Israel’s new government isn’t a unity coalition. It’s a monster

From Middle East Eye: Billed as an emergency administration to combat coronavirus, this latest line-up just uses Gantz as a fig leaf for annexation

Sabeel-Kairos joins 15 other organisations in joint statement to UK Government

A group of leading organisations working on justice and peace in Palestine and Israel have issued a joint statement urging the UK Government to challenge the US ‘Peace Plan’. Read the full statement below.

International Group of Bishops Stand in Solidarity with Israel and Palestine

Holy Land Coordination

We must not ignore the voice of people in the Holy Land

Every year we come to encounter and hear the people of the Holy Land. We are inspired by their enduring resilience and faith in a worsening situation. (more…)

Reflections from Palestine – Charlotte Marshall

It was a privilege and pleasure to spend 9 days in Palestine at the beginning of December, celebrating the 10^th anniversary since the launch of the Kairos document ‘A Moment of Truth’ and the first ‘international Gathering’ organised by Sabeel Jerusalem. (more…)

Kairos Palestine 10th Anniversary Conference – Call to the Church November 29, 2019

Conference Statement & Call to the Church
November 29, 2019

Meeting in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, we are over 350 persons— women and men, young and old, lay and clergy, Palestinians and friends from all over the world—reaching out to the Church on the Tenth Anniversary of Kairos Palestine: A Moment of Truth. (more…)

Kairos Palestine Statement on the U.S Secretary of State legalizing settlements

November 21, 2019

Kairos Palestine expresses deep disappointment that U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has announced—in a statement that disregards the Geneva Conventions, international law and widespread global consensus—a radical departure from U.S. policy regarding the illegal colonial activities of the State of Israel. 

Sabeel-Kairos statement on the Methodist Church response to Memorials M37-50 on the situation in Israel/Palestine

This year 12 Methodist Circuits and 5 Synods across Britain submitted a Memorial to Methodist Conference pertaining to the deteriorating situation in Israel/Palestine, and the need for the Church to take concrete actions to end any complicity in the occupation. In this report we analyse the events leading up to the conference, and the response of the Methodist Church to this groundswell of support for Palestine from it’s members.

UK Parliamentarians urge immediate publication of a database listing companies involved in settlement-related activities

UK Parliamentarians urge immediate publication of a database listing companies involved in settlement-related activities that infringes human rights of Palestinians.

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British Parliamentarians demand British Prime Minister act robustly to any Israeli annexation of Occupied Palestinian Territory

108 British Parliamentarians demand British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson act robustly to any Israeli annexation of Occupied Palestinian Territory. In the letter, sent from the Britain-Palestine All-Party Parliamentary Group, the Parliamentarians insisted that the British Government andd its partners in Europe should respond robustly to demonstrate that flouting international law will have serious consequences for their relationship with Israel, just as there were consequences for Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014.

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Kairos Palestine release statement on House Demolitions

Kairos Palestine’s statement on House Demolitions Perpetrated by the Israeli Occupation Authorities

Everywhere, and throughout the occupied Palestinian Territories, the Israeli authorities demolish the houses of Palestinians, which the international law stipulates that they be protected and preserved by the occupying authority. In violation to the said law and to implement colonial plans, the Israeli authorities demolish houses, confiscate lands and build settlements on their ruins.

In 2018, the Israeli authorities demolished 2775 Bedouins’ houses in the Negev. People resisted such measures and had their homes rebuilt. The town of al-Araqib, for example, was demolished and rebuilt 145 times. The Jahalin Bedouins of East Jerusalem have suffered a similar ordeal.

In Sourbaher, east of Jerusalem, dozens of houses that existed for years were demolished weeks ago. In Jerusalem, houses have been demolished under the pretext of not having a building permit, or with the intention of displacing the Palestinian population and Judaizing the Holy City. Very recently, a house and a restaurant of a Christian family, in Beit-Jala (Bethlehem area), were demolished according to an arbitrary court decision. The court ruled that the land of this Christian family, inherited from their ancestors, through generations, was not their own. It ordered that the house and restaurant be demolished and the property transferred to the settlers.

Justifications for such actions may include: Violating the laws of the planning department, lack of building permits, or reprisals against individual Palestinian militant attacks on Israeli targets. Indeed, the Israelis impose collective punishment on the families and relatives of militants by demolishing their houses.

A family house is sacred as much as the family. It is a sacred place exactly as a place of worship. People work hard and for their entire life to have their own house built. Yet, it is demolished simply because of an arbitrary and inhumane military decision. The Israelis build settlements in violation to international laws, to the law of nature and to God’s commandments. God said: do not steal. The settlers law says: steal any Palestinian land to build a settlement. Indeed, the houses of settlers are constructed on confiscated i.e. stolen Palestinian land.

We are aware of the fact that we are addressing people with a hard heart, when it comes to the demolition of Palestinian houses. Hearts as hard as their bulldozers that demolish constructed Palestinian houses, resulting in the displacement of thousands of people and depriving them from a home. Their main goal is to compel Palestinians to go away, in every possible way. Houses’ demolitions are one way. Our only sin is that we are in our houses and our land. Their real wish for us is not to exist.

The strength of the weak confronting the oppressor is simply in their natural rights, in remaining steadfast even on the ruins of their houses and against the will of those who wish them to go or not to exist.

The weak’s strength is in God, as says the Psalm: “The needy is not forgotten forever, not for ever does the hope of the poor come to nothing (Ps 9:18), and also: :For he rescues the needy who calls to him, and the poor who has no one to help. ³ He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the needy from death” (Ps 71: 12-13).

Israel’s survival depends on justice and peace. The power of injustice and weapon does not guarantee survival, nor does it work in confronting people living in their land and homes. Demolition of Palestinian houses and racist statements on the part of some Israeli officials or rabbis are lately getting aggravated. Such racist statements are being instilled in the mind of young generations. The only way for Israel’s survival is justice, and respect of the indigenous owners of the land, whatever has been the history.

We address the state of Israel with a genuine word of truth: It is God’s law that preserves and protects, but laws of demolition can only lead to the demolition of the lawmaker himself. Israelis should always remember that they are the creation of God, and that Palestinians are the creation of God too. In order to guarantee their security, future and survival, Israeli’s must deal with Palestinians on the basis of the God given equality and dignity.

Sabeel-Kairos and partners letter of support to Kairos Palestine

Sabeel-Kairos have written a letter of support to Kairos Palestine. The letter comes following the German Bundestag’s passage of a resolution condemning the International Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement (BDS) and equating it with anti-Semitism.

In the letter we express our unequivocal solidarity with the Kairos Palestine Movement and join in condemnation of human rights violations and discriminatory measures under the brutal occupation. We condemn the many atrocities being committed by the Israeli regime and express our deep regret that the Bundestag will help to put Israel above the law.

We join Kairos Palestine is urging the German Bundestag to review its faulty and racist resolution and, instead, issue a call for peace with justice that restores their long-lost justice.

The letter has been written on behalf of Sabeel-Kairos staff, Board of Trustees, Associated churches, communities and individuals

Reflections on Gaza by Patriarch Michel Sabbah

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Quakers will not profit from the occupation of Palestine

Quakers in Britain has today become the first church in the UK to announce it will not invest any of its centrally-held funds in companies profiting from the occupation of Palestine.

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Kumi Now – let us rise up together

Message from Sabeel about their exciting new project:

Dear Friends,

Indeed it is a difficult time for Palestinians, the situation is dire, and this is unacceptable, it’s time for change we must overcome.

We Palestinians are blessed with many friends around the world who are prophetic voices, and courageously stand with our plight for freedom. We get our strength and power from people like you.

The time has come, we have unified voices from different organizations which reflect the diversity of our friends and human rights advocates to continue to struggle until the light of justice shines.

Today, the 8th of October, we are announcing a world-wide initiative which will launch on the 21st of October with direct actions. To date we have dozens of organizations participating.

We call on you to join this initiative, spread the word, and help to lift the spirits of activists up, we continue to challenge the powerful and there is no turning back.

It is now time to Rise Up!

To join, go to http://www.kuminow.com/ where you can watch a short introduction, read about the project and, most importantly, join the initiative so we can all rise up together.

Kumi Team- rising up together

October 2018

Greenbelt: Acts of the Imagination

You may not think that cooking a seabass would be a natural entry point to talking about the illegal blockade on Gaza and discussing the call to stop Arming Israel, but we discovered at Greenbelt that it was the most perfect way to bring people to the table to enjoy Palestinian culture and food while talking about the very difficult situation there.

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Rev Naim Ateek’s Statement on Israel’s Nation State Law, 8th August 2018

Henry Siegman, a former National Director of the American Jewish Congress said, “Israel has crossed the threshold from ‘the only democracy in the Middle East to the only apartheid regime in the Western world.’”

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Salute to Presbyterian Church USA

Statement from Kairos Palestine, 25th June 2018

Jerusalem, 25, June 2018, The board, staff and supporters of Kairos Palestine and the members of Global Kairos for Justice coalition celebrate the historic pro-justice actions taken by the Presbyterian Church(USA) at its 223^rd General Assembly meeting just days ago. We offer our profound thanks to staff, commissioners and advisory delegates of the PC(USA), and to its mission network, the Israel/Palestine Mission Network of the Presbyterian Church (USA) (www.theipmn.org) which worked tirelessly to bring a slate of resolutions to the church’s assembly gathered in St. Louis.

A long-time partner of Kairos Palestine, the PC(USA) was among the first denominations to commend for study the Kairos Palestine document (http://www.kairospalestine.ps/index.php/about-us/kairos-palestine-document) and to endorse the document’s emphases on hope for justice, nonviolence resistance, liberation and reconciliation.

The many resolutions that were overwhelmingly passed include:

• Condemnation of the recent violence directed against Palestinians during the Great March of Return in Gaza;
• A renewal of the church’s call for an end to the decade-old Israeli blockade of Gaza;
• Opposition to U.S. federal and state laws designed to suppress Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) in support of Palestinian human rights;
• A call to RE/MAX, LLC to do “everything within its legal and moral power” to stop facilitating the sale and rental of properties in Israeli settlements built on occupied Palestinian land;
• A call for the use of diplomatic tools by the government of the United States to bring Israel into full compliance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by granting full equality to its citizens who are Palestinian, by “changing its laws, policies, and practices that favor its Jewish citizens and discriminate against its Christian and Muslim citizens and other ethnic minorities”;
• Opposition to Israel’s illegal annexation of Jerusalem.

The resolutions passed following powerful support from local and visiting Palestinians, Black Lives Matter leaders, Friends of Sabeel North America, U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Equal Rights, American Muslims for Palestine, St. Louis Palestine Solidarity Committee, Palestinian Christian Alliance for Peace, St. Louis Jewish Voice for Peace, National Christian Coalition Organizations in Palestine (NCCOP), Kairos Palestine and others.

Because of partners like you, we may be “hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Cor. 4:8-9)

Kairos Palestine

Palestinian woman shot dead during protest near Gaza fence

Palestinian health ministry reports Razan al-Najjar, 21, was shot by Israeli soldiers near Khan Yunis on Friday

Agence France-Presse writes in The Guardian on Friday 1st June 2018

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STOP THE MASSACRE! FREEDOM AND JUSTICE FOR THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE! An Appeal from World Student Christian Federation and the Palestine Youth Ecumenical Movement

Since March 30th, the people of Gaza have been exercising their right to protest by marching for the right to return to their homes. The homes from which they were forcefully expelled to make room for the state of Israel. (more…)

The Guardian view on Gaza shootings: stop killing unarmed civilians | Editorial

Channelling a reckless Donald Trump, Israeli ministers appear to have adopted a dangerous mindset: to destroy the national aspirations of the Palestinians by military force

The Guardian, Monday 14th May 2018

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US ‘blocks UN motion’ calling for investigation into Israeli killing of Gaza protesters

Proposed UN Security Council statement expressed ‘outrage and sorrow’ at Israel’s shooting of Palestinian demonstrators and demanded ‘independent and transparent’ probe

Chris Baynes writes in The Independent Tuesday 15th May 2018

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Middle East Nakba day: Palestinians prepare for more Gaza protests as Israel faces international condemnation over border violence

Gazans, desperate after more than a decade of a crippling Israeli blockade, expected to throw themselves at border fence again despite bloodshed in yesterday’s protests

Bethan McKernan writes in The Independent on Tuesday 15th May

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Israeli forces kill dozens of Palestinians in protests as US embassy opens in Jerusalem – as it happened

Follow latest developments as 52 Palestinians killed and hundreds wounded in protests in Gaza and West Bank over moving US embassy to Jerusalem

Follow live updates on the situation from The Guardian

Photo: Mohammed Saber/EPA

Tens of Thousands Attend Funerals for 60 Gazans Killed in Border Protests | LIVE UPDATES

U.S. blocks Security Council statement calling to investigate Israel over protest death toll ■ Former CIA chief, Congressmen condemn Israeli use of excessive force ■ Israeli army deploys for second day of projected mayhem

Follow live updates on the situation from Haaretz. 

Photo: THOMAS COEX/AFP

Death, division and denial as US embassy opens in Jerusalem

Trump applauds ‘a great day for Israel’ as hail of bullets kills dozens of Palestinian protestors

Simon Tisdall writes in The Guardian Monday 14th May 2018 (more…)

Israeli forces kill dozens of Palestinians in Gaza ‘massacre’

Highest Palestinian death toll in a day since rallies dubbed the Great March of Return began at the fence with Israel.

In pictures from Al Jazeera, Monday 14th May 2018

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Order your ‘Nakba Doll’ today: The Fabric of Our Lives

Around 700,000 people fled their homes during the Nakba (Catastrophe).  Many are still living in refugee camps throughout the Middle East.  To commemorate those who fled and the villages that were destroyed in 1948 the YWCA of Palestine has sought out some of the women who escaped and documented their story in a project called ‘Fabric of Our Lives’, each represented by a unique doll.  Each of these ‘Nakba Dolls’, hand carved form Palestinian olive wood, is wearing a thob (Palestinian embroidered dress) that is traditional to one of the destroyed villages.  These dolls not only tell the story of displacement and dispossession through a female perspective they also provide employment opportunities for refugee women today who make the dolls.  Please help these women’s stories be heard and let these villages be remembered by buying a doll. 

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The Palestinian People are Committed to Seeking Freedom

We are a collection of Palestinian groups and civil society organizations. We address our call to the Palestinian Authority, all Palestinian leaders, Israel, the American administration, the Arab states, the international community, and to all those of good will who support us in seeking our freedom and independence. We issue a call of peace and love, a strong call that stems from the strength of our belief in God, his righteousness and his love for all mankind, at a time when we see that the potential to achieve our cause, i.e. our demand for freedom and independence, is diminishing. The American administration has disregarded our history and our rights in Jerusalem, our city of our prayer and faith, and the capital of our state. Israel is determined to maintain its military occupation over us, particularly in the siege imposed on Gaza, and is supported by the American administration which says that it will present “the deal of the century” to us.

In response, the masses in Gaza are resorting to peace as an effective weapon by organizing peaceful marches in which thousands are taking part. These activities have been ongoing since Land Day on Friday March 30th. This weapon is what the Sabeel-Kairos “moment of truth” document called for to highlight steadfastness, resist the occupation, and demand our freedom: peace is the only weapon we can use to achieve this.

The power of this new weapon became apparent as Israel tried to transform it into violent confrontation by the use of violence in which they killed unarmed civilians and injured thousands. Nevertheless, the peaceful demonstrations have continued.

Israeli and American pressure on Arab countries has attempted to force the Palestinians to stop their peaceful demonstrations. For our part, and on the basis of our vision of faith and God’s love and righteousness for every human being, we urge all Palestinians to continue their peaceful march. Their lack of arms makes them strong as they seek life, freedom and equality. We call on the thousands to continue their peaceful marches in Gaza and in all West Bank regions.

We direct our call to the Palestinian leadership and tell them to be united. The search for freedom does not permit further divisions and splits. Let these demonstrations unite the hearts of all; let them unite those in charge in all factions and unite officials and the people.

We call on Israel and the American administration to respond positively to the call for peace disseminated by these peaceful marches. Rather than viewing them as a threat, they actually offer a way out of the crisis that we have reached with you. Heed the cries of the oppressed, of the people whose freedom you deny, and who were displaced from their land, villages and houses. Change your outlook: maintaining life is more beneficial than creating death.

The American administration says that it will present us with the ‘deal of the century, but by taking Jerusalem from its Palestinian people and placing it under Israeli sovereignty, it is making this deal the beginning of a fresh injustice.

Pressure is also increasing on Arab countries to force Palestinian leaders to accept the “deal of the century” with some modifications. Based on our rights and love for every human being, we say let the people declare the injustices they face until the conscience is stirred of all those in Israel and Palestine, and the world wakes up. We call on the Palestinian Authority to be strong and steadfast in the face of all pressure and solutions that create fresh injustice for the Palestinian people. In particular we state that we do not trust promises given by the strong. We know that the strong have not met their promises in the past and will not fulfill new promises in the future. The “deal of the century” should start with Israel and the American administration recognizing Palestinian inalienable rights. At that point, negotiations may start. Without this clear and binding condition, negotiations, promises and the deal of the century will be no more than a new means of maintaining injustice, depriving us of our freedom, and subjecting us to occupation and racist discrimination.

To Israel and the American administration we repeat that we are committed to our demand for freedom. Our only weapon is peace and your peaceful response is the only source of security for you. You may want to keep us in slavery but we will remain steadfast and say no to slavery. We are confident that the time will come when you recover your conscience, reinstate your human dignity, and look at the Palestinian people as human beings with whom can live in security, justice, peace and equality rather than people you seek to eradicate.

For however long it continues, injustice will burden your conscience one day after another. Your injustice against us and your own power will be the foundations of your defeat. Your ability to be righteous and to treat the Palestinian people fairly and with humanity will be your only salvation.

These facts require the following:

For Palestinians:

• An immediate end to divisions and guaranteed support for a popular movement politically, economically, in the media, and diplomatically.
• A clear Palestinian stand on refusing any concessions that infringe on Palestinian national rights, remaining firm in the face of political or economic pressure, and not believing any promises.
• The Palestinian leadership and political forces should look for new and creative ways of struggle to achieve Palestinian rights intact. This is required in light of the failure of the peace negotiations, which reached an impasse due to Israeli intransigence and American partiality that protects and supports Israeli practices.

For Arabs:

• Cease all pressure exerted on the Palestinian Authority to accept unfair American and Israeli proposals; stop all forms of normalization with Israel; refrain from providing a political cover for Israeli aggressive practices against the Palestinian people; and strengthen the BDS movement against the Israeli occupation.
• Support the Palestinian struggle through ongoing massive demonstrations that reach a peak in the Nakba commemoration in mid-May.

Internationally:

• Launch international initiatives and campaigns against racist Israeli practices that respond to Palestinian peace with violence and the killing of unarmed Palestinians in cold blood. Pressure should be exerted on Israel to desist from the use of violence and to enter a real path for peace.
• A popular movement and media campaign to lift the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip and refute President Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Popular marches to be organized in support of the Palestinian people’s struggle. Such activities should reach a peak in mid-May to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the ongoing Palestinian Nakba (catastrophe).
• Exert pressure on Western governments and states to break their silence and force Israel to respect international resolutions and treaties, end the occupation, and accept a just and final solution.

Despite the extensive power of the Israeli occupation, the political, military and economic support it receives from its donor countries, the killings, destruction, distortion, displacement, siege, starvation, and arrests, the Israeli occupation understands that it has not been able to break the Palestinian spirit rooted deeply in the land and history.

Palestinians are now besieging the occupation in a historic, cultural, ethical, moral and human sense and will be victorious.

We pray to God to guide all to the right path of peace that protects the humanity of man, a just peace and a final peace that liberates every human being from all evil within or against them.

Signed by:

– Sabeel-Kairos Palestine

– Diyar Consortium

– The YMCA/YWCA Joint Advocacy Initiative (JAI)

– The National Christian Association (NCA), Jerusalem

– The East Jerusalem YMCA/HQ

– The East Jerusalem YMCA /Beit Sahour Branch

– The Arab Educational Institute AEI, Bethlehem

– Union of Arab Orthodox Club – Jerusalem

– Arab Orthodox Club – Beit Jala

– Arab Orthodox Club, Beit Sahour

– The Arab Orthodox Charitable Society, Beit Sahour

– Alternative Tourism Group (ATG), Palestine

-Al Qistas Forum for Dialogue and Concord- Gaza

Laws Targeting Israel Boycotts Fail First Legal Test

Issuing the first decision of its kind, a federal judge today blocked enforcement of a Kansas law targeting boycotts of Israel, ruling in an ACLU lawsuit that the First Amendment protects the right to engage in political boycotts.

Vera Eidelman writes for ACLU on Tuesday 30th January 2018

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Israeli rights group sue activists who convinced pop star Lorde to boycott Tel Aviv concert

Shurat HaDin plans to use contentious 2011 law to launch civil suit against two New Zealanders they blame for convincing singer to abandon gig on political grounds

Tia Goldenberg writes in The Independent on Tuesday 30th January 2018

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United Nations Position on Jerusalem Unchanged Special Coordinator Stresses, as Security Council Debates United States Recognition of City

UN Press Release: 8/12/17 

Permanent Representative Defends Decision, as Delegations Endorse Two-State Solution, Determination of Final Status Issues (more…)

Special Newsletter: Update and Action on Jerusalem

Please read our latest newsletter, a special edition on Jerusalem with actions you can take to stand against Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.  (more…)

BDS National committee responds to Jerusalem decision

The Trump administration’s anti-Palestinian and illegal act reverses decades of official U.S. policy regarding Jerusalem and contradicts the international consensus. Trump’s policies on Palestine underscore that it is long past time for the world to apply concrete pressure on Israel to respect Palestinian rights through support for our struggle for rights and dignity.  (more…)

Donald Trump is ‘declaring war’ by naming Jerusalem Israel’s capital

Palestinian Ambassador to the UK Manuel Hassassian writes in the Independent (6 Dec) how Trump’s move signals death to the two state solution and declares war on Muslims and Christians across the Middle East.  (more…)

The truth is simple, but unwelcome

Church Times, 1st Dec. Jewish writer Robert Cohen tells Huw Spanner that solidarity with Palestinians will be costly for Christians.  (more…)

WCC Executive Committee releases statement on Jerusalem and Status Quo

22 November. During its meeting in Amman, Jordan from 17-23 November, the World Council of Churches Executive Committee issued a statement expressing concern over the ways in which church institutions and properties in Jerusalem are threatened as a result of contracts of disputed legality, the efforts of radical settler groups, and policies of the government of Israel.  (more…)

Palestinians speak out on anniversary of Resolution 242

Mariam Barghouti, Diana Buttu and Haider Eid and other prominent Palestinian voices speak out about the pitfalls of Resolution 242 and what it has meant for Palestine half a century since its adoption.  (more…)

Why Israel does not want a sovereign Palestinian state

Ben White writes in Middle East Eye: “It is time to accept the reality that Israel simply does not want a sovereign Palestinian state – and consider its serious implications”  (more…)

BBC journalist deletes tweet about UK’s ‘corrupt’ relationship with Israel

From Middle East Monitor, 10 Nov. A prominent BBC journalist has deleted a tweet in which a senior Conservative MP can be seen complaining about the British media turning a blind eye to the corrupt relationship that has allowed Israel to “buy access” in Westminster.  (more…)

Today: Remembering Israel’s ‘Operation Pillar of Defence’

From Middle East Monitor: On 14 November 2012, Israel launched “Operation Pillar of Defence” against the Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip. Over the following eight days, almost 175 Palestinians were killed and more than 1,000 were injured. Five years later, Gaza is still subject to Israeli aggression, in violation of the terms of the ceasefire agreement. (more…)

Balfour sparked a national tragedy for the Palestinian people – with BDS, we are fighting back

Omar Barghouti, founder of the BDS movement writes in Newsweek: When Zionist militias forced my grandmother, Rasmiyyah, and her family out of their home in Safad at gunpoint during the 1948 Nakba, the process of settler-colonialism that was propelled by the Balfour Declaration and that culminated in ethnic cleansing became more than just a national tragedy for the indigenous people of Palestine. It became personal. (more…)

Balfour Declaration Turns 100: Together We Can End its Legacy of Dispossessing Palestinians

From the BDS National Committee: Today marks the centenary of the Balfour Declaration, a document which from the perspective of its Palestinian victims, constituted a declaration of war against the Palestinian people. Together we can end its brutal legacy and create a brighter future with justice, peace and a dignified life for all.  (more…)

UK Foreign Secretary: Now is not the ‘right time’ to recognise Palestine

UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson declined the Labour Party’s offer to recognise a Palestinian state “now” insisting that “the moment is not yet right to play that card”, amid challenge from Shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry. (more…)

Recognise Palestine to mark Balfour centenary

Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry urges formal UK recognition 100 years after declaration that paved way for creation of Israel  (more…)

TONIGHT: Balfour Project Centenary event – Live stream available

On Tuesday 31 October, over 1,000 people will meet at Central Hall Westminster for the Balfour Project’s commemoration of the centenary of the Balfour Declaration, ‘Britain’s Broken Promise: Time for a New Approach‘. (more…)

Job opportunity: Friends of Sabeel UK/Sabeel-Kairos Advocacy Worker

We are recruiting!

Friends of Sabeel UK/Sabeel-Kairos wish to appoint a part time advocacy officer to support the development of local advocacy groups and national church campaigns.This is a maternity cover position from January 2018.  (more…)

Theresa May should give Netanyahu a piece of her mind – Thatcher would have

Opinion piece by Donald Macintyre in the Guardian: ‘A hundred years after the Balfour declaration that established a pathway to a Jewish state, the prime minister should acknowledge its role in Palestinian suffering’  (more…)

US and Israel withdraw from UNESCO accusing it of ‘anti-Israel bias’

From Al Jazeera News, 13 Oct. The US has announced it will withdraw from the United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), accusing the body of “anti-Israel bias”.  (more…)

Giro d’Italia’s start in Israel provokes accusations of ‘sport-washing’

La grande partenza in Jerusalem will be a historic first but brings an unprecedented level of political controversy to cycling’s second biggest event (more…)

Why is Human Rights Watch urging engagement with Israel’s banks?

Human Rights Watch has concluded in a new report that there is nothing in Israeli law that forces Israel’s banks to provide many financial services that aid the theft of Palestinian land for Jewish settlements.

While welcoming the report, human rights defenders are criticizing its recommendation that international investors “engage” with Israeli banks, rather than simply divesting. (more…)

Courting the Global South: Will Israel Become a UN Security Council Member?

Ramzy Baroud, Foreign Policy Journal, 21 Sep. “Israel has desperately sought to be legitimized by the UN, while it has done its utmost to delegitimize the UN”  (more…)

UN slams Israel for ‘de-development’ of Palestine

New report reviews effects of Israel’s 50-year occupation of the Palestinian territories and settlement growth.  (more…)

When the law fails women

Ayah Al-Wakeel reports on the challenges facing women in Arab society  (more…)

The level of antisemitism in Britain has been exposed. But it’s not what you might think

On 12 September, a new survey on antisemitism in Britain came out. The findings are good news for some people – and bad for others. (more…)

UN chief calls for lifting of Gaza blockade in face of humanitarian crisis

UN chief Antonio Guterres also held talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders in Jerusalem and Ramallah on Monday and Tuesday.
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‘By the time they let me go my mother was gone’: Daughters of imprisoned Palestinian lawmaker Khalida Jarrar speak out

From Mondoweiss: Ramallah, occupied West Bank — Suha and Yaffa Jarrar have come to accept that their family is never safe.  (more…)

US-Israel resume talks on moving embassy to Jerusalem

From Middle East Monitor: The Times of Israel quoted private sources as saying that, on Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the issue of moving the embassy with Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s advisor and son-in-law. (more…)

Netanyahu Vows to Never Remove Israeli Settlements From West Bank: ‘We’re Here to Stay, Forever’

From Haaretz: ‘We will deepen our roots, build, strengthen and settle,’ Netanyahu tells settlers at event marking 50 years to Israel’s occupation of the West Bank. (more…)

Egypt Set to Reopen Its Gaza Crossing on Regular Basis in September

Rafah border crossing has only opened for 14 days so far in 2017, but Palestinians expect it to reopen after Id al-Adha holiday  (more…)

British couple’s message in a bottle reaches Gaza fisherman after 500-mile journey

“I hope one day we would become as free as this bottle was” says Gaza fisherman who found the British couple’s message in a bottle. (more…)

Remembering the Holocaust: Doing Justice to its Memory

‘The story of the Holocaust is a history I have always known, have wanted to know in detail, and which has shaped who I am in the world. It has shaped my commitment to valuing and honoring people’s cultures and histories; my commitment to challenging anti-Semitism; my commitment to challenging all forms of injustice —not in the U.S., not in Palestine, not anywhere’ Article by Jewish psychologist and educator Donna Nevel  (more…)

Four Palestinians wounded in Israeli air strikes on Gaza

From Al Jazeera: Israel says attacks carried out after rockets were fired out of Gaza, a claim that Hamas denies. (more…)

Jerusalem Palestinians stripped of residency status

Human Rights Watch report that Israel’s revocations of the residency status of thousands of Palestinians from East Jerusalem over the years illustrates the two-tiered system Israel maintains in the city. (more…)

Jewish settlers burn Palestinian farms in Nablus

From Middle East Monitor: Jewish settlers burnt scores of acres of Palestinian farms on Tuesday (9th Aug) in the neighbourhood of Aqraba to the south of Nablus in the occupied West Bank, Quds Press has reported. (more…)

Brace yourselves for costly Palestinian Solidarity

Read: Robert Cohen’s latest blog:

‘Brace yourselves for costly Palestinian Solidarity’

Expert Q+A: On the current crisis in Jerusalem

Ramallah-based political analyst Diana Buttu answers your questions on the current crisis in Jerusalem. IMEU Q+A

Photo by Activestills

Opinion piece: Israel’s Assault on Al-Aqsa and Plans to Upend the Status Quo

The Israeli government may have backed down on the imposition of metal detectors at the entrances to Al-Aqsa Mosque, but it has not yet allowed situation to return to pre-July 14 status quo. (more…)

Victory at the UCC gathering

Delegates at the national gathering for the United Church of Christ (UCC) in Baltimore have voted to pass a resolution asserting the rights of Palestinian children!

(more…)

UNESCO: Hebron heritage request too focused on Muslim history

The PA has not fully made its case for inscription as a heritage site and Israel’s decision to ban the experts from visiting the site make it difficult to conclude if an emergency situation exists, the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) said in an 11-page report.

(more…)

World Protestant body issues solidarity message with Palestinian Christians

The World Communion of Reformed Churches has urged its more than 225 member churches worldwide to examine their mission, education and investment relationships with Israel and Palestine in the light of the witness of Palestinian Christians. (more…)

6,000 attacks on Gaza in 50 days and zero accountability

Visualizing Palestine has produced a new infographic on the 2014 Gaza war, reflecting on the lack of accountability for the horrendous attacks which killed over 1500 Palestinians and rendered over 11,000 homeless. (more…)

Read: full transcript of the parliamentary debate on Israel and Palestine

On Wednesday 5th July the UK parliament had a debate on ‘Israel and Palestinians talks’. You can find the debate transcript here, thanks to Middle East Monitor: www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170704-parliamentary-debate-on-israel-and-palestinian-talks/

#OpenGaza: 10 years of the illegal Gaza Blockade

As we mark 10 years of the Gaza blockade the international community cries out for immediate action to end the suffering in Gaza and prevent a looming humanitarian disaster.  (more…)

Open letter from the National Coalition of Christian Organisations in Palestine to the World Council of Churches

Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.

“We need you and we need you now more than ever. We need your costly solidarity. We need brave women and men who are willing to stand in the forefront. This is no time for shallow diplomacy Christians. We urge you to hear our call” (more…)

50 stories of Palestinian life under occupation

In this project coordinated by UN OCHA the lives of 50 Palestinians are revealed, and we catch a glimpse of the experience of living under occupation and the humanitarian impact it has.

www.ochaopt.org/50Stories/

Kairos Britain and Friends of Sabeel UK Merger

A decision has been taken by Kairos Britain and Friends of Sabeel UK to merge together as one new organisation, to combine our efforts to support the Palestinian Christian community, and to raise awareness about the plight of Palestinians in our Churches in the UK. (more…)

PSC Statement: Dignity Won – The struggle continues

On May 27th, after 41 days on hunger strike , Palestinian prisoners suspended the strike after Israeli authorities yielded to the demand to enter negotiations with the prisoners’  chosen leaders.

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Starving for Justice

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Hind Khoury: Women, the harbinger of hope in the midst of despair

As we mark 50 years of Israeli occupation this week, the message from Sabeel-Kairos Palestine to the Church worldwide becomes ever relevant and present. In this article, Hind Khoury, Sabeel-Kairos Palestine board member reflects on how women can, and must, play a role in bringing about justice and peace for all in the Holy Land. (more…)

Archbishop’s visit to Israel is widely reported.

The Archbishop of Canterbury’s 12 day visit to Israel and Palestine has been widely reported in the press. The Guardian previewed the visit and published several well balanced articles during the visit. Justin Welby made a surprise visit to Gaza, where he visited several hospitals. He visited Bethlehem in the West bank and met with the Christian Mayor,Vera Baboun.

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On the 69th anniversary of the Nakba

BDS: Upholding our Rights, Resisting the Ongoing Nakba. The BNC Commemorates the 69th Anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba  (more…)

5,000 Gazans at risk of death

Generators have become the only lifeline for Gaza’s hospitals and patients who are in need of urgent medical care. (more…)

The new Hamas charter and Palestinian consensus

From Middle East Monitor: Hamas has finally revealed its new charter. The document was launched by the head of the Hamas political bureau, Khaled Meshaal, at a press conference in Doha, Qatar on 1 May.  (more…)

Amnesty calls: Israel must end ‘Unlawful and Cruel’ policies to Palestinian prisoners

Israel’s decades-long policy of detaining Palestinians from the occupied West Bank and Gaza, in prisons inside Israel, and depriving them of regular family visits is not only cruel but also a blatant violation of international law, said Amnesty International, ahead of a mass prisoner’s hunger strike which began on 17th April to mark Palestinian Prisoner’s Day.

(more…)

Church of Scotland must be fearless against the bullying Board of Deputies

Once again, the Board of Deputies of British Jews has shown itself to be a bully when it comes to interfaith dialogue on Israel/Palestine.

So writes Robert Cohen (May 1st 2017) in “Writing from the Edge”

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The Inside Story on Our UN Report Calling Israel an Apartheid State

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QC’s opinion: major faults with government IHRA antisemitism definition

Legal Opinion on IHRA definition of antisemitism launched Monday March 27, 15:00 – 16:30 at House of Lords Committee Room 3

(more…)

Two pro-Israel activists removed from the House of Lords

Two pro-Israel activists were removed from the House of Lords during a pro-Palestinian event for breaching Houses of Parliament rules and regulations.

(more…)

Israel takes steps to stop tourists accessing Bethlehem

From Middle East Monitor: Israel has tightened restrictions on the movement of tourists to the occupied West Bank with particular limitations on their access to occupied Bethlehem. (more…)

Gaza’s sole power plant shuts down

From Middle East Monitor: The sole power plant in the Gaza Strip was shut down on Sunday due to lack of funds needed to buy fuel. (more…)

Land Day 2017: Occupation laid hands over more than 85% of historic Palestine

On the Eve of the 41st Anniversary of Land Day March 30th, 2017, President of Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS), Ms. Ola Awad, has presented the Anniversary through Statistics and Figures.

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UK facing court battle over right to BDS

A court challenge against British restrictions on the Palestinian-led boycott, divestment and sanctions movement is going ahead, according to human rights campaigners.

(more…)

Only 12% of Israelis believe full West Bank withdrawal would end conflict

Israeli Jews are today significantly less willing to support a withdrawal from the West Bank than they were in 2005, according to a poll released last Monday by the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs.

(more…)

Welby visit to Holy Land will span Middle Eastern faith and politics

THE Archbishop of Canterbury will spend 12 days in the Holy Land in early May, Lambeth Palace has announced.

He will travel to Jordan and spend time in a camp for refugees from the Syrian civil war, before moving on to the capital, Amman, where he hopes to meet King Abdullah.

(more…)

Fairtrade fortnight

Fairtrade Fortnight is here! Our Fairtrade visitors were denied visas to travel – read on for how you can help lobby MPs about this issue, as well as events around the country from Fairtrade feasts, tea breaks and public talks to markets, school assemblies and seminars where we will be talking about how Fairtrade supports Palestinian community resilience.

(more…)

WCC general secretary meets with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas

On 26 February, Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas formally received the general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit for a meeting to discuss just peace in Palestine and Israel. Abbas was scheduled for a speech at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, in the beginning of the week.

(more…)

15 Christian churches and organizations call for peace, justice, and equality in Israel and Palestine

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the United Church of Christ, and Global Ministries are among 15 Christian organizations that sent a briefing paper to all members of Congress and to the Trump Administration this morning, calling for U.S. policies that promote peace, justice, and equality between Israelis and Palestinians.

(more…)

1,000 Olive trees uprooted to build bypass road

The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories, said on February 1, 2017 that the Israeli occupation authorities began on Sunday, January 15, 2017 uprooting olive trees and leveling land near the Palestinian villages of ‘Azzun and a-Nabi Elyas in Qalqilya District, under the supervision of Civil Administration (CA) personnel.

(more…)

Activists’ stage pro-Palestine rally during Netanyahu’s UK Visit

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign  staged a protest on 13th February 2017 to decry the visit of ‘War criminal’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the United Kingdom.

(more…)

Israel’s Settlement Regulation Bill violates International Law

“The Knesset has never before enacted legislation regulating Arabs’ property ownership. As a rule, elected officials legislate for their constituents and those within the area of their jurisdiction, not others…If you want to pass legislation for the West Bank, you have to extend your sovereignty and allow the residents of Judea and Samaria the right to become citizens and vote in Knesset elections. And the meaning is clear”.

(more…)

100-year-old Bedouin woman’s demolished by Israeli forces

In the latest instance of Israel’s demolition campaign in the Negev region of southern Israel, homes were demolished in two Bedouin villages, which are not recognised by Israel, on Wednesday, while Israeli police surrounded the village of Umm al-Hiran.

(more…)

Rights group: Israeli Occupation Forces continue systematic crimes in Palestine

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the Occupied Palestinian Territories continued during the reporting period (02 – 08 February 2017). The long list is a poor reflection in Israel’s failure to accept the Rule of Law.
Please read the full and startling details in Palestine News Network

Israeli seizure of Palestinian land offends justice – Bishop Shomali

A new Israeli law that retroactively legalises the seizure of Palestinian land for Jewish settlements is an offense against justice, said Bishop William Shomali, the patriarchal vicar for Jerusalem.

(more…)

EAPPI UK & Ireland announce an opening for Programme Coordinator – closing date: 6th March

SALARY           £19,243 per annum (£32,073 pro rata per annum)
CONTRACT    Part time – Permanent
HOURS         21 hours per week – 3 days per week
LOCATION    Friends House, Euston, London NW1

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Justpeace – The newsletter from Pax Christi – February/March 2017

The February/March 2017 issue of Justpeace, the Pax Christi newsletter, is now available. This features an article on Sabeel-Kairos.

ICAHD UK seeks Director with leadership and management experience.

ICAHD UK is looking for a Director. The closing date is 24th February. Click here for details. 

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Litmus test for adjudicating settler, Palestinian interests

A few dozen trailer homes on a hilltop may have never made such ripples internationally. But the evacuation of Amona, which Israeli security forces started today after a years-long legal battle, has resonated far beyond the 40 families who live among the prickly weeds and rocks of this West Bank ridgeline.

(more…)

Israel stops partnership with EU programme

Israel has decided not to partner with an EU cultural programme because it includes an article banning cooperation with illegal Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories, QudsPressreported yesterday.

(more…)

Europe’s largest pension funds heavily invest in illegal Israeli settlements

Five of Europe’s largest pension funds have — against EU directives — invested up to €7.5 billion ($8.09 billion) in businesses linked to illegal Israeli settlements, according to investigative news team Danwatch.

(more…)

Justice for Palestine now – end EUROPEAN complicity!

Sabeel-Kairos have joined over 250 European organisations calling on the European Union to recognise over 100 years of continued injustice towards the Palestinians people, and asking them to suspend the association agreement with Israel and cease all complicity with settlement activity. (more…)

Israel approves 3000 new settlement homes

From the Guardian: Israeli security forces began the long-threatened eviction of hundreds of hardline Jewish settlers from the illegal outpost of Amona on the occupied West Bank, hours after the government said it was approving the construction of thousands more settlement homes elsewhere. (more…)

Rafah crossing opens – Gaza situation likely to improve

The Rafah crossing between Egypt and the Hamas-run Gaza Strip reopened Saturday as Cairo and the Islamist organization hailed an improvement in long-tense ties.

(more…)

Palestinian Authority rejects Netanyahu’s conditions to resume peace talks

The Palestinian Authority has strongly rejected a set of conditions presented by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the resumption of peace talks, including the recognition of Israel as a Jewish State and the continuous security control over areas located between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean.

(more…)

Resourceful Palestinian turns wastepaper to bricks

With basic tools, 43-year-old Mohamed Abu Khamis is turning wastepaper into bricks that can be used to build — or rebuild — Palestinian homes.

(more…)

Hip-hop group creates new resistance pattern

Carrying a pair of borrowed speakers and an MP3 player, a group of 13-year-olds cut through the narrow, graffiti-stained alleyways of the Dheisheh refugee camp, rushing past painted murals of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces.

(more…)

Prints of Palestine’: Weaving Palestinian heritage into contemporary fashion

Jerusalem-born designer Natalie Tahhan hopes to revive traditional Palestinian embroidery with a modern twist in her collection ‘Prints of Palestine’. By weaving unique historical patterns into elegant modern styles, Natalie Tahhan hopes to demonstrate the diversity of traditional Palestinian embroidery and its importance within Palestinian culture and identity.

(more…)

Paris peace conference: A damp squib

A half-century of Israeli occupation is not going to be meaningfully addressed by international meetings.

(more…)

Why Palestinian Children Throw Stones

This photo was taken in Kfar Qaddum last month. The boy and his friends aren’t there to bait Israeli soldiers or indulge a bout of anti-semitism. Jews from the violent – and illegal – settlement of Kedumim have taken over their farm lands. These villagers are being ethnically cleansed.

(more…)

Israel cannot shirk its responsibility for Gaza’s electricity crisis

Gaza’s electricity crisis, a source of great hardship to over a million and a half Palestinians, has grown worse in the past couple weeks, so that residents now get power for just three to four hours out of every twenty-four.

(more…)

Gaza’s traditional handicrafts fight back

Soft Hands”, an exhibition held at the Stars Entertainment Centre by the beach in Gaza City, has been showcasing the traditional crafts and arts of the Palestinian people, many of whom rely on these traditional handicrafts to make a living and preserve their culture and identity.

(more…)

Pope Francis inaugurates Palestinian Embassy to Vatican

Pope Francis received Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the Vatican and formally inaugurated the new Embassy of the State of  Palestine to the Holy See.

(more…)

Catholic Bishops visit the Holy Land

Christians have a responsibility to oppose the construction of Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories, bishops from the US, Canada and Europe said.

(more…)

Israel lifts restrictions on building more settlement homes in East Jerusalem

From Reuters: “My vision is to enact sovereignty over all the settlements”. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told senior ministers he is lifting restrictions on settlement building in East Jerusalem. (more…)

Obama released $221 million to Palestinians hours before Trump Inauguration

From Haaretz: Officials say outgoing administration notified Congress of move just before Trump’s swearing-in, despite Republican opposition. (more…)

UN Security Council takes historic vote on settlements

US Senators introduce bill to move embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem

Three US senators introduced a bill to congress on Wednesday 4th Jan that would recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s undivided capital and move the US embassy there from Tel Aviv. (more…)

Labour calls for inquiry into Israeli diplomat’s plot to ‘take down MP’s’

From the Guardian: Shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry and the Labour party call on the government to immediately launch an inquiry into “improper interference in our democratic politics” after the disclosure that an Israeli embassy official had plotted to “take down” UK MPs regarded as hostile. (more…)

UK councils link ‘empathy’ for Palestinians to terrorism threat

York council listed Palestinian activism among risks in local ‘counter-terror profile’, while another flagged up charity collections for Palestine

(more…)

From Bethlehem, WCC general secretary: “Together we are stronger”

Speaking in Bethlehem on the evening of 8 December, World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit reflected on the light from the very first Christmas in the very same town, and what that light means in a global search for just peace.

(more…)

By limiting criticism of Israel, Theresa May’s new definition of anti-Semitism will do more harm than good

Opinion piece by Ben White in the Independent:

Prime Minister Theresa May today announced that the UK is formally adopting a definition of anti-Semitism agreed on earlier this year by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).

This definition is not new, however, and it poses a familiar threat to legitimate criticism of the State of Israel. (more…)

Pax Christi International call for a new Israeli-Palestinian peace process

Pax Christi International believes that this is the moment for a renewed commitment to end the violence and to reach a just and sustainable solution guaranteeing the fundamental rights of both Israelis and Palestinians in accordance with international law.  (more…)

Christians and Jews issue joint statement on freedom of speech on Israel and Palestine

Sabeel-Kairos has joined together with Jews for Justice for Palestinians and other prominent Christian groups and individuals to challenge the backlash against criticism of Israel’s policies which affect Palestinian human rights, and the classification of such criticism as anti-Semitic. (more…)

Where does Donald Trump stand on Israel?

This is the first of two posts about the reaction to Donald Trump’s election as President of the USA – they serve to demonstrate the diverse views and uncertainty around what might happen.

Judy Maltz, writing in Haaretz, has done an analysis of what Trump has said about Israel and Palestine. (Nov 11, 2016)

Since announcing his candidacy for president of the United States, Donald Trump has changed his tune on Israel dramatically: From the “neutral dealmaker” who kept his cards close to his chest at the beginning of the race, he was sounding more and more like some of the hardline members of the Israeli government by its conclusion.

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President Trump Has Shattered Jews’ American Idyll

This is the second of our posts about the reaction to Donald Trump’s election as President of the USA – they serve to demonstrate the diverse views and uncertainty around what might happen.

American Jews have transformed virtually overnight from insiders to outsiders; the appointment of ex-Breitbart CEO Steve Bannon, an accused anti-Semite, as chief strategist, is bound to exacerbate the tensions.

(more…)

Israeli Ministers Unanimously Approve Bill to Legalize West Bank Outposts

Israel’s Ministerial Committee for Legislation unanimously approved a bill on 13th November that would retroactively legalize outposts in the West Bank, despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s objection and Attorney General Avichai Mendelblit’s position on the issue.

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Reclaiming the lost Jewish voices of the Balfour Declaration

Robert Cohen has written a very interesting article on his blog about the Balfour Declaration and Zionism. Well worth reading in the run-up to the 100th anniversary of Balfour in 2017.

Women from the Gaza Freedom Flotilla deported and speak out

On October 5th the Israeli Naval forces intercepted the Zaytouna-Oliva, which was carrying women activists seeking to reach Gaza and break the blockade.  (more…)

Birth of a Sabeel-Kairos Jew

Am I a radical Jew? A disloyal Jew? A post Zionist Jew? An angry Jew? Robert Cohen shares his latest thoughts on Judaism, Israel, justice, and his hope for the possibility of a ‘Jewish Sabeel-Kairos moment’ (more…)

A study in hypocrisy

“They don’t understand,” said a young man outside an Orthodox New Jersey synagogue where I often pray, spreading his hands helplessly to emphasize the great gulf between the consciousness of religious and non-religious Jews. “We put God first.”

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Address by Primate of All Ireland to Mayor of Bethlehem

Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland gave an address at a meeting with Ms Vera Baboun, Mayor of Bethlehem, in the Palestinian Occupied Territories on 13th September. Archbishop Martin is leading an eight-day pilgrimage of solidarity to the Holy Land accompanied by 177 pilgrims from all around Ireland.

Read the full story in the Independent Catholic News.

Members of the European Parliament show support to Women’s Boat to Gaza

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Raids on Al-Duheisha refugee camp

After leading regular raids on Al-Duheisha camp, an Israeli commander known as ‘Captain Nidal’ has threatened to make “all of the youth in the camp disabled” and made statements including: “I will have all of you walking with crutches and in wheelchairs,”.

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Resourcing funds to document abuses on women by Israel for ICC attention

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Scottish drive to put Israeli apartheid wall on Google Maps

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Israel lobby efforts fail to dent campaigns for Palestinian rights in the US

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Israel disclaims responsibility for Gaza crimes

Gaza children return after a 10-day football trip in Ireland 

Israel erases Palestine-related contents from school books in Jerusalem

Celtic fans raise over £130,000 for Palestinian charities

From the Guardian: Celtic fans have raised more than £130,000 for Palestinian charities in an attempt to match an impending Uefa fine for displaying Palestinian flags at a match against an Israeli team. (more…)

Missiles fired into northern Gaza

On Sunday there were several missile attacks from Israel into the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanoun, injuring 5 Palestinians after a rocket fired from Gaza fell inside the southern Israeli city of Sderot. (more…)

Erasing Palestine from its maps: Google blames ‘removal’ on malfunction

Widespread backlash has forced Google to respond to claims accusing it of erasing Palestine from its maps saying the mistake was “a computer malfunction”. (more…)

Unemployment in Gaza highest in the world

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Two years on, Scotland’s Jews concerned over Gaza – but for all the wrong reasons

Robert Cohen reflects on research conducted this summer by the Scottish Council of Jewish communities. (more…)

Israel will now barricade Gaza with a Wall

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Israel passes law allowing imprisonment of Palestinians aged 14 and under

Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, approved a bill permitting the imprisonment of children under the age of 14. The legislation, labeled the “Youth Bill,” would allow Israeli authorities to imprison a child if convicted of “terrorism” against Israeli civilians or military personnel.

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US warns of ‘harsh’ response if Israel demolishes Susiya

Britain and the EU join diplomatic push to prevent the demolition of the south Hebron hills village as US try to exert pressure on Israel. (more…)

Deporting Solidarity: One woman’s experience

From Al-Haq comes this first hand experience of Israel deporting foreign activists who stand in solidarity with Palestinians (more…)

Palestinian Knesset members: Israeli expulsion law violates rules of democracy

Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, acquired a draconian new power last week: With a three-quarters majority of its members, it can now expel an elected politician if their views are found unacceptable.

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Dozens of Members of the European Parliament call on the EU to support the right to boycott

More than 30 MEPs have called on the EU High Representative, Federica Mogherini, to take measures assuring freedom of expression regarding the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement for justice and equality and recognising Omar Barghouti, a co-founder of the BDS movement, as a human rights defender.
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Refugees’ needs in Gaza greater than available funds 

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has warned that the needs of refugees in the Gaza Strip are greater than the funds available, the Safa news agency reported.

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Hebron under collective punishment

Palestinians officials calls on the international community and human rights groups to intervene and pressure Israel to lift its siege on the Hebron district, end home invasions and halt abductions. (more…)

Statement from the WCC Central Committee

WCC affirms commitment to finding a timely solution to conflict in Israel and Palestine – Statement on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and Peace Process

“He has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us” (Ephesians 2.14)

Statement approved by the WCC Central Committee, Trondheim, Norway, 2016, 22-28 June

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Presbyterian Church in the USA takes action for Palestinian children

The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the USA has approved actions in advocacy towards Palestinian children and against military detention.

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Hanan Ashrawi: ‘Nominating Israel to chair UNGA committee like asking wolf to guard sheep’

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Israel announces 82 new settlement units in Jerusalem amid escalating anger

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Paris peace gambit — everyone gains except the Palestinians

The Israelis seem to have figured out the whole thing and opted out. But the hapless Palestinian leadership, along with its Arab League partners, joined by the French, EU and UN representatives, and even US Secretary of State John Kerry, decided to play along. (more…)

A statement by Palestinian associations and institutions in Europe

Palestinians in Europe against “French initiative” – In defense of Palestinian right of return. (more…)

How Israel ‘transfers’ land from Palestinians to settlers

Kamel Hawwash a British/Palestinian engineering professor based at the University of Birmingham and a long-standing campaigner for justice describes how “Israel certainly knows the concept of fair play, but that is far from evident in the numerous nefarious ways it obtains land from Palestinians”.

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Netanyahu rejects French-convened international peace summit

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British Palestinian girl disqualified from English speaking competition

Last week a video of Leanne Mohamad went viral when she performed her  winning speech “Birds not Bombs” in a regional final of the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge. Now she’s been silenced. (more…)

British historian boycotts Israeli award

British historian Catherine Hall has turned down a prestigious Israeli award, citing political reasons. (more…)

Breast cancer is bad enough – imagine enduring it in Gaza

Philippa Whitford, writing in the guardian on 18 May says:

My return to the territory as a cancer surgeon revealed women struggling to access vital treatment. And the international community has turned away.

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Jeremy Moodey – letter in the Church of England Newspaper

Jeremy Moodey, CEO of Embrace the Middle East and board member of Sabeel-Kairos writes a compelling letter in the Church of England on the difference between anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism.  (more…)

World Council of Churches: Israeli treatment of representatives at airport ‘unacceptable’

The General Secretary of the World Council of Churches spoke out on Sunday after several staff and partners were detained or deported from Israel after travelling there for a climate justice meeting. (more…)

UN rejects Israel’s claim over Syria’s Golan Heights

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Jeremy Corbyn hasn’t got an ‘antisemitism problem’. His opponents do.

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Israeli Settlers torch Christian school in Jerusalem.

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Bethlehem In Danger

Sabeel-Kairos Palestine have issued a statement of concern about the annexation of land in the Cremisan Valley and the effects on the people and environment in Bethlehem and Beit Jala, with suggested action you can take. (more…)

Meet the youngest Palestinian female prisoner

Halhul, occupied West Bank –  After spending 2.5 months in a prison cell, 12-year-old D* al-Wawi, the youngest Palestinian female detainee, was released on Sunday on early parole.  She speaks to Al Jazeera about her time in Israeli prison. (more…)

To my fellow Israelis: We can stop this.

An open letter to my fellow Israelis:

Jonathan Ofir, Mondoweiss, 

This is probably a culmination of nearly a decade’s reviewed study of our history. At some point, beyond the singular stories, cases and arguments, I feel something unequivocal and very generally encompassing needs to be said about our Israeli “miracle”, the manifestation of the Zionist “dream”. (more…)

Radical thinking for passover that doesn’t ignore the enslaved Palestinian people

Robert Cohen, renowned Jewish blogger and human rights activist writes ‘The Wicked Son’s guide to Passover’. Read it in full here

US report on human rights says: Nearly half of Palestinians killed by Israel were not carrying out attacks, and many times did not pose a threat to life

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Latin Patriarchate protests Israeli resumption of work on separation wall in Cremisan

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Poll: Half of Israeli Jews would not live in apartment building with Arabs

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Palestinian Prisoners Day – 17 April

From the Palestine-Israel Ecumenical Forum

On 17 April each year, Palestinian prisoners, the Palestinian people, and the world mark the International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian Prisoners. (more…)

Lucy Talgieh honored for outstanding women’s rights work in Palestine

(more…)

On the ground – an Open Letter to President Barack Obama

Dear Mr. President,

As president of the most powerful country on the planet; the loving and protective father of two children; and a man fully aware of the human struggles of so many in the down-trodden communities of many lands, including your own, your eyes must have been opened during the last three—of many—Israeli assaults on besieged Gaza, where I live with my wife and young son.

(more…)

Former Hebrew school teacher: ‘Zionism is nationalism, not Judaism’

The media have at last taken up an important discussion: the relationship of Judaism and Zionism.

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1/3 of Palestinian Village Left Homeless by Demolitions in 2016

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Videographer who filmed execution of Palestinian receives death threats

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Two Palestinian women freed from Israeli prison, narrate horrific experiences

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Palestinian woman awards for teaching non-violence through play

April News

Read the latest newsletter from Sabeel-Kairos (more…)

Demolitions in the West Bank soar

The West Bank has endured an unprecedented number of demolitions during the first part of 2016, leaving an average of 45 Palestinian every week homeless. (more…)

US, UK, Germany, and France publicly denounce settlement expansion

(more…)

850 Gaza Christians receive permits to celebrate Easter in Jerusalem

Sweden denies Israeli claim that it opposes BDS

(more…)

Youngest Palestinian in Israeli administrative detention

(more…)

Israel takes over 2300 acres of land near Jericho, declares it “state property”

Palestine News Network reports that “The Israeli government on Tuesday announced the seizure of 2340 acres of land in the Jericho area, central West Bank, claiming it ‘state land’. Israel Radio said the Israeli government has embarked on this confiscation despite pressures from the United States and the United Nations attempting to prevent it. In most cases, Israel announces thousands of acres as ‘state lands’, which are then granted to the illegal settlers.

(more…)

Israeli human rights/civil society groups condemn attacks against Al-Haq

Israeli human rights and civil society organisations have condemned in the strongest possible terms the ongoing anonymous attacks against Palestinian human rights organisations, and most recently against Al-Haq.

(more…)

Palestine awarded full membership in the Permanent Court of Arbitration

On Monday, Palestine was awarded a full membership in the Permanent Court of Arbitration, after 57 countries votes in favour, 24 abstained and zero voted against. (more…)

WCC refutes Gatestone Institute’s criticism of Lenten campaign on water

(more…)

Palestinian teachers organised sit-in protests across the occupied West Bank on 1st March as a teachers’ strike calling on the Palestinian Authority to guarantee their rights entered its 16th consecutive day.

(more…)

Knesset speaker and settler to talk to the UK Parliament

Israeli Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein has said he is “proud to represent the Knesset and the State of Israel, including as a settler of Judea and Samaria [the West Bank],” ahead of a controversial visit to Westminster on Wednesday. (more…)

Job vacancy: Friends of Sabeel UK

Do you have a heart for Palestine and the Christians who live there?
Friends of Sabeel UK works and prays for the establishment of a just peace for the people of Palestine and Israel. (more…)

Letters in the Independent: Israel’s boycott ban is antidemocratic

The Government’s attempts to block public bodies from boycotting and divesting from companies involved in Israel’s oppression of Palestinians undermines local democracy in order to shield Israel from criticism. (more…)

Jewish blogger Robert Cohen writes to Anne Frank on holocaust memorial day

Dear Anne,

What would you make of it all?

Would you be surprised at what has happened to the Jewish people since your death and how the Jewish story is unfolding in the 21st century? Would you be shocked at how we have misused the memory of the Holocaust? Would you be dismayed at the mess we have made of your legacy? (more…)

PSC are hiring!

PSC are looking for a talented and enthusiastic Campaigns Officer to join our team.

We are after someone to work closely with our Campaigns Manager, across a number of PSC’s key campaigns. These will be activist, parliamentary and political campaigns working with PSC partners, branches, and affiliates.
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Palestine in Flux: From Search for State to Search for Tactics

Official Palestinian institutions and leaders have lost their moral legitimacy in the eyes of the Palestinian people who view them as ineffective or even co-opted by Israel. A new generation of grassroots activists is shifting the focus from the goal of Palestinian statehood to the pursuit of new tactics to resist the Israeli occupation. To improve the lives of Palestinians, this new moral vanguard will need to transform and revive existing Palestinian institutions or build new ones.

NATHAN J. BROWN, DANIEL NERENBERG

Read online on the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace website

The Israeli occupation will end suddenly

One day the occupation will end. It will probably happen in one fell swoop. And when it happens, it will suddenly emerge that everyone was against it. That the politicians had actually worked to end it, that the journalists strove indefatigably to expose its injustices, that the cultural institutions condemned it courageously and that Israeli academia was a center of persistent resistance, from which the struggle drew ideological and moral backing. In short, everyone was part of the Resistance.

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Ireland should recognise Palestine if peace talks fail

Paul Gillespie’s article in the Irish Times on January 16th suggests that Ireland should recognise Palestine if the peace talk fail again.

He says

“It would be a symbolic move, helping to put international pressure on the Israelis and could usefully be debated in the general election campaign.”

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Sabeel-Kairos author ordained

Congratulations to Sabeel-Kairos Member Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac, Academic Dean at Bethlehem Bible College, who was ordained in the Church of Redeemer in Jerusalem on 3rd January. May God guide him in his mission!

UN report highlights Palestinian needs

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs for the Occupied Palestinian Territory has released a statistical document related to Palestinians’ humanitarian needs for 2016.

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Arab League to discuss Palestinian bid to join UNSC next week

An Arab League meeting will discuss in Cairo next week a Palestinian bid to the UN Security Council (UNSC) amid flaring violence between the Palestinians and Israel. The Arabs and Egypt supports the Palestinian bid to the UN Security Council. The meeting will also tackle the latest developments in the Palestinian territories and the current violent tensions between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

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Clerics launch ‘Jerusalem Capital of the World’ campaign

Palestinian Muslim and Christian religious clerics and officials launched a campaign aimed at bolstering Muslim and Christian claims over occupied East Jerusalem. They hope the campaign, “Jerusalem Capital of the World 2016,” will raise international awareness of Palestinian Muslim and Christian heritage in the occupied city, and also annul Israeli claims that Jerusalem is the undivided capital of the state of Israel.

“Let the year 2016 be an international year of solidarity with Jerusalem. We are one nation on this land, which we all love and give sacrifices for,” said Sheikh Sabri, at the conference held to launch the campaign. He added, “The connection between Muslims and Christians on this land is based on justice, love and tolerance and rejection to any aspect of injustice and aggression.”

Archbishop Hanna said:

“We express solidarity with every oppressed person in the world, as injustice practiced by humans to their brothers in humanity can never be justified no matter what the pretexts are.”

Click here for the full story in Ma’an News

Olof Palme Prize 2015 to go to Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb

Dr. Mitri Raheb and Israeli Journalist Gideon Levy have been awarded the Olof Palme Prize “for their courageous and indefatigable fight against occupation and violence, and for a future Middle East characterized by peaceful coexistence and equality for all. By their work they both give a ray of hope to a conflict that has plagued and continues to plague millions of people and to endanger world peace.

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Will the Intifada escalate in 2016?

2015 was far from being the year when Palestinians saw their aspirations for freedom, independence, securing the right of return of refugees, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with its capital in Jerusalem coming closer to realization. Instead, those who fought on the front lines against the occupation found themselves in uneven battles against Israeli soldiers and/or armed settlers backed by the IOF.

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Palestinian organizations call for escalation of ‘intifada’

According to Israeli National News “Representatives of the major Palestinian Arab organizations met yesterday to discuss how to escalate the “Al-Quds Intifada”.

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Israel destroyed 478 Palestinian facilities in 2015

A research centre affiliated to the PLO has revealed that the Israeli occupation authorities destroyed 478 Palestinian buildings and other facilities during 2015. The demolitions occurred across the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, Quds Press reported.

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Lehava Leader Again Calls for Torching Jerusalem Churches

Lehava’s leader, Bentzi Gopstein, told the Israeli TV Channel II that Israeli Jews practically prevent Christians from entering Jerusalem, saying that Christian presence in Jerusalem was not welcome. He also called for ‘making obstacles towards the expansion of Christianity and Islam in the Palestinian occupied city of Jerusalem.’ Gopstein has previously ‘called for a ban on Christmas celebrations in the country and the banishment of Christians, who he referred to as ‘blood-sucking vampires’, from the land.’

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Gaza enters 10th year of Israeli-led blockade

The start of 2016 sees the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip entering the 10th year of the Israeli-led and internationally-backed blockade of the territory, which is exacerbated by Egyptian support. The blockade started in the wake of the 2006 Palestinian elections, which the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, won with an overwhelming majority. Local and international monitoring organizations described the Palestinian poll as one of the most transparent ever recorded. In Palestine, though, it is remembered with sadness as the election marked the internal political split and the start of the siege of Gaza.

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Israel imposes new rules for taking goods into Gaza

Israel has imposed new rules on trucks taking goods into the Gaza Strip through the Kerem Shalom Crossing, the only commercial border post with the territory, Palsawa has reported. The new rules were applied.

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US Church Groups present evidence of probable gross violations of human rights by Israeli Forces-Call for Accountability

Concerned about specific, well-documented instances of probable gross violations of human rights by Israeli military and security forces, eleven churches and faith-based organizations discussed several case summaries at a meeting yesterday with the U.S. Department of State. Israel is the largest recipient of U.S. foreign military assistance.

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More than 400 Israeli roadblocks divide the West Bank and Jerusalem

A Palestinian centre specializing in Israeli affairs has stated that more than 400 military roadblocks have been installed by Israel in Jerusalem and the West Bank in the last few years. In its report, the Al-Quds Centre for Palestinian and Israeli Studies said that Israel continues with its attempts to stop the ongoing Palestinian uprising that erupted in Jerusalem on 1 October, resulting in the death of 118 Palestinians and 22 Israelis.

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Youtube Becomes Israel’s new battleground against Palestinians

Once it fell to politicians and diplomats to solve international conflicts. Now, according to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, responsibility lies with social media.

Tzipi Hotovely, Israel’s deputy foreign minister, headed off to Silicon Valley to meet senior executives at Google and its subsidiary YouTube late last month. Her task was to persuade them that, for the sake of peace, they must censor the growing number of Palestinian videos posted on YouTube.

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Sabeel Christmas message 2015

President of Sabeel’s board Naim Ateek reflects on the year and what our calling is as Christians working for peace in the Middle East (more…)

Sabeel-Kairos Statement on the UN Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

We call upon the world and Sabeel-Kairos groups overseas to join the Palestinian struggle for justice and peace in solidarity with their prayers and vigils on Sunday, 29th November 2015 (more…)

EU sets guidelines on labelling Israeli settlement goods

The European Commission has issued new guidelines for the labelling of some products made in Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian and Syrian land.
Agricultural produce and cosmetics sold in EU member states must now have clear labels showing their place of origin.

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Intifada without a leadership

Since the outbreak of the Palestinian-Israeli clashes at the beginning of the month, one distinction was highlighted: the absence of a political and field leader. Meanwhile, the Palestinian youth continue to face the Israeli army individually, even in carrying out their armed operations, as well as the stabbings and hit-and-runs. This raises many questions regarding the absence of a leader and the ability of the Palestinian youth to continue their intifada without a leader.

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Sabeel-Kairos Authors contribute to a Palestinian Theology of resistance at Council for World Mission Conference

Sabeel-Kairos Authors at the conference “Mission in the Context of Empire: A Call for Global Theological Resistance for Palestine” gave a powerful and compelling argument for all Christians and all Churches to act concretely in support of the Palestinian struggle against the Israeli occupation of Palestine. (more…)

Tensions rise in Hebron between Israelis and Palestinians

Violence between Israelis and Palestinians has continued in recent days with attacks concentrated in the Hebron area of the occupied West Bank.
This month, there have been reports of about 20 Palestinian stabbing attacks and attempted attacks there, mostly targeting Israeli soldiers and police.

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Letter to WCC member churches in Israel and Palestine

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International response to the unrest in Israel

The recent increase in violence in Israel and the West Bank has created  an international wave of action in solidarity with the Palestinian struggle.

People of conscience who want to stand with the Palestinian struggle have been urged to take action and develop Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions efforts over the past weekend. This was aimed at showing  Palestinians that they are not alone.

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Pax Christi calls for end to escalating violence in Palestine and Israel

Statement: 18 October (more…)

The illusion of calmness

One of the most common questions asked these days is when will the situation [in the Holy Land] calm down? Despite the rhetoric we hear both sides propagate, slogans like, steadfastness in the face of the other; resistance to the violence of the other, and having a united front in combating the other, most Palestinians and Israelis wonder when will the violence stop. When will things return to the normality that everyone seems to have gotten used to?

Sami Awad, CEO of the Holy Land Trust provides some thoughts in the Huffington Post

Click here for the full story.

EU: Current violence should ‘push both parties to work together’

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Of course, it is an intifada: This is what you must know

What is happening today is an Intifada, but it is unnecessary to assign a number to it, since popular mobilization does not always follow a neat rationale required by some of us. Most of those leading the current Intifada were either children, or not even born when the Intifada al-Aqsa started in 2000; they were certainly not living when the Stone Intifada exploded in 1987. In fact, many might be oblivious of the details of the original Intifada of 1936.

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Analysis: Palestinians want 1967 lands to be put under UN protection

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There will be no peace until Israel’s occupation of Palestine ends

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The question of the Third Intifada

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5 Palestinian children killed in last 3 days as violence spirals out of control

October 13th, 2015.

The news reports filling out screens and social media feeds are as shocking as they are terrifying as the rule of law breaks down across East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza Strip. (more…)

Israel bans Palestinian entry to the Old City

Monday 6th Oct

Tensions are at breaking point in Jerusalem and across the West Bank as Israel imposed a 48 hour ban on Palestinians entering the Old City following the fatal stabbing of two Israelis and the wounding of several others on Saturday.

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Methodist Church issues statement on Israel and the West Bank

22 September 2015

In the World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel, the President and Vice-President of the Methodist Conference have issued a statement on Israel and the West Bank. (more…)

World Week for Peace 2015 is launched

People from far and near gathered for the Morning Prayer in Beir Ouna, Cremisan.

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Tensions high in West Bank

Israel has announced it is sealing off the West Bank for 36 hours from noon on Tuesday 23rd Sep, following outbreaks of violence across the West Bank, sparked by 3 days of clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian worshippers at the Al-Aqsa compound in East Jerusalem. (more…)

Jeremy Corbyn speaks about Israel and Palestine

Jeremy Corbyn, elected as leader of the UK Labour party today (12th September), spoke to Asa Winstanley about Israel and Palestine.

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