two peoples and three religions," according to a news release from Lutheran World Information (LWI).
The Quartet, meeting in Moscow last week, issued a statement reaffirming its previous declarations urging the government of Israel to stop settlement activity in the contested areas, dismantle outposts erected since 2001 and refrain from demolitions and evictions in East Jerusalem, the release said.
The LWF governing body said it concurred with the Quartet's call "for a freeze on all Israeli settlement activity (including 'natural growth')." It endorsed the group's expressed support "for the negotiated resolution of all final status issues, the end of the occupation, and the establishment of a Palestinian state within 24 months," LWI reported.
The Quartet expressed deep concern about continuing deterioration in Gaza, including the humanitarian and human rights situations of the civilian population, the release said.
On that subject the LWF leaders said: "We reiterate our special concern about the accelerating emigration of Christians from the land of Christ's birth. We call for urgent and continuing international solidarity with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land and its sister churches in the Holy Land and for enhanced support for their ministries for education and social services and for justice, peace and reconciliation," according to LWI's report.
For many years, Lutheran churches have provided humanitarian services to people in Jerusalem and the West Bank, largely through the Augusta Victoria Hospital and related programs, the release said. The LWF remains committed to continuing those services, the executive committee stated.
The LWF Executive Committee called "for the immediate lifting of the economic blockade of the Gaza Strip, for urgent international action to alleviate the suffering of its people, and for all parties to refrain from violent or provocative actions."
The 13-member executive committee met in Geneva March 19-21. It oversees the functions of the LWF between meetings of the Council, and acts as the LWF Board of Trustees and Personnel Committee. The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop, is also LWF president and committee chair.
---
The full text of the LWF Executive Committee statement is available at http://www.lutheranworld.org/News/LWI/EN/2507.EN.html on the Web.
LWF Executive Committee statement in response to 19 March 2010 statement by Middle East Quartet
20 March 2010
On the occasion of its meeting in Geneva, the Executive Committee of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) warmly welcomes the statement issued on 19 March 2010 by the Middle East Quartet (United Nations, Russian Federation, United States and European Union) concerning the present status of the peace process in Israel-Palestine.
The LWF, with 140 member churches in 79 countries and representing approximately 70 million people, has long maintained its commitment to a two-state solution, to the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state alongside the State of Israel, to peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians, and to Jerusalem as a city shared between the two peoples and three religions. The fulfillment of this vision, as noted by the Quartet in its statement, is in the fundamental interests of both parties and essential for peace in the region and wider world.
The LWF especially welcomes the clear and forceful language with which the Quartet has denounced ongoing settlement activity in East Jerusalem and the West Bank as a principal obstacle to progress towards these objectives. We concur with the call issued by the Quartet for a freeze on all Israeli settlement activity (including ‘natural growth’), for the dismantling of outposts erected since March 2001, and for the Israeli authorities to refrain from demolitions and evictions in East Jerusalem.
We strongly endorse the Quartet’s expressed support for the negotiated resolution of all final status issues, the end of the occupation, and the establishment of a Palestinian state within 24 months.
We urge the Quartet to follow these clear words with effective actions, to closely accompany the parties in the negotiation process, and to take expeditiously such additional steps as may be necessary to address the situation as it evolves.
We reiterate our special concern about the accelerating emigration of Christians from the land of Christ’s birth. We call for urgent and continuing international solidarity with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) and its sister churches in the Holy Land, and for enhanced support for their ministries for education and social services, and for justice, peace and reconciliation.
The LWF remains committed to continuing to provide essential humanitarian services to the people of Jerusalem and the West Bank, through the Augusta Victoria Hospital and its other programs. We further call for the immediate lifting of the economic blockade of the Gaza Strip, for urgent international action to alleviate the suffering of its people, and for all parties to refrain from violent or provocative actions.
The LWF Executive Committee asks the General Secretary to convey these concerns and sentiments to the members of the Quartet, to the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority, and to such others as he may consider appropriate.
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This statement can be found at the link:
This statement can be found at the link:
http://www.lutheranworld.org/News/LWI/EN/2507.EN.html
The Quartet statement is at this link: http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2010/sg2158.doc.htm
--- --- ---
To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, go the the blog: A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.blogspot.voicesforpeace.com/
The Quartet statement is at this link: http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2010/sg2158.doc.htm
--- --- ---
To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, go the the blog: A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.blogspot.voicesforpeace.com/
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Holy Land Christians protest Israeli restrictions during Easter celebrations
Palestine-Israel Ecumenical Forum (PIEF)
http://pief.oikoumene.org/
World Council of Churches
An Action Alert
Holy Land Christians protest Israeli police restrictions during Easter celebrations
[Press Release follows Michel Nseir's letter]
Dear Friends,
Holy Land Christians are protesting the denial of the freedom of worship by the Israeli occupation police during Easter celebrations. In a press release, they have complained that Israeli Police will impose restrictions and limit the movement of all Christian worshipers during the celebrations. These restrictions will particularly affect the Holy Fire Saturday in Jerusalem, which has been celebrated from as far back as 1106 AD. The celebrations have been governed for the past decades by the status quo of 1852 covering the processions within the boundaries of the Holy Sepulcher Church in addition to traditions by the local community and pilgrims in its vicinity.
Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Holy Fire Saturday, and Easter Sunday are the Holiest days celebrated in Jerusalem for Christians. Christians are denied their fundamental right of freely exercise their religion because of road blocks in the old city, police presence with machine guns, as well as rude and hostile attitudes from police and Army officers. The curfews and forced closures make these movements almost impossible. In sharp contrast, Israel allows Jews to freely access their temples.
Today when a debate has been initiated regarding the freedom of worship in Jerusalem due to the constant settler aggressions against Al Aqsa Mosque (Al Haram Al Sharif) and despite the fact that Israeli officials have made public assurances that “only Israel” can keep freedom of religion in Jerusalem, the Holy Land Christians denounce Israel's discriminatory and restrictive policies. Palestinian Christian organizations in occupied East Jerusalem have initiated a legal process “to preserve the right to freely access our churches and shrines”.
Palestinian Christians now "call upon the international community, and particularly to the Christian World, including its churches and civil society to put pressure on Israel to end the illegal occupation of East Jerusalem as well as in this particular case to stop limiting Holy Land Christians from exercising their basic religious rights."
(...) We urge you to respond strongly in support of the legitimate claim of Holy Land Christians for their right to religion to be respected.
In solidarity,
Michel Nseir
Programme Executive
Public witness programme,
Special focus on the Middle East
World Council of Churches
E-mail: mns@wcc-coe.org
Web: http://pief.oikoumene.org/
-- --
PRESS RELEASE
20 March 2010 -
Find it at this link - http://www.oikoumene.org/gr/programmes/public-witness-addressing-power-affirming-peace/churches-in-the-middle-east/pief/news-events/a/article/7313/christians-in-the-holy-la.html
Holy Land Christians respond to Israeli police restrictions during Easter celebrations
Holy Land Christians, after hundreds of years of celebrating Easter in Jerusalem as the most important and significant holy week for Christianity, are being denied freedom of worship during this period by the Israeli occupation police.
Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Holy Fire Saturday, and Easter Sunday are the Holiest days celebrated in Jerusalem for Christians. The uniqueness of Holy Fire Saturday in Jerusalem has been celebrated as far back as 1106 AD. The celebrations have been governed for the past decades by the status quo of 1852 covering the processions within the boundaries of the Holy Sepulcher Church in addition to traditions by the local community and pilgrims in its vicinity. Tradition during this holy day claims the right for the local community to wait for the Holy fire on top of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate roof since for generations Palestinian Christians have been welcoming and making space for visiting pilgrims down in the plaza of the Holy Sepulcher.
The tradition also includes the right of local worshipers to reach St. Jacob’s Arab Orthodox Cathedral through the roof of the Orthodox Patriarchate to share the morning prayers of the Holy Saturday, including the sharing of the local community in the“Zaffeh” starting by the Christian Quarter, marching with the Arab Orthodox Priest of St. Jacob’s Cathedral and the head of the local community ending at the Holy Sepulcher. It is also known that the local Choir of St. Jacob’s and representatives of the traditional Jerusalemite Orthodox families are entitled to encircle the Holy Tomb. During the past 5 years all these arrangements have been jeopardized, minimized and made impossible due to the Israeli police restrictions implemented on the ground.
Today when a debate has been initiated regarding the freedom of worship in Jerusalem due to the constant settler aggressions against Al Aqsa Mosque (Al Haram Al Sharif) and despite the fact that Israeli officials such as Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Peres have assured to international media that “only Israel” can keep freedom of religion in Jerusalem, we the Holy Land Christians denounced the Israeli discriminatory policies against our community. At the same time that Christians are denied from their right of freely exercise their religion through road blocks in the old city, police presence with machine guns, as well as rude and hostile attitudes from police and Army officers, the Israeli occupying power allows Jews to freely access their temples even by imposing severe restrictions on the daily lives of Palestinians, including curfews and forced closures.
In response to these unilateral and discriminating Israeli actions, Palestinian Christian organizations in occupied East Jerusalem have initiated a legal process “to preserve the right to freely access our churches and shrines”. The legal actions on the Supreme Court level will be against everyone who is involved in this discriminatory policy, including the Israeli police and the Israeli Jerusalem Municipality.
We call upon the International community, and particularly to the Christian World, including its churches and civil society to put pressure on Israel to end the illegal occupation of East Jerusalem as well as in this particular case to stop limiting Holy Land Christians from exercising their basic religious rights.
We, Palestinian Christians, greet the world with Easter blessings from Jerusalem, from the City of the resurrection. May God end the suffering of the Palestinian people; bring about justice to this troubled land and peace to the whole world.
----------
For more information please refer to the letter addressed to the Jerusalem Heads of Churches and diplomatic corps in the same respect: http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=311176290191&topic=14919
Footage from the blockade on Saturday Holy Fire celebrations 2006:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWmSvGdzGLI&feature=related
For further information you can contact:
Hana Karkar: +972-54.4546.349
Xavier Abu Eid: +972-59.8950.300
Yusef Daher: +972-50.5545.179
--- --- ---
To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, go the the blog: A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.blogspot.voicesforpeace.com/
http://pief.oikoumene.org/
World Council of Churches
An Action Alert
Holy Land Christians protest Israeli police restrictions during Easter celebrations
[Press Release follows Michel Nseir's letter]
Dear Friends,
Holy Land Christians are protesting the denial of the freedom of worship by the Israeli occupation police during Easter celebrations. In a press release, they have complained that Israeli Police will impose restrictions and limit the movement of all Christian worshipers during the celebrations. These restrictions will particularly affect the Holy Fire Saturday in Jerusalem, which has been celebrated from as far back as 1106 AD. The celebrations have been governed for the past decades by the status quo of 1852 covering the processions within the boundaries of the Holy Sepulcher Church in addition to traditions by the local community and pilgrims in its vicinity.
Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Holy Fire Saturday, and Easter Sunday are the Holiest days celebrated in Jerusalem for Christians. Christians are denied their fundamental right of freely exercise their religion because of road blocks in the old city, police presence with machine guns, as well as rude and hostile attitudes from police and Army officers. The curfews and forced closures make these movements almost impossible. In sharp contrast, Israel allows Jews to freely access their temples.
Today when a debate has been initiated regarding the freedom of worship in Jerusalem due to the constant settler aggressions against Al Aqsa Mosque (Al Haram Al Sharif) and despite the fact that Israeli officials have made public assurances that “only Israel” can keep freedom of religion in Jerusalem, the Holy Land Christians denounce Israel's discriminatory and restrictive policies. Palestinian Christian organizations in occupied East Jerusalem have initiated a legal process “to preserve the right to freely access our churches and shrines”.
Palestinian Christians now "call upon the international community, and particularly to the Christian World, including its churches and civil society to put pressure on Israel to end the illegal occupation of East Jerusalem as well as in this particular case to stop limiting Holy Land Christians from exercising their basic religious rights."
(...) We urge you to respond strongly in support of the legitimate claim of Holy Land Christians for their right to religion to be respected.
In solidarity,
Michel Nseir
Programme Executive
Public witness programme,
Special focus on the Middle East
World Council of Churches
E-mail: mns@wcc-coe.org
Web: http://pief.oikoumene.org/
-- --
PRESS RELEASE
20 March 2010 -
Find it at this link - http://www.oikoumene.org/gr/programmes/public-witness-addressing-power-affirming-peace/churches-in-the-middle-east/pief/news-events/a/article/7313/christians-in-the-holy-la.html
Holy Land Christians respond to Israeli police restrictions during Easter celebrations
Holy Land Christians, after hundreds of years of celebrating Easter in Jerusalem as the most important and significant holy week for Christianity, are being denied freedom of worship during this period by the Israeli occupation police.
Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Holy Fire Saturday, and Easter Sunday are the Holiest days celebrated in Jerusalem for Christians. The uniqueness of Holy Fire Saturday in Jerusalem has been celebrated as far back as 1106 AD. The celebrations have been governed for the past decades by the status quo of 1852 covering the processions within the boundaries of the Holy Sepulcher Church in addition to traditions by the local community and pilgrims in its vicinity. Tradition during this holy day claims the right for the local community to wait for the Holy fire on top of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate roof since for generations Palestinian Christians have been welcoming and making space for visiting pilgrims down in the plaza of the Holy Sepulcher.
The tradition also includes the right of local worshipers to reach St. Jacob’s Arab Orthodox Cathedral through the roof of the Orthodox Patriarchate to share the morning prayers of the Holy Saturday, including the sharing of the local community in the“Zaffeh” starting by the Christian Quarter, marching with the Arab Orthodox Priest of St. Jacob’s Cathedral and the head of the local community ending at the Holy Sepulcher. It is also known that the local Choir of St. Jacob’s and representatives of the traditional Jerusalemite Orthodox families are entitled to encircle the Holy Tomb. During the past 5 years all these arrangements have been jeopardized, minimized and made impossible due to the Israeli police restrictions implemented on the ground.
Today when a debate has been initiated regarding the freedom of worship in Jerusalem due to the constant settler aggressions against Al Aqsa Mosque (Al Haram Al Sharif) and despite the fact that Israeli officials such as Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Peres have assured to international media that “only Israel” can keep freedom of religion in Jerusalem, we the Holy Land Christians denounced the Israeli discriminatory policies against our community. At the same time that Christians are denied from their right of freely exercise their religion through road blocks in the old city, police presence with machine guns, as well as rude and hostile attitudes from police and Army officers, the Israeli occupying power allows Jews to freely access their temples even by imposing severe restrictions on the daily lives of Palestinians, including curfews and forced closures.
In response to these unilateral and discriminating Israeli actions, Palestinian Christian organizations in occupied East Jerusalem have initiated a legal process “to preserve the right to freely access our churches and shrines”. The legal actions on the Supreme Court level will be against everyone who is involved in this discriminatory policy, including the Israeli police and the Israeli Jerusalem Municipality.
We call upon the International community, and particularly to the Christian World, including its churches and civil society to put pressure on Israel to end the illegal occupation of East Jerusalem as well as in this particular case to stop limiting Holy Land Christians from exercising their basic religious rights.
We, Palestinian Christians, greet the world with Easter blessings from Jerusalem, from the City of the resurrection. May God end the suffering of the Palestinian people; bring about justice to this troubled land and peace to the whole world.
----------
For more information please refer to the letter addressed to the Jerusalem Heads of Churches and diplomatic corps in the same respect: http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=311176290191&topic=14919
Footage from the blockade on Saturday Holy Fire celebrations 2006:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWmSvGdzGLI&feature=related
For further information you can contact:
Hana Karkar: +972-54.4546.349
Xavier Abu Eid: +972-59.8950.300
Yusef Daher: +972-50.5545.179
--- --- ---
To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, go the the blog: A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.blogspot.voicesforpeace.com/
USAID will purchase cancer equipment for LWF Jerusalem Hospital
USAID is set to purchase cancer equipment for the Augusta Victoria, the Lutheran hospital in Jerusalem - Augusta Victoria Hospital - http://www.avh.org/english.html
From the ELCA NEWS SERVICE
March 23, 2010
USAID to Purchase Cancer Equipment for Jerusalem Lutheran Hospital
10-102-JD/MRC
WASHINGTON (ELCA) -- The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced this month it will purchase a second linear accelerator for Augusta Victoria Hospital (AVH), a project of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in East Jerusalem. The equipment, valued at about $5.5 million, will be used to treat cancer patients.
In an interview with the News Service of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) while visiting here, Dr. Tawfiq Nasser, AVH chief executive officer, said the U.S. government's support is "diplomacy language that speaks to people right away. The American people are donating such high-tech equipment to care" for patients at the hospital.
Nasser said Lutheran bishops and others from the ELCA expressed support to members of Congress for the work of Augusta Victoria Hospital, including its cancer program.
The linear accelerator is an instrument that emits very high energy radiation to treat cancer patients, particularly those with breast cancer. One machine can treat tens of thousands of patients, said Nasser.
"Since we are the only cancer center, it is very important for us that we don't stop. We can help more people and provide more services for people in Gaza and the West Bank (with a second linear accelerator)," he said.
"When the machine breaks down or needs preventive maintenance, we have no way to continue treatment. We really have the only machine for the whole Palestinian nation, which is operated at the LWF AVH program in Jerusalem," said Nasser.
Dr. Jill Biden, wife of U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, visited Augusta Victoria Hospital at the time of the USAID funding announcement.
"It was a very good visit," said Nasser. "U.S. politics is very difficult when it comes to Israel and Palestine. The Bidens themselves are a bit more engaged historically with the Israeli narrative, and she got to hear the Palestinian narrative through this health story."
Nasser said the current U.S. administration is being "heavily challenged, and it is important that we continue to keep the White House engaged in the Middle East and secure fair diplomacy." Nasser said economic, political and social conditions in the Middle East are near complete failure.
"We are living in a hopeless situation," said Nasser, with no current peace process and the breakdown of political efforts. He said turmoil in the region hampers the hospital's ability to focus on providing the best medical care.
Movement and access into Jerusalem from the West Bank and Gaza is also a concern, said Nasser.
"This is paramount to us, because Palestinians cannot get to the hospital. We have to work on advocacy to secure the rights of patients and to secure that the environment is conducive to quality patient care," he said.
"People are invested in Augusta Victoria Hospital from all over the world," said Nasser. "Augusta Victoria Hospital is a beacon of hope," he said. It represents a much larger story than just being a place that delivers medical care. It represents a successful Christian presence in the Middle East, an institution that is experiencing success and growth there, and it is a place where interfaith dialogue occurs, he said.
"Success is a powerful way to overcome human oppression, even under economic, political and societal failure. We can still produce stories of human success, something every Lutheran should be proud of," said Nasser.
While in the United States, Nasser visited with USAID and members of Congress to express thanks for the purchase and to "convey the importance of development and diplomacy, and how it should speak to the people and not just the government."
- - -
Information about Augusta Victoria Hospital is at http://www.avh.org/english.html
or http://lwfjerusalem.org/projects/avh/ on the Web.
From the ELCA NEWS SERVICE
March 23, 2010
USAID to Purchase Cancer Equipment for Jerusalem Lutheran Hospital
10-102-JD/MRC
WASHINGTON (ELCA) -- The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced this month it will purchase a second linear accelerator for Augusta Victoria Hospital (AVH), a project of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in East Jerusalem. The equipment, valued at about $5.5 million, will be used to treat cancer patients.
In an interview with the News Service of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) while visiting here, Dr. Tawfiq Nasser, AVH chief executive officer, said the U.S. government's support is "diplomacy language that speaks to people right away. The American people are donating such high-tech equipment to care" for patients at the hospital.
Nasser said Lutheran bishops and others from the ELCA expressed support to members of Congress for the work of Augusta Victoria Hospital, including its cancer program.
The linear accelerator is an instrument that emits very high energy radiation to treat cancer patients, particularly those with breast cancer. One machine can treat tens of thousands of patients, said Nasser.
"Since we are the only cancer center, it is very important for us that we don't stop. We can help more people and provide more services for people in Gaza and the West Bank (with a second linear accelerator)," he said.
"When the machine breaks down or needs preventive maintenance, we have no way to continue treatment. We really have the only machine for the whole Palestinian nation, which is operated at the LWF AVH program in Jerusalem," said Nasser.
Dr. Jill Biden, wife of U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, visited Augusta Victoria Hospital at the time of the USAID funding announcement.
"It was a very good visit," said Nasser. "U.S. politics is very difficult when it comes to Israel and Palestine. The Bidens themselves are a bit more engaged historically with the Israeli narrative, and she got to hear the Palestinian narrative through this health story."
Nasser said the current U.S. administration is being "heavily challenged, and it is important that we continue to keep the White House engaged in the Middle East and secure fair diplomacy." Nasser said economic, political and social conditions in the Middle East are near complete failure.
"We are living in a hopeless situation," said Nasser, with no current peace process and the breakdown of political efforts. He said turmoil in the region hampers the hospital's ability to focus on providing the best medical care.
Movement and access into Jerusalem from the West Bank and Gaza is also a concern, said Nasser.
"This is paramount to us, because Palestinians cannot get to the hospital. We have to work on advocacy to secure the rights of patients and to secure that the environment is conducive to quality patient care," he said.
"People are invested in Augusta Victoria Hospital from all over the world," said Nasser. "Augusta Victoria Hospital is a beacon of hope," he said. It represents a much larger story than just being a place that delivers medical care. It represents a successful Christian presence in the Middle East, an institution that is experiencing success and growth there, and it is a place where interfaith dialogue occurs, he said.
"Success is a powerful way to overcome human oppression, even under economic, political and societal failure. We can still produce stories of human success, something every Lutheran should be proud of," said Nasser.
While in the United States, Nasser visited with USAID and members of Congress to express thanks for the purchase and to "convey the importance of development and diplomacy, and how it should speak to the people and not just the government."
- - -
Information about Augusta Victoria Hospital is at http://www.avh.org/english.html
or http://lwfjerusalem.org/projects/avh/ on the Web.
--- ---
To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, go the the blog: A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.blogspot.voicesforpeace.com/
To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, go the the blog: A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.blogspot.voicesforpeace.com/
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Support US efforts to get Israelis & Palestinians negotiating again
Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) urges us to support Administration efforts to get Israelis & Palestinians negotiating again
Last week the White House was inundated with emails from Christian Zionists after the Administration criticized Israel for announcing the approval of a plan to build 1,600 apartments in an east Jerusalem neighborhood.
You have a unique voice, one of moderation and compassion for the dignity of every human being. The White House and Congress need to hear from you so they know you appreciate their efforts to hold both sides accountable. Only a balanced approach will enable the US to guide both parties to peace.
The need to resume meaningful negotiations to achieve a resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is more urgent than ever.
Just last week, at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, General Petraeus, Commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), said, "The enduring hostilities between Israel and some of its neighbors present distinct challenges to our ability to advance our interests in the AOR (area of responsibility)… Meanwhile, al-Qaeda and other militant groups exploit that anger to mobilize support. The conflict also gives Iran influence in the Arab world through its clients, Lebanese Hizballah and Hamas."
Tell your Representative that, as a Christian, you appreciate the Administration's efforts to encourage both parties to get serious about meaningful negotiations. Please take action at http://www.cmep.org/, click “Urgent Action Needed.”
Ask President Obama to Press Israel for End of Gaza Blockade.
Get friends at church, coworkers, and any other colleagues for peace to make their voices heard!
So far, over 1200 new and long time CMEP supporters have signed the petition to President Obama asking him to work on behalf of Gaza's civilians and end the humanitarian crisis by using "America's unique relationship with Israel to persuade it to lift the closure of its border crossing with Gaza now." Even more are needed to demand an end to the Gaza blockade.
Sent in early February, the letter was signed by leaders of seven organizations representing U.S. Arab, Jewish, and Christian constituencies: Americans for Peace Now, Arab American Institute, B’Tselem USA, Churches for Middle East Peace, Foundation for Middle East Peace, J Street, and Rabbis for Human Rights—North America.
To print a copy of the letter and a paper petition, go to http://www.cmep.org/ and click “Get your friends at church...”, then gather signatures from congregation, work, committee meetings, on the street, or wherever else friends of peace are. Your efforts will strengthen our common voice and help Gazans.
If you have not yet done so, take action yourself now! Deadline is Good Friday, April 2. Go to http://www.cmep.org/ and click “ACTION ALERT: Ask President Obama...”
Time to register for CMEP Conference, June 13-15
Pursuing Peace Together: Working for Reconciliation in the Holy Land. You are invited to CMEP's 2010 Advocacy Conference to learn, increase your skills, network and advocate for peace with justice in the Holy Land. The conference is June 13-15, 2010, at the Kellogg Conference Hotel in Washington, DC.
Psalm 34:14 and 1 Peter 3:11—"Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it"—inspires our conference theme. This Hebrew Bible and New Testament command to action are at the heart of what CMEP does in promoting the right of people in the Holy Land to live in peace and security, free of fears of harassment, oppression, and violence. The conference will provide knowledge, skills and networking links for every participant to pursue peace on Capitol Hill and at home.
Registration is now open online by credit card and by check. For details on registration rates, accommodations, speakers, directions, and other conference information, go to http://www.cmep.org/, click on Conference Registration Now Open.
US Reps Will Be Visited by Constituents on Israel/Palestine Peace Agenda.
Churches for Middle East Peace is organizing meetings with Congresspersons for a conversation during the time they are in home districts—two weeks, starting March 29.
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To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, go the the blog: A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.blogspot.voicesforpeace.com/
Anna Baltzer: What Aren't We Hearing & How is Peace Possible?
Anna Baltzer presents… "Palestine: What Aren't We Hearing & How is Peace Possible?"
Opportunities to hear Anna Baltzer and others tonight in Newark and and April 7, 2010, at Penn State:
Opportunities to hear Anna Baltzer and others tonight in Newark and and April 7, 2010, at Penn State:
Today, Mar 24, 6:00 PM
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Campus Center, Ballroom
Newark, N.J.
Hosted by the NJIT Muslim Student Association
It's a joint event with:
- Alison Weir, founder and executive director of If Americans Knew (www.IfAmericansKnew.org)
- Julia Hurley, a student who has raised thousands for the people of Gaza, including as part of the project "Backpacks for Gaza", and
- Remi Kanazi, a Palestinian-American poet and editor of the recently released collection of poetry, spoken word, hip hop, and art, Poets For Palestine. More on Remi at http://www.poeticinjustice.net/
And Wednesday, April 7, 6:30 PM
Penn State University
University Park, Penn.
Sponsored by PSU Students for Justice in Palestine: http://www.clubs.psu.edu/up/sjp/Events.html
Anna Baltzer, Jewish American speaker, author, granddaughter of Holocaust refugees, and recent guest on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart," brings her presentation about the conflict and what you can do to bring peace and justice to Israel and Palestine.
Baltzer has lived and worked part-time in the Middle East for more than seven years. She has appeared on television and lectured at universities, schools, churches, mosques, synagogues, think tanks, and other policy institutes around the world with her book, Witness in Palestine. In 2009, she received the Arab-American Anti-Discrimination Committee’s Rachel Corrie Peace & Justice Award and a Certificate of Commendation from the Governor of Wisconsin for her commitment to justice in the Holy Land. She is a contributor to four upcoming books on the subject and serves on the Middle East committee of the Women's International League for Peace & Freedom and the Board of Directors of The Research Journalism Institute, Grassroots Jerusalem, and NewPolicy.org. For more information about Baltzer's work, visit http://www.annainthemiddleeast.com/
Watch Baltzer’s interview on the Daily Show alongside Palestinian presidential candidate and nonviolence leader Mustafa Barghouti:
Part 1: www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-october-28-2009/exclusive---anna-baltzer---mustafa-barghouti-extended-interview-pt--1
Part 2: www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-october-28-2009/exclusive---anna-baltzer---mustafa-barghouti-extended-interview-pt--2
Following her presentation, Baltzer will be selling and signing copies of her book: Witness in Palestine: A Jewish American Woman in the Occupied Territories.
“Baltzer sheds light on the important political, historical, and emotional complexities of the challenges facing Israel and Palestine.”
--Jim Doyle, Governor of Wisconsin
“Even those who are familiar with the grim reality of the occupied territories will quickly be drawn into a world they had barely imagined by these vivid, searingly honest, intensely acute portrayals.”
--Noam Chomsky, Professor Emeritus & Middle East Specialist
For more information, visit www.AnnaInTheMiddleEast.com/presentations
--- --- ---
To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, go the the blog: A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.blogspot.voicesforpeace.com/
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Two articles on Middle East featured in `Seeds for the Parish'
I just noticed two articles in Seeds for the Parish, the resource newspaper of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), January-February 2010 edition. Sorry these didn't get my attention earlier.
Each issue of Seeds for the Parish contains articles about resources that can help congregations in their worship, service, and ministries.
Articles on health and wellness in the Middle East and new resources on the Peace Not Walls website are in the publication at this link: http://www.elca.org/~/media/Files/Seeds%20for%20the%20Parish/seeds100102_pdf.aspx
I can't link you to individual articles because the newspaper is presented in pdf form in its entirety.
Here's the way the article starts, but do go to the full article.
Health and wellness in the Middle East
Whether it is from a hospital bed on the Mount of Olives, the Peace Center for the Blind in Jerusalem or a youth-empowerment program for Sudanese refugees in Cairo, the ELCA is helping the blind to see, the broken to heal and the oppressed to become empowered and free from violence in the Middle East. ELCA mission personnel work hand-in-hand with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL, http://www.elcjhl.org/) the Lutheran World Federation (LWF, http://www.lwfjerusalem.org/) in Jerusalem and St. Andrew’s Refugee Services in Cairo.
Please go to page four at this link for the full article: http://www.elca.org/~/media/Files/Seeds%20for%20the%20Parish/seeds100102_pdf.aspx
New resources for Peace Not Walls campaign
At the newly designed Web page - www.elca.org/peacenotwalls/resources - you can find:
• a new flier describing ideas for congregations to engage in the Holy Land;
• downloadable fliers from theELCJHL
• user guides that suggest a format for educational sessions for:
-a single adult forum;
-a three-part adult forum;
-a single youth forum;
-a single young adult forum;
-a single forum for women;
-a single forum on Holy Land travel resources; and
-a single forum on theological issues.
Other organizations and denominations have produced resources that are helpful but that may notcompletely reflect ELCA positions:
• The DVD “New Hope for Peace: What America Must Do to End the Israel-Palestine Conflict” tells the story of our American statesmen: Jimmy Carter, James Baker, Brent Scowcroft and Zbigniew Brzezinski. You can preview the video at YouTube. [To receive a free copy, contact the Foundation for Middle East Peace - http://www.fmep.org/resources/publications-1/new-hope-for-peace-what-america-must-do-to-end-the-israel-palestine-conflict]
• “Steadfast Hope: The Palestinian Quest for Just Peace,” produced by the Israel/Palestine Mission Network of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), is a 44-page booklet containing an 80-minute DVD in eight chapters. [You can view the video and download fact sheets at this link: http://www.israelpalestinemissionnetwork.org/hope.php]
Seed for the Parish is sent to ELCA congregational leaders six times a year.
--- --- ---
To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, go the the blog: A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.blogspot.voicesforpeace.com/
Each issue of Seeds for the Parish contains articles about resources that can help congregations in their worship, service, and ministries.
Articles on health and wellness in the Middle East and new resources on the Peace Not Walls website are in the publication at this link: http://www.elca.org/~/media/Files/Seeds%20for%20the%20Parish/seeds100102_pdf.aspx
I can't link you to individual articles because the newspaper is presented in pdf form in its entirety.
Here's the way the article starts, but do go to the full article.
Health and wellness in the Middle East
Whether it is from a hospital bed on the Mount of Olives, the Peace Center for the Blind in Jerusalem or a youth-empowerment program for Sudanese refugees in Cairo, the ELCA is helping the blind to see, the broken to heal and the oppressed to become empowered and free from violence in the Middle East. ELCA mission personnel work hand-in-hand with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL, http://www.elcjhl.org/) the Lutheran World Federation (LWF, http://www.lwfjerusalem.org/) in Jerusalem and St. Andrew’s Refugee Services in Cairo.
Please go to page four at this link for the full article: http://www.elca.org/~/media/Files/Seeds%20for%20the%20Parish/seeds100102_pdf.aspx
New resources for Peace Not Walls campaign
At the newly designed Web page - www.elca.org/peacenotwalls/resources - you can find:
• a new flier describing ideas for congregations to engage in the Holy Land;
• downloadable fliers from theELCJHL
• user guides that suggest a format for educational sessions for:
-a single adult forum;
-a three-part adult forum;
-a single youth forum;
-a single young adult forum;
-a single forum for women;
-a single forum on Holy Land travel resources; and
-a single forum on theological issues.
Other organizations and denominations have produced resources that are helpful but that may notcompletely reflect ELCA positions:
• The DVD “New Hope for Peace: What America Must Do to End the Israel-Palestine Conflict” tells the story of our American statesmen: Jimmy Carter, James Baker, Brent Scowcroft and Zbigniew Brzezinski. You can preview the video at YouTube. [To receive a free copy, contact the Foundation for Middle East Peace - http://www.fmep.org/resources/publications-1/new-hope-for-peace-what-america-must-do-to-end-the-israel-palestine-conflict]
• “Steadfast Hope: The Palestinian Quest for Just Peace,” produced by the Israel/Palestine Mission Network of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), is a 44-page booklet containing an 80-minute DVD in eight chapters. [You can view the video and download fact sheets at this link: http://www.israelpalestinemissionnetwork.org/hope.php]
Seed for the Parish is sent to ELCA congregational leaders six times a year.
--- --- ---
To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, go the the blog: A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.blogspot.voicesforpeace.com/
Monday, March 15, 2010
An accompanier in Bethlehem reports: What Olive Trees?...
What Olive Trees?...
A new report posted by an Ecumenical Accompanier in Bethlehem is available at the World Council of Churches website: http://www.oikoumene.org/en/events-sections/wwppi/blog-its-time-to-speak-out.html
BETHLEHEM: Israeli Military bull-dozers recently rolled into Beit Jala and flattened anything and everything in their path. One would have to have been blind not to see the destruction the bull-dozers were causing as they uprooted one olive tree after another. Home owners were trying to replant some of the trees and cut up others to salvage what wood they could, but the bull-dozers marched onward. We had been notified by our local contacts that a demonstration would take place the following day in support of the people who were losing trees and land in this operation. The first family, whose house we stopped at, had lost part of its land the previous day, swing sets and other garden furniture had been salvaged and moved closer to the house. When we arrived the owner showed us what was left of an olive tree which had been uprooted for the sake of the separation wall.
We walked back to the other side of the highway where the bull-dozers were moving very fast up a hill taking down tree after tree. Demonstrators scrambled down the hill to meet the heavy equipment. Two young men sat down and had to be forcibly removed by the army. Another group of protesters sat under an olive tree until the army pressured them to move up the hill. It was sad to watch the local residents, the owners of the trees, watching the army take down what they had spent years building up. All we could do was be there, witness, photograph, and tell their stories.
We later heard that that the Israeli court ruled that the route of the Wall in this area as illegal and ordered the destruction to come to a halt! But who knows for how long?
Another report from Bethlehem, "Some millimeters from death,' is at this link: http://www.oikoumene.org/en/events-sections/wwppi/blog-its-time-to-speak-out.html?tx_wecdiscussion%5Bsingle%5D=2040
For more about the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel, see the US website: http://www.eappi-us.org/
--- --- ---
To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, go the the blog: A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.blogspot.voicesforpeace.com/
A new report posted by an Ecumenical Accompanier in Bethlehem is available at the World Council of Churches website: http://www.oikoumene.org/en/events-sections/wwppi/blog-its-time-to-speak-out.html
BETHLEHEM: Israeli Military bull-dozers recently rolled into Beit Jala and flattened anything and everything in their path. One would have to have been blind not to see the destruction the bull-dozers were causing as they uprooted one olive tree after another. Home owners were trying to replant some of the trees and cut up others to salvage what wood they could, but the bull-dozers marched onward. We had been notified by our local contacts that a demonstration would take place the following day in support of the people who were losing trees and land in this operation. The first family, whose house we stopped at, had lost part of its land the previous day, swing sets and other garden furniture had been salvaged and moved closer to the house. When we arrived the owner showed us what was left of an olive tree which had been uprooted for the sake of the separation wall.
We walked back to the other side of the highway where the bull-dozers were moving very fast up a hill taking down tree after tree. Demonstrators scrambled down the hill to meet the heavy equipment. Two young men sat down and had to be forcibly removed by the army. Another group of protesters sat under an olive tree until the army pressured them to move up the hill. It was sad to watch the local residents, the owners of the trees, watching the army take down what they had spent years building up. All we could do was be there, witness, photograph, and tell their stories.
We later heard that that the Israeli court ruled that the route of the Wall in this area as illegal and ordered the destruction to come to a halt! But who knows for how long?
Another report from Bethlehem, "Some millimeters from death,' is at this link: http://www.oikoumene.org/en/events-sections/wwppi/blog-its-time-to-speak-out.html?tx_wecdiscussion%5Bsingle%5D=2040
For more about the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel, see the US website: http://www.eappi-us.org/
--- --- ---
To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, go the the blog: A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.blogspot.voicesforpeace.com/
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Christian Leaders from Bethlehem visiting the USA
Charles Lutz, CMEP representative in the Twin Cities, provided a report on Pastor Mitri Raheb's activities in the USA last week.
Christian Leaders from Bethlehem on US Speaking Tour
The Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, pastor of Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, Palestine, [http://www.elcjhl.org/cong/bethlehem/] spent the first week of March in Minnesota speaking in more than a score of church and academic settings.
A theological scholar and founder of numerous creative ministries serving Palestinians in the greater Bethlehem community, Pastor Raheb’s visit was organized by the Minneapolis and St. Paul Area Synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
About 1,000 professional leaders and lay persons from the two synods heard his exploration of the Israel/Palestine conflict “through the eyes of a Palestinian Christian.”
Pastor Raheb met with students in classes at Concordia University and Luther Seminary in St. Paul and Augsburg College in Minneapolis. At those three Lutheran educational institutions he also preached in chapel services. At the end of the week he gave two days to presentations at the Nobel Peace Prize Forum and Festival at Augsburg College. And he met with groups from two local churches, one Lutheran and one Presbyterian, in Minneapolis.
Perhaps the week’s most memorable word from Raheb came during a Peace Prize Forum panel discussion on Interfaith Conversations and Peacemaking. Reflectting on the role of religion in the Israel-Palestine conflict, he said, “We have too much religion in the Holy Land. God must be looking down and saying, ‘Give me a break!’ "
Enroute to his Minnesota visit, Pastor Raheb was in Washington, D.C., where he spoke at the National Prayer Breakfast and visited Congressional offices and the State Department. After leaving Minnesota he spent a day at Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska.
Dr. Nuha Khoury, a colleague of Pastor Raheb, was present for the latter half of the week in Minnesota. She met with academic administrators from nearly a dozen Lutheran colleges of the Upper Midwest region, discussing possible links with Dar al-Kalima College in Bethlehem [http://www.college.daralkalima.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=38&Itemid=45].
Dr. Khoury is dean of that newly established school, sponsored by Christmas Lutheran Church with a focus on training professionals in media, music, and the arts. Dr. Khoury also spoke to several congregation groups.
For information about how to support the college and other scholarships, see the link to "Bright Stars of Bethlehem" - http://www.brightstarsbethlehem.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2&Itemid=4
--- --- ---
To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, go the the blog: A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.blogspot.voicesforpeace.com/
Christian Leaders from Bethlehem on US Speaking Tour
The Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, pastor of Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, Palestine, [http://www.elcjhl.org/cong/bethlehem/] spent the first week of March in Minnesota speaking in more than a score of church and academic settings.
A theological scholar and founder of numerous creative ministries serving Palestinians in the greater Bethlehem community, Pastor Raheb’s visit was organized by the Minneapolis and St. Paul Area Synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
About 1,000 professional leaders and lay persons from the two synods heard his exploration of the Israel/Palestine conflict “through the eyes of a Palestinian Christian.”
Pastor Raheb met with students in classes at Concordia University and Luther Seminary in St. Paul and Augsburg College in Minneapolis. At those three Lutheran educational institutions he also preached in chapel services. At the end of the week he gave two days to presentations at the Nobel Peace Prize Forum and Festival at Augsburg College. And he met with groups from two local churches, one Lutheran and one Presbyterian, in Minneapolis.
Perhaps the week’s most memorable word from Raheb came during a Peace Prize Forum panel discussion on Interfaith Conversations and Peacemaking. Reflectting on the role of religion in the Israel-Palestine conflict, he said, “We have too much religion in the Holy Land. God must be looking down and saying, ‘Give me a break!’ "
Enroute to his Minnesota visit, Pastor Raheb was in Washington, D.C., where he spoke at the National Prayer Breakfast and visited Congressional offices and the State Department. After leaving Minnesota he spent a day at Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska.
Dr. Nuha Khoury, a colleague of Pastor Raheb, was present for the latter half of the week in Minnesota. She met with academic administrators from nearly a dozen Lutheran colleges of the Upper Midwest region, discussing possible links with Dar al-Kalima College in Bethlehem [http://www.college.daralkalima.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=38&Itemid=45].
Dr. Khoury is dean of that newly established school, sponsored by Christmas Lutheran Church with a focus on training professionals in media, music, and the arts. Dr. Khoury also spoke to several congregation groups.
For information about how to support the college and other scholarships, see the link to "Bright Stars of Bethlehem" - http://www.brightstarsbethlehem.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2&Itemid=4
--- --- ---
To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, go the the blog: A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.blogspot.voicesforpeace.com/
Monday, March 8, 2010
ELCA updates Peace Not Walls website and Kairos Palestine resources
The Peace Not Walls website of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's (ELCA) has been updated with some very helpful additions.
A new Situation Update page provides information from excellent sources: http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Peace-Not-Walls/Situation-Update.aspx
Detailed reports of background and actions taken at each ELCA churchwide assembly, 2005-9 are at this link: http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Peace-Not-Walls/Background.aspx
Here is where to find an expanded timeline: http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Peace-Not-Walls/Background/Timeline.aspx
Lenten resources are at this link: http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Peace-Not-Walls/Resources/Worship.aspx
A new page provides Holy Land worship resources: http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Peace-Not-Walls/Resources/Worship/Resorces-From-Holy-Land.aspx
Links to the ELCA Selective Purchasing Policy Guide (and developing a purchasing policy regarding the Middle East) are at these links - http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Peace-Not-Walls/Get-Involved.aspx
and http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Peace-Not-Walls/What-We-Do/Our-Positions.aspx
Update on Palestine Kairos Explore the Kairos Palestine statement at the Kairos website: http://www.kairospalestine.ps/
From the ELCA, online resources are available for reading and interpreting "A moment of truth: A word of faith and hope from the heart of Palestinian suffering" at this link - http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Peace-Not-Walls/Palestine-Kairos-Document-Initiative.aspx
You are encouraged to plan discussions of this document in your local settings, as happened recently at the National Cathedral in Washington. This document contains what ELCA staff call "both richly helpful and potentially controversial topics." Please see the ELCA staff comments posted on the above page as one guide to receiving this call from Palestinian Christian leaders.
From ELCA staff: "It would be a mistake to assume that the Kairos authors want readers to take note of only any one particular issue from their statement, such as the call for boycott, divestment, and sanctions. Equally important is the call to American Christians to speak out against the realities of the occupation and to work faithfully to provide alternatives to American theologies that are used to legitimize the occupation and even 'population transfer'."
Explore all aspects of the ELCA's campaign, Peace Not Walls - Stand for Justice in the Holy Land, at the website: http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Peace-Not-Walls.aspx
--- --- ---
To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, go the the blog: A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace, http://www.blogspot.voicesforpeace.com/
A new Situation Update page provides information from excellent sources: http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Peace-Not-Walls/Situation-Update.aspx
Detailed reports of background and actions taken at each ELCA churchwide assembly, 2005-9 are at this link: http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Peace-Not-Walls/Background.aspx
Here is where to find an expanded timeline: http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Peace-Not-Walls/Background/Timeline.aspx
Lenten resources are at this link: http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Peace-Not-Walls/Resources/Worship.aspx
A new page provides Holy Land worship resources: http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Peace-Not-Walls/Resources/Worship/Resorces-From-Holy-Land.aspx
Links to the ELCA Selective Purchasing Policy Guide (and developing a purchasing policy regarding the Middle East) are at these links - http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Peace-Not-Walls/Get-Involved.aspx
and http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Peace-Not-Walls/What-We-Do/Our-Positions.aspx
Update on Palestine Kairos Explore the Kairos Palestine statement at the Kairos website: http://www.kairospalestine.ps/
From the ELCA, online resources are available for reading and interpreting "A moment of truth: A word of faith and hope from the heart of Palestinian suffering" at this link - http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Peace-Not-Walls/Palestine-Kairos-Document-Initiative.aspx
You are encouraged to plan discussions of this document in your local settings, as happened recently at the National Cathedral in Washington. This document contains what ELCA staff call "both richly helpful and potentially controversial topics." Please see the ELCA staff comments posted on the above page as one guide to receiving this call from Palestinian Christian leaders.
From ELCA staff: "It would be a mistake to assume that the Kairos authors want readers to take note of only any one particular issue from their statement, such as the call for boycott, divestment, and sanctions. Equally important is the call to American Christians to speak out against the realities of the occupation and to work faithfully to provide alternatives to American theologies that are used to legitimize the occupation and even 'population transfer'."
Explore all aspects of the ELCA's campaign, Peace Not Walls - Stand for Justice in the Holy Land, at the website: http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Peace-Not-Walls.aspx
--- --- ---
To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, go the the blog: A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace, http://www.blogspot.voicesforpeace.com/
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
CMEP: Christians Should Work With Jews for Holy Land Peace
Feb. 26, 2010
[Your blogger has added some links]
Christians Should Work With Jews for Holy Land Peace
From the Desk of Warren Clark, Executive Director
Churches for Middle East Peace - http://www.cmep.org/
I just spent an exhilarating and instructive week in Israel, the Palestinian Territories and Jordan with a Congressional Delegation (CODEL) co-sponsored by Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) and the J Street Education Fund. The delegation was led by Congressman Bill Delahunt (D-MA) and included Congresswoman Lois Capps (D-CA), Congressman Donald Payne(D-NJ), Congressman Bob Filner(D-CA), and Congresswoman Mary Jo Kilroy (D-OH).
The itinerary was drawn up to give Members of Congress a comprehensive view of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from a variety of perspectives - from the highest levels of Israeli, Palestinian and Jordanian political leadership to a wide spectrum of officials, civil society leaders, and opinion leaders on all sides. Often visitors to the Holy Land see only one side of the conflict, while of course there are many narratives and perspectives. To be effective advocates for peace, there is no substitute for firsthand experience with the complexities of the conflict.
Those with whom we met included His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan, Prime Minister Salam Fayyad of the Palestinian Authority, the Deputy Prime Minister of Israel Dan Meridor, members of the Knesset, the US Ambassador in Tel Aviv, the US Consul General in Jerusalem, Tzipi Livni who is head of the Kadima Party and Leader of Opposition in the Knesset, Lutheran Bishop Munib Younan and Armenian Archbishop Sharvanian, the CEO of Augusta Victoria Hospital [http://lwfjerusalem.org/projects/avh/], the Chair of the Israeli Settlers Association, the US Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority General Dayton, the President of the New Israel Fund, the Director of UNRWA in Gaza [http://www.unrwa.org/etemplate.php?id=64 , the Mayor of Sderot, Gilad Shalit's father, and the head of Microsoft R&D in Israel.
Most spoke from their own perspective of the urgent need to end this terrible conflict as soon as possible. The problem is of course how to get there. In the short run, Vice President Biden is expected in the region in early March and an Arab League summit in Libya is scheduled for April. Several persons expressed the hope that the Biden visit and the approaching summit will motivate the two sides to agree to start comprehensive talks. Remembering years of unsuccessful negotiations during the 1990s while Israeli settlements expanded dramatically in the Palestinian territories, Palestinians have refused to start talks as long as settlement construction continues. Memories of terror attacks during the second intifada still undermine confidence. George Mitchell has the difficult task of persuading both sides that this pattern can be broken. For that reason, there is talk that negotiations initially may be triangular, with Mitchell and his team playing an intermediary role as a broker in order to build confidence that negotiations can and will have real results.
Yet behind these efforts is the feeling by some that the status quo in Israel is comfortable and there is little reason to undertake the short term costs of change, even though continued unilateral Israeli rule over Palestinians threatens Israel's future as a democratic Jewish state. There is need for a significant change in the political environment and expectations that the status quo cannot remain. That will be the task of the U.S. negotiators over the next year.
The announced Israeli ten month settlement freeze in new construction in the West Bank that expires in September of this year can play an important role in bringing about change in the political environment. The announcement itself sparked resistance from settler groups who fear that a temporary freeze may become permanent. The September deadline also will motivate Palestinian negotiators who will not want to be blamed for an end of the freeze because of lack of real ongoing negotiations.
What captured public attention about the visit last week was press reports that the Foreign Ministry had issued a "boycott" order, saying the US CODEL should not be received by high level officials because J Street - and CMEP - are "anti-Israeli". This led to an indignant press conference by the CODEL and later an apology from the Foreign Ministry.
Details of the event and links to press reports are at http://www.jstreet.org/blog/?p=849. What is significant about this incident, I believe, is not so much the obtuseness of the political party now running the Foreign Ministry, but greater recognition that it is legitimate for friends of Israel sometimes to not agree with policies of a particular political coalition or party. In the U.S., conservative groups and AIPAC can no longer claim to be the sole voice of those supporting Israel.
CMEP's grassroots support has increased dramatically in recent years. The greater the role we play, the more push back we can expect from those attached to the status quo. Much work remans to be done to organize public opinion nationally behind strong U.S. leadership for a two state agreement.
CMEP, J Street and other groups share the objective of a viable Palestinian state living side by side in peace with a secure Israel. Christian groups and others interested in effective political advocacy for peace should seek opportunities to work together with the growing number of like-minded persons in the American Jewish and Arab-American communities.
--- --- ---
To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, go the the blog: A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.blogspot.voicesforpeace.com/
[Your blogger has added some links]
Christians Should Work With Jews for Holy Land Peace
From the Desk of Warren Clark, Executive Director
Churches for Middle East Peace - http://www.cmep.org/
I just spent an exhilarating and instructive week in Israel, the Palestinian Territories and Jordan with a Congressional Delegation (CODEL) co-sponsored by Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) and the J Street Education Fund. The delegation was led by Congressman Bill Delahunt (D-MA) and included Congresswoman Lois Capps (D-CA), Congressman Donald Payne(D-NJ), Congressman Bob Filner(D-CA), and Congresswoman Mary Jo Kilroy (D-OH).
The itinerary was drawn up to give Members of Congress a comprehensive view of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from a variety of perspectives - from the highest levels of Israeli, Palestinian and Jordanian political leadership to a wide spectrum of officials, civil society leaders, and opinion leaders on all sides. Often visitors to the Holy Land see only one side of the conflict, while of course there are many narratives and perspectives. To be effective advocates for peace, there is no substitute for firsthand experience with the complexities of the conflict.
Those with whom we met included His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan, Prime Minister Salam Fayyad of the Palestinian Authority, the Deputy Prime Minister of Israel Dan Meridor, members of the Knesset, the US Ambassador in Tel Aviv, the US Consul General in Jerusalem, Tzipi Livni who is head of the Kadima Party and Leader of Opposition in the Knesset, Lutheran Bishop Munib Younan and Armenian Archbishop Sharvanian, the CEO of Augusta Victoria Hospital [http://lwfjerusalem.org/projects/avh/], the Chair of the Israeli Settlers Association, the US Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority General Dayton, the President of the New Israel Fund, the Director of UNRWA in Gaza [http://www.unrwa.org/etemplate.php?id=64 , the Mayor of Sderot, Gilad Shalit's father, and the head of Microsoft R&D in Israel.
Most spoke from their own perspective of the urgent need to end this terrible conflict as soon as possible. The problem is of course how to get there. In the short run, Vice President Biden is expected in the region in early March and an Arab League summit in Libya is scheduled for April. Several persons expressed the hope that the Biden visit and the approaching summit will motivate the two sides to agree to start comprehensive talks. Remembering years of unsuccessful negotiations during the 1990s while Israeli settlements expanded dramatically in the Palestinian territories, Palestinians have refused to start talks as long as settlement construction continues. Memories of terror attacks during the second intifada still undermine confidence. George Mitchell has the difficult task of persuading both sides that this pattern can be broken. For that reason, there is talk that negotiations initially may be triangular, with Mitchell and his team playing an intermediary role as a broker in order to build confidence that negotiations can and will have real results.
Yet behind these efforts is the feeling by some that the status quo in Israel is comfortable and there is little reason to undertake the short term costs of change, even though continued unilateral Israeli rule over Palestinians threatens Israel's future as a democratic Jewish state. There is need for a significant change in the political environment and expectations that the status quo cannot remain. That will be the task of the U.S. negotiators over the next year.
The announced Israeli ten month settlement freeze in new construction in the West Bank that expires in September of this year can play an important role in bringing about change in the political environment. The announcement itself sparked resistance from settler groups who fear that a temporary freeze may become permanent. The September deadline also will motivate Palestinian negotiators who will not want to be blamed for an end of the freeze because of lack of real ongoing negotiations.
What captured public attention about the visit last week was press reports that the Foreign Ministry had issued a "boycott" order, saying the US CODEL should not be received by high level officials because J Street - and CMEP - are "anti-Israeli". This led to an indignant press conference by the CODEL and later an apology from the Foreign Ministry.
Details of the event and links to press reports are at http://www.jstreet.org/blog/?p=849. What is significant about this incident, I believe, is not so much the obtuseness of the political party now running the Foreign Ministry, but greater recognition that it is legitimate for friends of Israel sometimes to not agree with policies of a particular political coalition or party. In the U.S., conservative groups and AIPAC can no longer claim to be the sole voice of those supporting Israel.
CMEP's grassroots support has increased dramatically in recent years. The greater the role we play, the more push back we can expect from those attached to the status quo. Much work remans to be done to organize public opinion nationally behind strong U.S. leadership for a two state agreement.
CMEP, J Street and other groups share the objective of a viable Palestinian state living side by side in peace with a secure Israel. Christian groups and others interested in effective political advocacy for peace should seek opportunities to work together with the growing number of like-minded persons in the American Jewish and Arab-American communities.
--- --- ---
To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, go the the blog: A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.blogspot.voicesforpeace.com/
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