Young Advocates
Series on Intersectional Justice
A series that thinks about Solidarity between campaigns for Palestine and other justice campaigns across the world and how they are linked.
Shop!
We’re having a clear out! For a small (or generous) donation these T-shirts, books, postcards, prints and more could be yours.
Sabeel-Kairos News
Up-to-date news from Israel and Palestine
Prayer and theology
Resources, ideas and links to prayer and theology resources on Israel/Palestine
About Sabeel-Kairos
Two stories with one aim: a Just Peace in the Holy Land
Investing for Peace
Learn about our campaign here
BDS Overview
What is Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions, and does it help?
Campaign: Right to Boycott
Campaign: Right to Boycott
Diary of events
Photo: Charlotte Marshall/Sabeel-Kairos
Cornerstone Magazine
Latest Edition of Cornerstone Magazine
Kairos Palestine
An abridged version of the historic Kairos Palestine document issued in December 2009.
History
Contrary to a popular misconception, the conflict in Palestine/Israel is neither hundreds of years old nor is it primarily religious. At the heart of it is a struggle for the control of land.
Interactive Multimedia
Featured photo galleries, videos and podcasts
Reports, statements and articles
Featuring topical issues, stories from Palestine and more
Sabeel Jerusalem
Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center
Campaign: A Cry for Hope
We cannot serve God while remaining silent about
the oppression of the Palestinians.
Current Situation
What is it like to live in Palestine today?
Maps
Maps are crucial for understanding the conflict in Palestine/Israel.
Here are some important ones.
Books, films, music, exhibitions, flyers etc!
Books, Study guides, photos, films, art and exhibitions to help you learn more and gain understanding.
Young Advocates Forum
Welcome to our Young Advocates Forum! Please visit here if you are under 35 and interested in Israel/Palestine. Sign up to our network below to stay involved!
Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions
Find out more about the international BDS movement and how to boycott, divest and sanction against anything associated with Israel’s occupation.
About us
A cry of hope in the absence of all hope.
Trips to Palestine/Israel
“In order to understand our reality, we say to the Churches: Come and see.” – Sabeel-Kairos Palestine document
Gaza voices
The Forgotten Crisis: Listening to voices from Gaza
Here are some stories of ordinary people living life under siege in Gaza, and actions you can take to bring about an end to the blockade.
About Israel/Palestine
Not sure what all this is about?
Want to get to grips with the geography and facts on the ground?
Browse this introductory guide to Palestine/Israel.
Fundraising
Host an online cook-along for your local group and raise much needed funds that can make a real difference to the lives of Palestinians.
Becoming a Sabeel-Kairos Community
What are Sabeel-Kairos Communities? How can we become one?
Useful links
Links to organisations involved in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
Theology Group
The Sabeel-Kairos Theology groups meets regularly to research, discuss and take action regarding theological issues in Israel/Palestine. Find out more here.
Sabeel Wave of Prayer
Get the weekly Sabeel Wave of Prayer here every Thursday
Global campaigns
More ways to campaign here from partners and coalitions across the world
Resources
The Kairos Palestine Document is a call to action. Here are some resources to help you campaign, pray and advocate
Contact
How to get in touch
Sign up to receive the wave of prayer
The wave of prayer is free to receive and a great way to show solidarity and support to our Palestinian friends. Please sign up to receive it here.
Alternatively, you can view the Wave of Prayer every week on Sabeel’s website here: https://sabeel.org/
Cornerstone, Issue 81, Winter 2019/2020
Our Cornerstone magazine is now available. You can download the magazine here
Hope for Palestine – series finale
Join us this Sunday 3rd December, at 7pm UK time for our Autumn series finale, featuring a panel debate, Q+A and Vigil for Palestine. (more…)
Christian Organizations Demand Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza
We have joined our partner Friends of Sabeel North America in conjunction with a diverse coalition of Christian voices who long for justice and peace in the Holy Land, to release the following statement in response to the horrifying loss of innocent life in Israel and the genocidal massacre, destruction and inhumane siege on civilians in Gaza. (more…)
Letter in the Church Times
Well done to our Church of England campaign group who had this letter to the editor published in the Church Times on Friday 17th November. (more…)
Sabeel-Kairos UK Call to Action in response to the situation in Palestine/Israel
Here you will find our statements, updates and latest calls to action regarding the current situation in Gaza and Israel. (more…)
Eyes on the West Bank
120 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since 7th October. Join us this Sunday to hear from Hamed Qawasmeh – founder and director of Hebron International Resource Network. (more…)
Apartheid-Free Communities campaign
We are delighted to have joined the international Apartheid-Free Communities campaign! Read on to find out about the campaign, how you can get your church/community involved, and the resources available to help you.
Background
The Apartheid-Free Communities Campaign was formed in the USA in 2022, and is gaining international momentum. The American coalition is convened by the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) and originally consisted of interdenominational faith groups following the emerging consensus among the international human rights community that Israel’s treatment of the Palestinian people amounts to the Crime of Apartheid. The coalition has now grown to include over 154 committed faith-based groups, organisations, and solidarity movements, including several in the UK.
Why are we joining this campaign?
We have decided to join and endorse this campaign for several reasons:
- We believe, as our partners in Palestine do, that the evidence that Israel is committing the crime of apartheid against the Palestinian people can no longer be ignored. Now is the time for international action and pressure to persuade Israel to comply with international law.
- This campaign focuses on mobilising civil society and faith groups, at the grassroots level, to take whatever action they can to disassociate themselves from Israeli apartheid. Sabeel-Kairos is a grassroots organisation, our strength is our members and churches that campaign within their denominations. We also have a network of regional groups and communities across the UK.
- Our main campaign, Investing for Peace, continues to be a priority for us. We see this campaign as completely complimentary to that campaign. Churches and communities that sign up to be Apartheid-Free communities will be encouraged to take action to ensure that their funds are not invested in companies profiting from Israeli apartheid.
What does the campaign ask communities/congregations/faith groups to do?
Learn: The international human rights community agrees: Israel’s treatment of the Palestinian people amounts to apartheid. Educate your communities about apartheid. Learn how it works, how it impacts Palestinian lives, and how it can be resisted. There are a wealth of resources here on the website: Resource – Apartheid-Free Communities
Pledge: Join the network of apartheid-free communities around the world. By taking the Apartheid-Free Pledge your community is committing to resist racism and apartheid everywhere and withdrawing all support to Israeli apartheid. You can view the pledge here: Pledge – Apartheid-Free Communities
Act: Live into the pledge and take action to stop apartheid. Join collective campaigns that ask institutions and corporations to step away from Israel’s violations of Palestinians rights. Find out more here: Actions – Apartheid-Free Communities
Join the campaign!
We would love to see many of our supporting churches and communities joining this campaign and making a commitment to being apartheid-free. You can do this straight away by signing the pledge, but we’d also love to work together with all communities, faith groups and others in the UK that are signing up, so let us know by emailing and someone will be in touch with you.
Iona Community statement on Israel/Palestine
The Iona Community have updated their statement from 2017, including reference to Israeli crimes of apartheid against Palestinians. (more…)
New 4-part online series starting Sunday 3rd September!
We are delighted to invite you to join us for our new online series focused on Hope, featuring some fantastic Palestinian speakers! (more…)
Sabeel-Kairos 2023 AGM
Calling all members!
Join us online on Monday 11th September from 6.30-8pm for our annual general meeting. Featuring Rifat Kassis from Kairos Palestine, with updates from our work this year, and our ambitious plans for 2024. (more…)
Jacob’s Blog 3
Beit Sahour, Hebron & Bethlehem
I’ve not posted for a couple of days because the signal has been sketchy or I’ve been too tired…
The past few days have seen us visit Beit Sahour a town in the district of Bethlehem and Hebron, as well as today, the central city of Bethlehem again. (more…)
Jacob’s Blog 2
Jerusalem
Yesterday was deeply challenging, and yet, I felt drawn so much closer to God. We visited Jerusalem and saw many of the historic religious sites from Al Aqsa Mosque, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (the site of Jesus crucifixion and resurrection), the Stations of the Cross (the route Jesus walked), and the Western Wall where Jews gather to pray and be close to original site of the temple. All of this was deeply moving and I’ll write about it more another time. (more…)
Jacob’s Blog 1
The First Day
A day of visiting the catholic site of the Shepherd’s Fields, the Church of the Nativity (the birth site of Christ), the old city streets of Bethlehem and the Centre for Palestinian Biodiversity and Nature. It’s not over yet either, this evening we have a talk from a Jonathan Kuttab. (more…)
We’re recruiting! Membership and Fundraising Officer
We are seeking a part-time membership and fundraising officer to join our small staff team to lead our work with members and supporters, contribute to the day to day running of the charity, and help us to raise vital funds for our advocacy work. (more…)
Oppose the anti-boycott bill
Please click here to find out more information on how you can oppose the government’s undemocratic anti-boycott bill, which was tabled on Monday 19th June, and how we are working with others to challenge this. (more…)
Listen again: Daoud Nassar on life under Israeli occupation.
If you missed a chance to hear Daoud live during his recent UK tour, we are pleased to offer you chance to listen again to two of his talks. (more…)
New: Sabeel resource ‘This is where we stand: A Sabeel reflection on Antisemitism’
Our partner Sabeel have worked for several years to produce this excellent new resource on antisemitism. Find out more below. (more…)
Books
We have a number of books on Israel/Palestine which we would love to see go to a good home! (more…)
Booklets, DVDs and Greetings cards
As well as having several books for sale, we are also holding stocks of several booklets, DVDs and greetings cards. (more…)
Joint statement: 75 years of Nakba: Time for the UK to stand up for Palestinian dignity, respect and justice
Today, as a group of UK-based humanitarian, development, human rights and faith charities working for Palestinian human rights, wellbeing and dignity, we commemorate the 75th anniversary of what is known by Palestinians as the Nakba (the “catastrophe”) – and rededicate ourselves to bringing this relentless process to an end. (more…)
Greenwashing Part 2: God of Empire or Jesus- the servant of the oikumene?
The year 2023 has seen Ramadan, Easter, and Passover fall together, which only happens usually once every thirty years. The occasion has seen a heightened situation in Israel and the oPt, especially Jerusalem. The BBC News headline on April 5 2023 read, ‘Ramadan and Passover raise tensions at Jerusalem holy site.’ The headline makes it seem as if the religious festivals created the “tensions”. The situation in Israel and the oPt, we know, is not caused by believers practicing their religions. (more…)
Places Available for Young Adult Conference in Palestine
We are delighted to announce that Sabeel is back to organizing their annual young adult conferences, after a pause from the pandemic, this year.
Global Kairos for Justice Europe issues statement of concern and call to action
The GKJ Europe network has issued a letter to Church leaders regarding the recent surge in violent attacks against Christians and properties in Jerusalem and Israel. (more…)
Take action: Write to the Minister of Foreign Affairs
The European Coordination of Committees and Associations for Palestine (ECCP) has a great e-action tool we can all use to write to our Minister of Foreign Affairs (James Cleverly MP) calling on him to address the increasing violence towards Palestinians. (more…)
Apply for Young Adults Conference- July 2023
We’re super excited that you’re interested in coming to the Young Adults Conference/ alternative pilgrimage with us in Palestine. Here are some more details below.
Open letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury
Our Church of England denominational campaign group recently wrote this open letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury. It was submitted to the Church Times and later the Church of England newspaper but neither chose to publish it, so we are now making it publicly available. (more…)
About Sabeel-Kairos
We are a campaigning Christian charity that works for human rights, justice and equality for Palestinians in partnership/solidarity with the Christian community in the Holy Land.
We support, advocate and promote the work of Sabeel Jerusalem and Kairos Palestine, bringing Palestinian voices to the UK Churches to inform, challenge, develop understanding and bring about changes to minds and attitudes.
We are a campaigning and theological resource for the UK Churches and the Christian community worldwide.
Originally two separate organisations (Friends of Sabeel UK and Kairos Britain) that merged in 2017, Sabeel-Kairos is a membership organisation made up of individuals, churches and communities which stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people in partnership with, and by promoting and advocating on, the messages of Kairos Palestine and the Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Centre in Jerusalem.
Through our commitment to these Palestinian grassroots Christian movements, we support Palestinian Liberation Theology and the Kairos Palestine 2009 document ‘A Moment of Truth’, as well as more recent calls including the Palestinian Cry for Hope (2020).
We campaign and advocate for the right to non-violent resistance including Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions, Morally Responsible Investment, challenging the misuse of theology to oppress Palestinians, and praying for peace.
We are proud to be part of the global Christian movement for peace in Israel and Palestine through the Global Kairos for Justice Network and the international Friends of Sabeel community.
Student Christian Movement Magazine ‘Conscientization’ Covers Advocacy for Palestine
The Student Christian Movement’s latest issue of their Movement Magazine, edited by our Advocacy Officer for Under 35’s, Victoria, introduced students to justice issues in Palestine.
New: Apartheid webinars from Global Kairos for Justice Europe
We are delighted to be part of this new series, highlighting the important reports issued in the last 2 years relating to Israel’s crimes of apartheid against Palestinians. Find out more below! (more…)
Statement: Rev Dr Stephen Sizer
Here is a statement from the Sabeel-Kairos UK Board of Trustees regarding Rev Dr Stephen Sizer. (more…)
Right to Boycott Civil Society Statement
The government is proposing an ‘anti-boycott bill’ that, if passed, could dramatically affect our ability to campaign for social and climate justice in the UK and around the world.
Greenwashing- Part 1: Control of the Land
A series about solidarity and intersectional justice.
“Greenwashing is the practice used by Israeli apartheid to hide its crimes and violence under a fake narrative that presents the regime as if it cared about the environment.” (BDS 2022)
Shadi Khoury: Update, write to your MP
On Sunday 8th January Shadi Khoury will attend a hearing at a military court to decide the outcome of his arrest and detention last year. (more…)
New: Don’t Buy Into Occupation release 2022 report
The “Don’t Buy into Occupation” (DBIO) coalition is a joint project between 24 Palestinian, regional and European organisations based in Belgium, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom (UK). The coalition aims to investigate and highlight the financial relationships between business enterprises involved in the illegal Israeli settlement enterprise in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) and European financial institutions (FIs). Their new report is now out. (more…)
Kairos Palestine: 13th Anniversary conference statement
We were delighted to join our partner Kairos Palestine and members of the worldwide Global Kairos for Justice network in Bethlehem earlier this month for their 13th anniversary conference titled ‘The people, the Church, and resisting occupation’. (more…)
Methodist Conference commits to ‘deeper engagement’ with HSBC over human rights concerns
This year’s Methodist Conference saw the issue of Israel/Palestine raised again in 3 separate memorials to the conference. (more…)
Prayer and Action cards for young people
Earlier in the year our advocacy officer for the under 35s produced these fantastic prayer and action cards for the 18-35s. You can download them for free here or contact us if you would like to order some for your youth group! (more…)
World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel
This year’s WWPPI takes place from the 15-22 September and the theme is “Faith, Hope and Love in Action: Towards Justice in Israel Palestine.” (more…)
New Report by Kairos Palestine and Global Kairos for Justice
A dossier on Israeli Apartheid: A Pressing Call to Churches Around the World
We, members of Kairos Palestine and Global Kairos for Justice, have created a theological study for Christians and other civil society organizations who want to learn more about the crime of apartheid and why Palestinians and a growing number of churches and human rights organizations are using the word to describe Israel’s oppression of Palestinians. (more…)
Read the latest issue of Cornerstone online now!
This issue of Cornerstone from our partner Sabeel Jerusalem reflects on the issue of apartheid. A must-read for anyone wanting to challenge themselves theologically about how scriptures have been used, and are being used now to justify apartheid practices.
To read the full online issue of Cornerstone please click here: Read More – Sabeel, Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center
If you are a paying member of Sabeel-Kairos UK and have opted to receive a hard copy of Cornerstone this will be with you shortly in the post.
Why a young advocates forum?
In Israel/Palestine now it is the young people who are changing the narrative and revealing the truth about what is happening on the ground that does not often get into our mainstream news. People like Atalya Ben Abba, an Israeli conscientious objector, who went to military prison for her refusal to join the Israeli army. You can watch her incredible story ‘Objector’ here.
Write to your MP – oppose the ‘anti-boycott bill’
Protect our right to boycott
The government’s plans to stop public bodies from deciding not to do business with companies abusing human rights, or our planet, are completely anti-democratic and a serious blow to our civil society. This gross over-reach is part of wider government attempts to limit our efforts to campaign for Palestinian rights as well as other campaigns for international solidarity, climate and social justice.
Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions Bill
In The Queen’s Speech on Tuesday 10th May, the government introduced the Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions Bill. This legislation would limit decisions around investments relating to climate change concerns, arms and human rights issues including the occupation of Palestine in a fundamentally un-democratic move. The government has provided this information below;
Introduction to the Sabeel-Kairos Theology Group
The Sabeel-Kairos theology group was formed several years ago to address the many theological issues and challenges facing the Church worldwide when it comes to their engagement on Israel/Palestine, and to encourage Churches to fulfil their Gospel mandate, and stand in solidarity with those facing oppression and discrimination in Palestine and Israel.
The group encompasses people from all denominations, and welcomes new members that share the goals of peace, justice, and equal rights for all those that live in the Holy Land.
Prior to Covid, the group met twice a year in person, for one-day conferences when speakers were invited to present papers for discussion and debate. During 2019-2021 these meetings took place on-line, but we were delighted that in March 2022 the group met in person once more, for a 3-day residential at Gladstone Library in Chester.
During this time they heard from many renowned speakers on the subject of Israel/Palestine, and looked specifically at the Palestinian Cry for Hope, and how we can bring this to the attention of the UK Churches, and the World Council of Churches at their Assembly in Aug/Sep 2022.
As a result, this statement was released by the group, and endorsed by the Sabeel-Kairos Board of Trustees to be used as an advocacy tool: A Response to ‘Cry for Hope’: A Call to the Churches and the WCC Assembly 2022 | Sabeel-Kairos
From 2018-22 the Theology Group was led by Revd Brian Brown, an influential anti-apartheid campaigner, author, and retired minister in the Methodist Church. You can find out more about Brian, including a look at his latest book, here: “Apartheid South Africa! Apartheid Israel?” by Brian J Brown (apartheid-southafrica-israel.com) We are very grateful to Brian for his inspirational leadership.
In 2023 Revd. Nicholas Taylor became the new convenor of the theology group. Nicholas is a Biblical Scholar and an Anglican Priest, currently serving in the Scottish Episcopal Church. Nicholas has lived and worked in Swaziland, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, and spent 3 sabbaticals in Palestine/Israel. You can read his biography here: Nicholas Taylor introduction
If you are interested in finding out more about the Theology group, or joining them, please contact Nicholas on
A Response to ‘Cry for Hope’: A Call to the Churches and the WCC Assembly 2022
Read and share our statement and call to the WCC Assembly in 2022 regarding the Palestinian Cry for Hope, in partnership with the Sabeel-Kairos Theology Group. (more…)
Right to Boycott Civil Society Statement
Civil Society Statement
As a group of civil society organisations made up of trade unions, charities, NGOs, faith, climate justice, human rights, cultural, campaigning, and solidarity organisations, we advocate for the right of public bodies to decide not to purchase or procure from, or invest in companies involved in human rights abuse, abuse of workers’ rights, destruction of our planet, or any other harmful or illegal acts. We therefore oppose the government’s proposed law to stop public bodies from taking such actions. (more…)
Becoming a member of Sabeel-Kairos
By becoming an individual member of Sabeel-Kairos you are endorsing our call to action, and voicing your support and solidarity to the Sabeel Jerusalem and Kairos Palestine movements.
The membership fee is a minimum of £30 for the year.
As a member you will receive;
- A regular newsletter (via email), packed full of news from the region, campaign actions you can take, and information about the global Sabeel and Kairos movements
- Information about trips to Palestine
- The weekly Wave of Prayer
- Cornerstone Magazine in the post
- First refusal on tickets for the annual conference
- A vote in the AGM
Critically, your membership fee and any additional donations you make support us to continue this important work.
We ask all of our members to commit to the following principles:
- Justice, peace and security for all in Palestine and Israel.
- The principles of non-violence, anti-racism, and equality for all.
- Supporting and endorsing our partners in Palestine, Sabeel Jerusalem and Kairos Palestine.
You can also email us to find out what resources, information and support we can give you to spread the word about Sabeel-Kairos in your church, community or other place.
If you would like to read Time for Action please click here
To sign up to become a member, click here
To donate to Sabeel-Kairos and help further our work, please click here
Boycott AXA Campaign
Join the Boycott AXA campaign and take action here in the UK to divest from the occupation.
Write to the Cooperative Bank now and ask them to cease their partnership with AXA
Partners for Peace
When you become a partner for peace, you will receive our email and postal mailings, including Sabeel Jerusalem’s quarterly magazine Cornerstone as well as having priority access and booking for our yearly conference and access to all of our resources and information.
regular giving and our partnership fees are one of our most important sources of income, and help us to plan what funds we have available each year for our campaigning and education activities and resources. Without regular givers we would not be able to run our successful Investing For Peace campaign
5 November, 2021
On Saturday 9th of October 60 members of the Church of England gathered together under the leadership of the Bishop of Carlisle, The Rt Revd James Newcome for their autumn Diocesan Synod meeting. Members included clergy and lay people. On their agenda was a motion passed by Solway Deanery, calling on the Church of England to be more proactive in its support and solidarity with Palestinian Christians. (more…)
Brian Brown’s new book ‘Apartheid South Africa! Apartheid Israel?’ released
We are delighted that leading theologian and long term anti-apartheid campaigner Revd Brian Brown has released his new book, which you can order now. (more…)
Christian Aid Report: Where is Palestine?
We welcome this comprehensive report from Christian Aid, which amongst other important issues, calls on UK Churches to support our Investing for Peace campaign. (more…)
New edition of Cornerstone: Summer 2021
The 83rd edition of Sabeel’s Cornerstone publication highlights themes related to the Armenians of the Holy Land. Armenians have been in the country for centuries. Part of the local Armenians also came to the Levant as refugees around the year 1915. In this edition we hear testimonies of Armenians in Palestine-Israel and Lebanon.
We hear reflections on the conflicts, genocides, instability and migration by one of the many rich and diverse communities of the country. This moves on to reflections related to the future, including insights related to justice, pluralism, coexistence and peace.
To read/download cornerstone, please click the link below
New book: Hope in Israel Palestine
We are delighted to bring you this new book by John Howard, who served at Mission Partner in Bethlehem for the Methodist Church, and was an ecumenical accompanier. His book brings stories of hope and looks at the prospects for peace in the Holy Land. (more…)
Under 35? Visit our new webpages!
We are delighted to have launched an under 35’s section on our website. Please visit here if you are under 35 and want to get involved in our Young Advocates Forum, and find out about events, stories and campaigns. (more…)
Current issues/campaigns: Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan
Young people like Muna El-Kurd, and her twin brother Mohammed, are helping to make known to the world the unjust treatment of Palestinians. Muna and Mohammed have an Israeli settler from the USA living in part of their house, and are threatened with eviction from their home. Muna was arrested in June 2021 for peacefully protesting the theft of her home. Muna livestreams what is happening in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of Jerusalem, and has thousands of Instagram followers. It is the young people telling the stories that are starting to make the world sit up and listen.
Chloe’s story
Chloe has recently joined our Young Advocates Forum and our monthly prayer gathering. Ruth, our under 35’s officer interviewed her about her interest in Palestine, and how she came to know about Sabeel-Kairos.
Meet Laura
Laura is a young international student worker who has learnt about the situation in Palestine through the work of Sabeel-Kairos UK. What she heard inspired her to pray for an end of the Israeli occupation and for peace in Palestine. While she prayed she remembered and honoured the lost, whilst celebrating freedom to come.
Here she explains the symbolism of her painting: “Breakfast on the beach: hope for Palestine.”
- The watermelon is a symbol of resistance.
- The flower in the tear gas vase, remembering and honouring the lost.
- The Palestinian Keffiyeh shows their intact identity and links with the original pattern from the fishing industry and I had John 1:12 on my mind whilst painting ‘ But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.’
- After decades of living in fear without rights or freedom I have painted a picture of hope for Palestine to enjoy their beaches and eat in peace with Jesus.
Instagram @laura_joy_
Annabelle’s story: Developing a passion for justice in Israel/Palestine
I am a Russian Christian who came to the UK to study in Leeds in 2018.
The two churches I attended before in Russia were both charismatic churches (Evangelical family of churches). Both of them had many things in common. They both believed in the idea of success and compulsory prosperity of a modern Christian. Moreover, they promoted ideas of only spiritual healing (all sicknesses come from the Devil) and non-negotiable obedience to leaders, as well, as “worshipping” of them. (more…)
How can you become a Partner for Peace?
Subscribe to the Sabeel ‘Wave of Prayer’
Receive regular updates from the ground in Palestine to inform your prayers.
Give regularly to our work
Regular donations large or small helps us to plan our work. Can you give £5, £10, £15 a month or more? You can donate quickly and securly here online: https://www.sabeel-kairos.org.uk/category/donate/
Join our young advocates forum (zoom)
If you are new to the topic of Israel/Palestine come and learn more and ask your questions. If you are already involved, meet with other young advocates to encourage, inspire and pray for each other in our work for a just peace. Contact our under 35’s engagement officer, Ruth Thomas on for more information or to join.
Connect with us!
Please contact Ruth our Engagement Officer (under 35s) if you would like to become a Partner for Peace or have any questions about how to get involved!
Please also find and follow us on twitter, instagram, and facebook
United Reformed Church adopts 10 resolutions on Israel/Palestine
At their General Assembly last week the URC voted in favour of 10 resolutions, including a commitment not to knowingly invest in any company profiting from the occupation of Palestine. (more…)
Map of Sabeel-Kairos Communities in the UK
Our Sabeel-Kairos communities are made up of churches, groups and communities and all endorse our values and goals. Some of these communities are active groups who host events and others are simply supporting churches. Please get in touch to ask to be put in touch with a group in your area.
Methodist Conference commends Cry for Hope to Churches for prayerful study
We are delighted to report that the Methodist Church, in response to several memorials submitted by our campaigners, have responded with some substantial actions they wish Churches to take in the coming year to promote justice, peace and equality for Palestinians. (more…)
Christian Zionism and the restoration of Israel: How should we interpret the scriptures?
Colin Chapman has released his latest book, this time focusing on Christian Zionism. Find out how to order your copy here. (more…)
Sabeel-Kairos UK Board of Trustees
We are delighted to have a dedicated, experienced and passionate board of Trustees guiding and supporting the work we undertake. Please find their short biographies below. (more…)
Sabeel-Kairos community groups
Here are our active Sabeel-Kairos community groups, usually covering a town/city/region. If you would like to find out more about a group, or join one, please email us on so we can put you in touch with the group.
Beckminster Methodist Church Sabeel-Kairos Community
Wolverhampton
Bristol Sabeel-Kairos Community
Hexham Sabeel-Kairos Community
Campaign Success! Methodist Church revises investment policy
Sabeel-Kairos welcomes the resolution passed at Methodist Council last week calling for a revision to the existing investment policy in light of the changes on the ground in Israel and Palestine. (more…)
How to host an online fundraiser
If you would like to host an online fundraiser in your local group, community or parish we would love to hear from you.
This is a great- and delicious- way to get your group back ‘together’ online, have some fun and stand in solidarity with Palestinians. We run these session to support our campaign ‘Investing for Peace’.
Please contact us at for more information.
Cornerstone, issue 82, Summer 2020
The way we face our challenges determines the probability of overcoming our problems and the potential of coming out as stronger individuals and communities. In this edition of Cornerstone, Sabeel, with the help of a number of writers, we reflect on human nature and how people react when they face a major problem.
Please click on the following link to access the latest Cornerstone Issue: https://sabeel.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/cornerstone-82.pdf
Coalition Stop AXA Assistance to Israeli Apartheid
AXA profits from Israel’s oppression of Palestinians. The French insurance company, the second biggest insurance company in the world, is active in 57 countries and has over 108 million clients.
Even though AXA has human rights and environment policies it invests $7 million in three Israeli banks named in the UN database of companies involved in business with Israel’s illegal settlement enterprise: Bank Leumi, Israeli Discount Bank and Mizrahi Tefahot Bank. These banks operate branches in illegal settlements in the occupied Palestinian and Syrian territory (Golan Heights), providing mortgage loans for settlers and financial services to settlements’ local authorities for building projects.
These complicit banks also work as “accompanying partners” by ensuring that the bank provides the construction company with all of the main financial services until the completion of the project. Without these banks many of the illegal Israeli settlement projects would have difficulty being implemented.
AXA also owns 9 % of Equitable holdings (EHQ), which invests 157 million dollars in 5 Israeli banks, Bank Hapoalim, Bank Leumi, First International Bank of Israel, Israel Discount Bank, and Mizrahi Tefahot Bank, as well as in Israel’s largest arms company, Elbit systems. Elbit is notorious for profiting from Israel’s siege on Gaza, “battle-testing” its killer drones, white phosphorus, sniper bullets and fighter jet parts, all deployed by the Israeli occupation army to murder or maim Palestinians. Elbit Systems’ Hermes 900 drones were among Israel’s drones that murdered 164 Palestinian children in Gaza in 2014.
The Coalition “Stop AXA Assistance to Israeli Apartheid” campaign calls on individuals, organisations and institutions worldwide to boycott AXA until it ends its complicity with Israeli apartheid and human rights violations.
Sign the pledge here.
Until AXA ends its support for Israeli apartheid and human rights violations against Palestinians,
I Pledge to boycott AXA by refusing to buy its insurance products.
I Appeal to other individuals, businesses, sports teams, institutions and trade unions to end all business, sponsorship and insurance contracts with AXA.
Link to the BDS page here:
https://bdsmovement.net/news/boycott-axa-insurance-company-israeli-apartheid
Sign the Petition: Cry for Hope
To sign the petition, please click here.
Cry for Hope Letter from Palestine
Please find the full version of Cry for Hope from Palestine here: cry-for-hope-english
A Cry for Hope Movement Action: Write to Your Local Church
If you were at our conference you will have seen the launch of our UK ‘Cry for Hope’ campaign in which we are writing to our local clergy to invite them to join a small and intimate online discussion with Palestinian Christian theologians to help deepen your understanding of what our Palestinian Christian family are facing in their daily lives and what you and your church can so to stand in solidarity with them here in the UK.
Free Mahmoud Nawajaa
Leading BDS activist Mahmoud Nawajaa was dragged from his home on 30th July at 3:30am. Israeli forces stormed his house, blindfolded him, handcuffed him and took him away from his wife and three young children. No charges or evidence of criminal activity have been presented against Mahmoud, yet he remains in administrative detention in Israel. Write to your MP today to demand his release! (more…)
Leicester Sabeel-Kairos community
The Episcopal Church (USA) adopts and implements an Investment Screen
At their fall meeting in Montgomery, Ala. the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church adopted and implemented a human rights investment screen to respond to a 2018 General Convention resolution, which directs The Episcopal Church to “join with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America’s action, CA 16.06.31, “Justice for the Holy Land Through Responsible Investment.”
(more…)Fundraising resources
We are delighted to announce the launch of our brand new fundraising resources, including recipe cards and invitations for a Palestinian Brunch and an Olive Oil tasting evening pack – courtesy of the Olive Tree Kitchen! Please download the resources you need from the list below or get in touch with us if you would like further support/ideas in running a fundraising event.
- Palestinian Brunch Invitation
- Palestinian Brunch Recipe card (Star of the show) ‘Mama’s Foul’)
- Palestinian Brunch Recipe card – Salata Arabia
- Palestinian Brunch Recipe card – Hummous
- Palestinian Brunch Recipe card – Halloumi
- Olive Oil Tasting invitation
- Olive Oil Tasting – Fun Facts
- Olive Oil Tasting Work Sheet
Investing for Peace Campaign postcard
Please find our campaign postcard here. You can download and print this, or order copies directly from us.
Gaza
The Gaza Strip is in the grips of a humanitarian crisis. This crisis is man made and is getting worse. The 11 year blockade by Israel has cut the people of Gaza off from Palestine and from the rest of the world. Experts predict Gaza will become unlivable by 2020. (more…)
Kairos Palestine calls on Bundestag to reverse BDS decision
The Nakba at Home – 71 years of displacement.
By Phoebe Rison, Advocacy worker, Sabeel-Kairos
(more…)Taste, See & Tell: BFTA Fair Trade Tours
Fair Trade Tours In Palestine
If you want your journey in Palestine to make a real and lasting difference to both people and the planet, it all starts with a simple choice – where do I go?
Partners in the campaign
We are delighted to have several organisations partnering with us in this campaign.
What do our denominational campaign groups do?
Click below to see what your Church’s view on morally responsible investment in Israel/Palestine is, and see what our Church activists are doing to challenge this.
Churches in America and MRI
Churches in America have blazed a trail on Morally Responsible Investment and offer us, here in the UK, hope and inspiration that our churches could do the same.
Sabeel Jerusalem
Mission
To strive towards theological liberation through instilling the Christian faith in the daily lives of those who suffer under occupation, violence, injustice, and discrimination.
FAQs
Please click here to see the FAQ. If you wish to submit further questions please contact us.
Become a Partner for Peace
Thank you so much for choosing to become a Partner for Peace by joining Sabeel-Kairos and standing in solidarity with the Palestinian People.
“With all that is happening in our country in the last few weeks, it is easy to feel isolated; as if no one cares about the Palestinians. The United Reformed Church’s resolutions are a source of encouragement; a reminder that we are not forgotten.’
Revd Dr Munther Isaac Palestinian Pastor
Membership costs a minimum of £30 waged/£18 unwaged per year
Membership costs a minimum of £30 waged/£18 unwaged per year
Breaking the Silence monthly tour of Hebron
Breaking the Silence run a tour of Hebron once a month.
To sign up click here.
‘A Palestinian Theology of Liberation’ by Naim Stifan Ateek
The latest book by Revd Naim Ateek, founder of Sabeel in Jerusalem:
‘Addressing what many consider the world’s most controversial conflict, Naim Ateek offers a succinct primer on liberation theology in the context of the Palestinian struggle for freedom and self-determination. (more…)
New: BDS Toolkit and videos from the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights
Have you been wanting to start a BDS campaign? Or, are you a seasoned activist looking for a good resource to share with others? Is someone you know confused about what BDS is? These new resources are for you! (more…)
Lichfield Concern for Palestine Sabeel-Kairos Community
Lichfield, Staffordshire
A collection of poems and cartoons
By Dutch artists Arie de Bruin (poems) and Len Munnik (cartoons)
Translated into English for your enjoyment and to raise awareness of the situation in Palestine.
Please download the booklet here:
Consequences: The Trial of Arthur James Balfour, by Warren R Bardsley
Warren Bardsley’s new book was released in early September, and is available for the price of £9.99
Please see this flyer for more details about the book.
There is also a 3-act play script based on the book available for groups to use, with no charge or copyright.
To order a copy of either the book or play script, please contact
All proceeds will go to Medical Aid for Palestinians.
HSBC: Stop Arming Israel!
HSBC is a major shareholder in companies selling weapons and military technology to Israel and also provides those companies with the loans they need to operate. Here’s the latest campaign action you can take (more…)
Morally Responsible Investment in Israel and Palestine
‘Pursuing Justice’
“Because they lead my people astray, saying ‘Peace’ when there is no peace, and because when a flimsy wall is built, they cover it with whitewash, therefore I tell those who cover it with whitewash that it is going to fall” Ezekiel 13:10-11
Read our guide on morally responsible investment and find out more about how we are encouraging UK churches to engage in this.
From Balfour to Banksy- film documentary on the Balfour legacy
From the Balfour to Banksy website:
Britain’s Balfour Legacy: a Century of Discord and Division
Many, many Jews will feel joy in 2017 as they celebrate 100 years after the British declaration that led to the birth of their nation.
This film will remember the other side of that narrative. (more…)
Red Card Israeli Racism
Fight Israeli Racism through football
The Israeli government violates international law. It discriminates against Palestinian Arabs through laws and actions involving ethnic cleansing, cultural genocide and collective punishment. This discrimination is severe, widespread, and unrelenting. It is generally unrecognised.
Palestinian footballers suffer their share. They are arbitrarily arrested and imprisoned without charge, cannot travel freely and cannot meet properly for games and training. (more…)
Brian Brown: The Nakba
On Holocaust Memorial Day Jews invite us to share their commitment that never again will institutionalised hatred go unchallenged. On the 15 May Palestinians invite us to consider whether their present institutionalised suffering will continue forever? Nakba offers an opportunity to consider the magnitude of that suffering. (more…)
The Question of Antisemitism
The formal adoption of the IHRA’s definition of antisemitism by the UK Government has caused waves of controversy and debate amongst campaigners for justice in Palestine and Israel. To help you understand the issues and concerns, here is some reading on the topic, including the definition itself. (more…)
Censored UN Report Report on Israel
The UN has officially sanctioned and removed a recent report calling Israel an apartheid regime and urging governments to “support boycott, divestment and sanctions [BDS] activities’
The authors of the report have made it available for the public to download despite the censorship. Read the full report here.
Take action: Write to your MP about Israel’s travel ban on BDS supporters
From The Palestine Solidarity Campaign: Last week, the Knesset passed a law to ban entry to those who advocate for the non-violent boycott, divestment and sanctions movement. (more…)
Longing Belonging and Balfour: A musical theatre telling of the 1917 Balfour Declaration story
‘Chai For All’ will compose an hour-long musical theatre in April with a mishmosh of Jazz Klezmer, Arabic and Ottoman music, Salvation Army tunes, Story and Yiddish song. (more…)
North East Sabeel-Kairos community
Set up in 2021 covering the North East region.
Chair – John Howard.
Make your Church HP-Free!
Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA) have started an excellent campaign to help Churches boycott Hewlett Packard and become ‘HP-Free’.
The technology created by Hewlett Packard denies Palestinians freedom of movement in the West Bank and Gaza. Hewlett-Packard sells the tools necessary for state repression: surveillance and population registration technologies. The biometric IDs, fingerprinting, and retinal scanning equipment and software developed by HP are critical to Israel’s ability to maintain segregation and apartheid.
Although this is an American campaign, many of the resources they are producing can be used here in the UK to help us achieve the same goals.
On their website is a presentation and notes to download that you can use in your Church, and also a full list of the other resources available from other organisations campaigning on this issue.
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign also has a full page dedicated to the Stop HP Campaign, so please visit there too.
FOSNA has started running Webinars on the campaign, which are free to join and available for anyone to be part of. We will post any future dates here on this page.
Centenary of the Balfour Declaration 2017
When Britain promised to give away Palestine
Members of Friends of Sabeel and Sabeel-Kairos have produced a flyer to mark the centenary of the Balfour Declaration, and raise awareness of the unfinished promises and commitments to the Palestinian population that were made in the letter, and the disastrous results of the declaration itself for the rights of the indigenous population. We would encourage you to download and print it yourselves, or to order hard copies please contact Friends of Sabeel on
Resource for those on pilgrimage
Garth Hewitt has produced Songs from the Fifth Gospel, a double album of songs, prayers and stories about the land once known as ‘holy – for those on pilgrimage.
Songs from the Fifth Gospel – a new resource from Garth Hewitt
North West Sabeel-Kairos community
An umbrella group covering supporters and churches in the North West of England.
Chair: John Logan
Reading Sabeel-Kairos Community
Occupation captured by Christian Peacemaker Teams
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- © CPT An Israeli Border Police prepares to launch a tear gas canister at a group of children. Children often throw rocks at the checkpoints and soldiers respond with tear gas and sound bombs. The tear gas interrupts the morning walk to school for many kids. In addition the tear gas floats into open shops and open windows of the homes that line the street. (15/04/2016)
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- © CPT. Israeli Border Police have recently been expanding their checkpoints, adding new metal detectors, and also adding containment facilitates to hold Palestinians that they arrest. (17/04/2016)
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- © CPT. Palestinian men are detained on their way to pray at the Ibrahimi Mosque in the old city of Hebron. (19/04/2016)
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- © CPT. A young Palestinian youth pushes his bike under the barbwire at the checkpoint. After passing his bike through, he crawled under himself. The checkpoint turnstiles are too tight for a bike and the Israeli Border Police rarely open the gate for youth. (18/04/2016)
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- © CPT. Four small Jewish boys play in the foreground while two Palestinian children watch in the background. The settler children play under the watchful eye of Israeli army. (20/04/2016)
Father Mario, Parish Priest
Father Mario is from Brazil, but has been based in Gaza for the last 3 years. The Latin Parish serves the community through the Church and Pontifical Mission projects. These are projects that focus on not only the material needs of people in Gaza but the spiritual ones too. (more…)
Mohammad, 19
“I can bring home food now, and shop for my family”
Mohammad is a graduate of the NECC Vocational training centre in Shejaiya, from the metal and aluminium course. Following that, he was selected for the job creation programme and given a 6-month contract at a workshop which makes kitchen units. After the 6 months his employee was so impressed with his work and commitment that he gave him a permanent contract. (more…)
Areej, 16.
*Areej lives in Shejaiya, and would like to study nursing when she leaves school. She speaks eloquently about how life in Gaza has changed since the last war, and how the sense of community and family is slowly being eroded by the siege. She was injured in the war and has received treatment from Al Ahli hospital. (more…)
Yasmin, 12
“I want to be a doctor – to help others as I have been helped”
*Yasmin greets me with a shy but engaging smile. As a young girl living in Gaza she has endured more suffering than any 12 year old I’ve ever met, but an air of optimism and child-like joy still surround her. She starts by telling me that she loves school, and she’s currently missing her favourite subject, Arabic language. (more…)
What is BDS? Haidar Eid Explains from Gaza
The BDS campaign, a call from over 170 organizations in Palestine to the international community to boycott, divest and impose sanctions on Israeli and international companies that benefit from the oppression of Palestinians, now celebrates its 10 anniversary.
Listen to Dr. Haidar Eid in an interview where he explains the demands that the BDS movement asks from the international community, its history and successes.
Keep Hope Alive – Olive Tree campaign
The Joint Advocacy Initiative (JAI) of the East Jerusalem YMCA and YWCA of Palestine invites interested volunteers to participate at the Olive Planting Program, 6th – 15th of February 2016 in Palestine, as part of its ongoing Olive Tree Campaign.
The program, organized jointly with the Alternative Tourism Group, aims at helping farmers and their families plant / replant olive trees at their pre-attacked or threatened fields, in order to ‘Keep Hope Alive’.
Besides olive planting, the program features introductory presentations about the current situation in Palestine and the effects of the Apartheid Wall and colonies (settlements), tours in the old city of Jerusalem, Hebron, Bethlehem, as well as Ramallah, in addition to cultural events and social gatherings.
For more see
Visit Palestine
Visit Palestine offers a wide range of proposed itineraries. Depending on your interest, available time and budget, there are lots of tours to choose from. From day trips that can be organized specifically for your party, to regularly scheduled day tours to longer tours ranging from 3-7 nights.
Travel Palestine
The official Website for tourism in Palestine.
Visitors to Palestine will encounter on their journey myriad religious, historical, and archaeological sites. Beyond the historical, Palestine offers walks and hikes in its extensive valleys, along coasts, as well as desert hills, towns, and ancient marketplaces at the hearts of cities and villages nestled in the heart of breath-taking landscapes.
Olive Co-operative
Olive Co-operative: Tours, travel advice, Arabic courses, and listing a wide range of agencies offering tours. www.olivecoop.com
Joint Advocacy Initiative (JAI)
A joint program of East Jerusalem YMCA and YWCA of Palestine, JAI works for Peace with Justice in Palestine, based on Humanitarian and Christian Values, by mobilizing the world movements of YMCA and YWCA, churches, church-based organizations, UN agencies, and other relevant organizations to influence decision-makers and prompt actions that contribute to end Israeli occupation and all its violations of International Law.
Green Olive Tours
Green Olive Tours is a social enterprise tour agency providing tours that are informative and analytical, covering the history, culture, and political geography of Palestine (West Bank) and Israel. The tours provide benefit to the indigenous population through the hiring and training of tour guides, overnight stays with families & small guest houses, and encouraging visitors to purchase local crafts directly from producers and Fair Trade outlets.
Palestinian initiative for responsible tourism
The Palestinian Initiative for Responsible Tourism (PIRT) is a network of organisations, associations and public bodies committed to advocate and work for responsible tourism in the Holy Land.
Israeli Committee Against House Demolition ( ICAHD)
As Israelis, ICAHD believes that the only chance for a genuine peace is one that enables the Palestinians to experience sovereignty and full civil rights.
ICAHD offers a range of half-day, day, and longer tours, also involvement in rebuilding Palestinian homes that have been demolished.
Here is the information regarding half-day tours: https://icahd.org/icahd-half-day-tours/
Here is the information regarding extended study tours and the next rebuilding camp: https://icahd.org/extended-study-tours/
St George Tours
St George Tours: This new tour company, based in Beit Sahour, offers a wide range of both traditional and alternative trips in Palestine, including pilgrimages, bike tours, hiking tours and Learn Arabic visits. They encourage staying with local families, supporting local communities, and tailor trips to suit your needs. Visit their Facebook page for more information.
Experience Travel Tours
Experience Travel Tours (ETT) Join us and visit Palestine/Israel for a truly unforgettable and life-changing experience! Since 1999 ETT has continued to offer distinctive issue-based tours that enable participants from across the world to meet with outstanding organisations, sit with inspirational Palestinians and Israelis, and witness life in different geographical areas on both sides of the divide. (more…)
Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI)
The Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) is a programme coordinated by the World Council of Churches founded in response to a call from the local Heads of Churches in Jerusalem that brings internationals to the West Bank. Since 2002, over 1,500 volunteers have come for 3 months to be Ecumenical Accompaniers (EAs).
Get in touch if you are organising a trip
If you are organising a trip which follows the code of conduct for tourism in the Holy Land and would like to advertise it on this page please contact
Sabeel Jerusalem Witness Visits
Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center runs yearly witness visits to help you experience the reality of life in today’s Holy Land. Here are some of the activities that are part of the programme each year:
- Worship with Palestinian Christians
- Meet and reflect with Palestinian Christians and Muslims as well as with Jewish Israelis and internationals who partner with Sabeel in non-violent resistance against the violation of international and humanitarian law
- Experience the realities of the Palestinian community living under Israeli Occupation: the Wall, settlements, checkpoints, confiscated land and demolished homes, refugee camps, and environmental degradation
- Learn about the loss of civil and property rights of Arab Israeli citizens.
Embrace the Middle East
Embrace the Middle East: Embrace run Encounter Tours and also Olive Tree trips with the ATG. Visit www.embraceme.org/Trips for more information.
Amos Trust tours
Amos Trust tours aim to give an understanding of what life is like in the Holy Land today; meet local people; visit the historic and biblical sites; see the “facts on the ground” and experience Palestinian hospitality.
Code of Conduct for tourism in the Holy Land
All the agencies listed below follow the Alternative Tourism Group Code of Conduct for tourism in the Holy Land and offer different kinds of opportunities to experience aspects of everyday life in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories and to meet people on both sides of the conflict.
Sheffield Sabeel-Kairos Community
Jenny Richardson
Economics
On average, an Israeli earns $30,000 a year whereas the average Palestinian earns a tenth of this, less than $3,000. 23.6% of Israelis live below the poverty line compared with 46% in the West Bank and 80% in the Gaza Strip. (more…)
The Christian Community
There has been a Christian community in the Holy Land since the very beginning of Christianity. Although the conflict is often portrayed as a struggle against militant Islam, there is a minority Christian community who always have and continue to play an important role in Palestinian society.
The occupation
The Israeli occupation controls Palestinian movement (people and goods) through a network of checkpoints and obstacles such as roadblocks and roads reserved for settlers only.
People
Israel has a population of about 7.5 million, 20% of whom are Palestinian Arabs. There are about 4 million Palestinians living in what is known as the ‘Palestinian Territories’. This term includes the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip. There are also an estimated 4-5 million Palestinian refugees living outside of Palestine/Israel. (more…)
Whose Promised Land? The continuing conflict over Israel and Palestine
By Rev Colin Chapman
A fully revised and updated edition of a classic book on Israel and Palestine.
The conflict between Israel and the Palestinians has profoundly affected the Middle East for almost seventy years, and shows no sign of ending. With two peoples claiming the same piece of land for different reasons, it remains a huge political and humanitarian problem.Can it ever be resolved? If so, how?
These are the basic questions addressed in a new and substantially revised fifth edition of this highly acclaimed book.
Embrace the Middle East are promoting this book – click here for details.
Still Life: Tales from the West Bank.
Eye-witness stories of life in Palestine, told through song, story and images, by two former Ecumenical Accompaniers.
War on Want: Stop arming Israel
Stop arming Israel is a call for the UK Government to put in place a two-way arms embargo on Israel until it abides by international law. The recent war in Gaza would not be possible without the financial, military and diplomatic support from countries around the world, including the UK. The UK Government has continued to license arms exports to Israel, despite these almost certainly being used against Palestinian civilians.
You can take action and ask our government to stop arming Israel
Sparrow Story: The Gospel for Today
A book by David Rhodes
What if Jesus lived today – in our violent world? In a region where there is military occupation, injustice and oppression? Where greed condemns people to live in virtual slavery and innocent lives are destroyed for the sake of power and ambition? “Sparrow Story” is a fast-moving and challenging presentation of the greatest story of all time – for people in our own age.
You can order this book online at Amazon – link here
Or visit the author’s own website: www.turbulentbooks.co.uk where you’ll find other stories on similar themes.
BDS Movement
In 2005, Palestinian civil society issued a call for a campaign of boycotts, divestment and sanctions (BDS) against Israel until it complies with international law and Palestinian rights. A truly global movement against Israeli Apartheid is rapidly emerging in response to this call.
Photographic Exhibition
Liverpool Friends of Bil’in, have put together a travelling photographic exhibition and are looking for venues where this impressive and moving body of work can be displayed.
The advent of peace: A Gospel Journey to Christmas
Mary Grey looks at how the Advent story encourages forgiveness and reconciliation, both essential for peace, and how the Gospels can be key tools to help Christians work towards peace.
Films that show the reality of the situation in Palestine.
Jews for Justice for Palestinians
JEWS FOR JUSTICE FOR PALESTINIANS (JfJfP) is a network of Jews who are British or live in Britain, practising and secular, Zionist and not. We bring together Jews from across the religious and political spectrum and value contributions to the struggle for justice for Palestinians by Jews from every background, in Britain, Israel, and across the world
Jewish Voice for Peace
Jewish Voice for Peace is a diverse and democratic community of activists inspired by Jewish tradition to work together for peace, social justice, and human rights. We support the aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians for security and self-determination.
Palestinian Solidarity Campaign
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign works for peace & justice for Palestinians, in support of human rights & against all racism.
Combatants for Peace
Zionism Unsettled – Study Guide
The Israel Palestine Mission Network of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has published Zionism Unsettled: A Congregational Study Guide.
Zionism Unsettled was published to help bring about an end to the silence surrounding the impact of Zionism, and to encourage open discussions on the topic in church and society.
Amos Trust
The Amos Trust believes a just peace for Palestine means security and peace for Israel too.
They partner with Palestinian and Israeli groups who are calling for an end to the occupation and who seek to promote community activism.
Pax Christi
The work of Pax Christi – the Peace of Christ – is based on the gospel and inspired by faith. Our vision is of a world where people can live in peace, without fear of violence in any form. Pax Christi is rooted in Catholic Christianity but is open to all who share its values and work.
Christian Aid film
Click to see our new short film on the work we support in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory with resources to help you show and discuss this film in a church or group setting
Embrace the Middle East
Embrace the Middle East aims to improve the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the Middle East.
They do this by partnering with local Christians who provide health, education and community development programmes to those in need – regardless of their faith or nationality.
Christian Aid
Click here to find out more about Christian Aid’s involvement in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Sussex Sabeel-Kairos Community
Tony Graham
Sabeel-Kairos book launch: ‘It’s About Time’
We are delighted to announce that one of the founding members of Sabeel-Kairos, Warren Bardsley, has recently launched his new book, ‘It’s About Time: The (unfinished) Story of Sabeel-Kairos’
Swansea Sabeel-Kairos community
Meets every first Friday of the month, 12:30pm, @St Mary’s Church in the city centre to share the wave of prayer, news, and updates.
Led by Father Mark Griffiths, April Beynon, and Father Nigel Doyle.
On not abandoning Jews and Palestinians
The Rev Anna Karin Hammar, from our sister organisation the Church of Sweden has written a compelling essay on challenging the occupation and European antisemitism, and how we have a responsibility to not abandon but to stand in solidarity with Israelis and Palestinians.
West Midlands Sabeel-Kairos community
Covering the West Midlands region.
Chair: Renate Wilkinson
Interview with Bissan Kassis
“My father was arrested when I was 6 years old. It would be the first time of many. My childhood ceased to exist. I realised my life was not in my control”
As Bissan Kassis tells me her story from an office in Beit Sahour, it’s hard to imagine that this confident, intelligent young woman, who’s English flows as easily as her Arabic, was once the young girl so affected by her father’s arrest. And yet hearing her story, it is an event that has not only shaped her personal life, but her professional one as well. (more…)
Wombourne & Springdale Methodist Churches’ Justice & Peace Group, Sabeel-Kairos Community
Wolverhampton, West Midlands
Individual Churches and supporting groups
As well as our Sabeel-Kairos communities we also have a number of individual Churches that have chosen to support us. If you would like to find out more about these, please contact us.
Bristol Area Quaker Meeting
Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, London
Holy Land Group Kings Heath
Kings Heath Birmingham
Peace & Justice in the Holy Land North East Group
Springdale Methodist Church
Wolverhampton, West Midlands
Kairos Palestine film (with subtitles)
The Kairos Palestine film marks the historic call for solidarity from the Palestinian church to end over 6 decades of occupation and oppression.
Sabeel-Kairos Communities
Across the UK we have a number of Sabeel-Kairos community groups. Some of these were founded as Friends of Sabeel Regional groups, others as Kairos Communities. All are grassroots movements, bringing together people locally that campaign, advocate and fundraise for a just peace in Palestine and Israel.
Our Sabeel-Kairos groups are the beating heart of our movement. They are all unique, and operate in different ways, but are committed to;
- Justice, peace and security for all in Palestine and Israel.
- The principles of non-violence, anti-racism, and equality for all.
- Supporting and endorsing our partners in Palestine, Sabeel Jerusalem and Kairos Palestine.
If you would like to consider starting up a Sabeel-Kairos community group, or joining an existing one, we would love to hear from you! Please contact us on to find out more. We offer some fantastic resources, including live or online cook-a-longs with our resident Palestinian Chef and advocacy worker Phoebe. Find out more about that here.
Contact Us
For questions and enquiries please contact or write to us at:
Sabeel-Kairos UK
PO Box 18336
BIRMINGHAM
B31 9FY
We no longer have an office – our staff work remotely.
You can also follow us on twitter: @SabeelKairos
And like us on Facebook: Sabeel-Kairos – seeking a just peace for Palestine
BDS Overview
What is Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions, and does it help?
BDS is an international, non-violent means of resistance against Israel’s violations of international law and it’s ongoing illegal occupation of the Palestinian territories.
The BDS call came from within Palestine, and since 2005 over 170 organisations have joined the movement, taking it from strength to strength. It is now endorsed by trade unions, student unions, faith groups, prominent writers/artists and solidarity movements from all over the world.
Boycott
Boycotts can take many forms, including cultural, academic and consumer initiatives. Focus for the UK boycott has been on trade with Israel, in particular with illegal Israeli settlements. Please visit the current campaigns page for the latest boycott action
Divestment
Divestment is the targeting of corporations that are complicit in the occupation – and therefore Israel’s violations of international law. This includes supporting the building, functioning and economic growth of the illegal settlements.
War on Want has an excellent report entitled: Profiting From the Occupation, which lists several companies involved in this way.
Many of the companies listed on our current campaigns page can be targeted for boycott and calls for divestment.
Sanctions
Sanctions are political trade restrictions, put in place by one government to another, designed to put pressure on that government to change their actions.
In this case, we are calling on our UK government to end its complicity with Israel’s violations against international by freezing or ending it’s economic and trade ties with Israel.
Organisations that support BDS
Here are some organisations that support the BDS campaign and provide information and resources about its current campaigns:
Voices from Gaza: Photo Gallery
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- The view across Gaza city to the sea. Kairos Britain/Charlotte Marshall
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- Destruction from Operation Protective Edge in the summer of 2014. Kairos Britain/Charlotte Marshall
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- Mammogram and breast screening at the Al Ahli hospital. Breast cancer has been on the rise in the last 5 years and late diagnosis has been a significant cause of death in women. Kairos Britain/Charlotte Marshall
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- Yasmin, 12, has received physiotherapy at the Al Ahli hospital following injuries sustained in the 2014 war on Gaza. Kairos Britain/Charlotte Marshall
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- A pregnant mother receives antenatal care at The Near East Council of Churches’ mother and baby clinic, Shejaiya. Kairos Britain/Charlotte Marshall
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- Sunset in Shejaiya, one of the neighbourhoods almost completely destroyed in the 2014 military assault on Gaza. Kairos Britain/Charlotte Marshall
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- The Rosary Sisters School, Gaza. Kairos Britain/Charlotte Marshall
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- Students at the Rosary Sisters school who describe their school as ‘a light in Gaza, where we are raised and cared for’. Kairos Britain/Charlotte Marshall
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- Students at the Near East Council of Churches’ vocational training centre in Qarara who are on a 2-year electrical training programme. Kairos Britain/Charlotte Marshall
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- A student at the electrical vocational training centre learns rewiring, a skill which will hopefully help him to find a job in the future but with the highest unemployment rate in the world this will be difficult for many young people. Kairos Britain/Charlotte Marshall
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- Najla Diab (30) works as a secretary and PA under the NECC’s job creation scheme, designed to help young people in Gaza access employment opportunities. Kairos Britain/Charlotte Marshall
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- Mohammad Aldahdouh (19) is now employed full time in an aluminium workshop making kitchen units thanks to the NECC’s job creation scheme which he participated in. Kairos Britain/Charlotte Marshall
Introductory guide/video
Watch this introduction the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from Jewish Voice for Peace
Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
From historic Palestine to today
Water resources
Palestinian domestic water supply averages 50 – 70 litres per capita per day (lpcd). The World Health Organisation recommends that minimum water supply be 100 lpcd to ensure good health and hygiene practices. Israeli domestic consumption averages 280 lpcd. In Tubas district (West Bank) average consumption for 48,000 Palestinians is 30 lpcd. In Beka’ot settlement (12km south of Tubas) residents consume around 401 lpcd.
History.
Contrary to a popular misconception, the conflict in Palestine/Israel is neither hundreds of years old nor is it primarily religious. At the heart of it is a struggle for the control of land.
Zionism, which emerged in nineteenth century Europe, is an ideology of Jewish nationalism. A key factor in the birth of the Zionist movement was anti-semetic persecution in Europe and Russia.
But in choosing Palestine as the place for a Jewish state, the Zionists were on a collision course with Palestine’s Arab population (Muslim and Christian).
In 1900, the population of Palestine was about 96% Arab, and 4% Jewish. In 1917, British Foreign Secretary Lord Balfour revealed that the British government supported “the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people”. The Palestinian Arabs – at that stage still over 90% of the population – were simply referred to as the “non-Jewish communities”.
Jewish immigration into Palestine increased dramatically through the 1930s and ‘40s, as a result of intensifying persecution in Europe that culminated in the Nazi Holocaust.
When the UN voted for Palestine to be partitioned in 1947, over half of the land was allotted to the proposed new Jewish state, even though Palestinians were over two thirds of the population and only 6% of Palestine was under Jewish ownership. The Jewish leaders accepted the proposed plan but the Palestinians rejected it. Britain, who had been controlling the territory, withdrew and war broke out between the Jewish forces and Arabs from within Palestine and the surrounding countries.
In 1948, following military victory, the State of Israel was established. Up to 90% of the Palestinians who would have been inside the new Jewish state’s borders were expelled. As many as 500 Palestinian towns and villages were destroyed. This is why Palestinians refer to the creation of Israel as the Nakba (‘catastrophe’ in Arabic).
In 1967, during a war with the neighbouring Arab states, Israel conquered the West Bank and Gaza Strip, beginning its military rule of what became known as the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT).
Soon after the occupation began, Israel began to expropriate land and create Jewish settlements. These settlements have been established and expanded, by successive Israeli governments, in breach of international law.
In 1987, Palestinians under Israeli military occupation rose up in what became known as the First Intifada (literally, ‘shaking off’ in Arabic). Stone-throwing Palestinians confronted Israeli soldiers, while many communities adopted classic civil disobedience tactics.
In 1993, the Oslo Peace Accords were signed, establishing the Palestinian Authority in small pockets of the OPT. The claim was that this would be an interim stage towards full Palestinian statehood, but by 2000 the Israeli settler population in the West Bank had grown by 50% (three times the population increase in Israel itself).
At the end of September 2000, another Palestinian uprising began (the Second Intifada). It was triggered by the visit of Ariel Sharon and hundreds of security forces to the site of the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, one of the holiest places for Muslims.
In the first 30 days of the Second Intifada, over 120 Palestinians were killed by Israel across the West Bank and Gaza, without one Palestinian attack inside Israel. The violence quickly escalated.
Israeli forces inside the OPT invaded Palestinian towns and refugee camps, deploying tanks, helicopters and F-16s. Palestinian suicide bombers targeted buses and restaurants in Israeli cities. By the end of 2006, 4400 Palestinians had been killed, and around 1000 Israelis.
In 2002, Israel began work on the Separation Wall in the OPT, officially calling it a security measure. However, the Wall’s route, looping around the West Bank and East Jerusalem to include significant Jewish settlements, suggested a land grab. The judges of the International Court of Justice agreed in July 2004 that the Wall is contrary to international law.
Kairos Palestine
The reality on the ground is one of the Israeli occupation, and all that results from this situation: the dehumanizing effect of the Separation Wall; the effect of the Israeli settlements that ravage our land in the name of God and of force; humiliation at checkpoints; restrictions on religious liberty; and the suffering of Jerusalem where homes are being demolished or expropriated.
There is also the reality of the refugees, waiting for their rights to be realised, as well as the Palestinians who are citizens of Israel waiting to enjoy equality.
Young people, both Muslim and Christian, are emigrating in this absence of hope. The shrinking number of Christians is a dangerous consequence of the continued conflict.
We believe that the Word of God is a living Word, casting a particular light on each period of history, manifesting to Christian believers what God is saying to us here and now.
We know that certain theologians in the West try to attach a biblical legitimacy to the infringement of our rights. We declare that the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land is a sin against God and humanity because it deprives the Palestinians of their basic human rights.
The mission of the Church is prophetic, to speak the Word of God courageously, honestly and lovingly in the local context and in the midst of daily events. We say that our option as Christians in the face of the Israeli occupation is to resist. But it is resistance with love as its logic. It is thus a creative resistance for it must find human ways that engage the humanity of the enemy.
Our numbers are few but our message is great and important. Our land is in urgent need of love. Our love is a message to the Muslim and to the Jew, as well as to the world.
Our word to the Churches of the world is firstly a word of gratitude for the solidarity you have shown toward us in word, deed and presence among us. It is also a call to repentance and to revisit fundamentalist theological positions that support certain unjust political options with regard to the Palestinian people.
Our question to our brothers and sisters in the Churches today is: Are you able to help us get our freedom back? For this is the only way you can help the two peoples attain justice, peace, security and love. In order to understand our reality, we say to the Churches: Come and see. You will know the facts and the people of this land, Palestinians and Israelis alike.
We condemn all forms of racism, whether religious or ethnic, including anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, and we call on you to condemn it and oppose it in all its manifestations. We call on you to take a position of truth with regards to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land. We see boycott and divestment as non-violent tools for justice, peace and security for all.
Our word to the international community is to stop the double-standards, and insist on the international resolutions regarding the Palestinian problem with regard to all parties.
To Palestinians and Israelis: our appeal is to reach a common vision, built on equality and sharing, not on superiority, negation of the other or aggression, using the pretext of fear and security. Let the state be a state for all its citizens, with a vision constructed on respect for religion but also equality, justice, liberty and respect for pluralism and not on domination by a religion or a numerical majority.
Donate
Photo: Ryan Rodrick Beiler
All donations directly support our core advocacy campaign Investing for Peace, which has already supported three UK Churches to change their investment policies, as well as our work to promote BDS, Kairos Palestine and Sabeel’s Liberation theology here in the UK, and our work with under 35s.
£10 a month can help develop resources to support our campaigns and youth work
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