Young Advocates
Advent/Christmas 2024
Find out more about our resources for advent this year, including our online series, Christmas appeal and prayers.
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!
Buy Sabeel-Kairos T-Shirts, Tote Bags and more here!
Sabeel-Kairos News
Up-to-date news from Israel and Palestine
Campaign news
Find out the latest news and successes in our Investing for Peace campaign
Sabeel Wave of Prayer and our Newsletters
Sign up for the weekly Wave of Prayer and our monthly newsletter packed with news, events, campaigns, and resources.
About Sabeel-Kairos
Read about our vision, mission, and activities
BDS Overview
What is Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions, and does it help?
Diary of events
Photo: Charlotte Marshall/Sabeel-Kairos
Gaza: A Call to Action
Actions, statements, campaigns and news concerning the ongoing war on Gaza.
Prayer and theology
Resources, ideas and links to prayer and theology resources on Israel/Palestine
Kairos Palestine
Find out more about our partner Kairos Palestine
History
A brief (but important) look at historical events that have influenced and shaped the oppression the Palestinian people face today.
Interactive Multimedia
Featured photo galleries, videos and podcasts
Cornerstone Magazine
Latest Edition of Cornerstone Magazine
Sabeel Jerusalem
Find out more about our partner Sabeel Jerusalem.
Current Situation
What is it like to live in Palestine today?
Maps
Maps are crucial for understanding the situation in Palestine/Israel.
Here are some important ones.
Reports, statements and articles
Featuring topical issues, stories from Palestine and more
Investing for Peace
Learn about our campaign here
Campaign: Right to Boycott
Campaign: Right to Boycott
Books, films, music, exhibitions, flyers etc!
Books, Study guides, photos, films, art and exhibitions to help you learn more and gain understanding.
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
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.
Campaign: A Cry for Hope
We cannot serve God while remaining silent about
the oppression of the Palestinians.
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.
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.
Useful links
Links to organisations involved in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
Fundraising
Find out how to leave a gift in your Will to us, donate to our appeals or host a fundraising event using our recipe cards and other resources!
Becoming a Sabeel-Kairos Community
What are Sabeel-Kairos Communities? How can we become one?
Resources
The Kairos Palestine Document is a call to action. Here are some resources to help you campaign, pray and advocate
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.
Contact
How to get in touch
Global campaigns
More ways to campaign here from partners and coalitions across the world
Cornerstone, Issue 81, Winter 2019/2020
Our Cornerstone magazine is now available. You can download the magazine here
Synod’s silence on Gaza amounts to complicity
A letter to the Church of England’s Synod secretary-general, William Nye, from the Christian Palestinian organisation Kairos Palestine, sent late last month, says: “Neither history nor future generations will forgive the silence of the Church.” Read more on this story below. (more…)
0710 Journeys
Photo exhibition at P21 Gallery in London 9th July-5th Sept.
Sabeel -Kairos UK are delighted to be sponsoring this photo exhibition by Wayne Campbell. Wayne took many of the photos whilst in Palestine in February with the Sabeel Influencer project and they are stunning.
With workshops running throughout the summer alongside the exhibition, use the QR code on the poster, or use the link below to look at the programme and book your ticket.
Methodists and URC endorse WCC Apartheid statement
Last week both the Methodist Conference and the United Reformed Church’s General Assembly passed emergency resolutions commending the World Council of Churches statement calling for an end to apartheid, occupation and impunity in Palestine and Israel. (more…)
Open letter to UK Govt calling for Gaza inquiry
4 July 2025.
We, the undersigned organisations, strongly urge the UK Government to support and establish an independent public inquiry into the UK’s involvement in Israeli military operations in Gaza since October 2023. (more…)
Kairos Palestine Welcomes Bold WCC Actions Affirming Justice, Naming Apartheid, and Advancing Global Solidarity
June 24, 2025 – Jerusalem, Palestine
Kairos Palestine welcomes with deep appreciation and hope the prophetic resolutions adopted by the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC) during its meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 18–24 June 2025. We especially affirm the Central Committee’s endorsement of the Report of the Working Group on Palestine and Israel (Document 02.2), which marks a turning point in the moral and theological witness of the global church. (more…)
Useful Podcasts
If you love your podcasts……….
These are a must listen for anyone who wants to learn more about the history of Palestine, and the ongoing occupation Palestinians are living under.
Great for signposting your friends too as well if they want to find out more:
Munther Isaac. Gaza, God and the genocide:
About the history of the Israel-Palestine conflict, and what led to the current crisis in Gaza.
Christ at the Checkpoint Podcast:
Highlighting and empowering the voice of Christian Palestinians.
https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/christatthecheckpoint/
In this episode of the Christ at the checkpoint podcast, Rev. Munther Isaac and Rifat Kassis discuss the story of the Kairos Palestine document, the Kairos movement, and theology of Kairos Palestine, and its relevance And importance today after the Gaza genocide:
https://youtu.be/ja0VfTXkJ0M?si=3V4OSCv5gH7Y0aY3
Across the Divide Podcast:
Across the Divide explores the intersection of the faith and social justice in Palestine-Israel.
https://open.spotify.com/show/5PrVCyafdQdh8Jpz5gZNyR
Palestinian Christians: Reality and Challenges from a Human Rights Perspective with Dalia Qumsieh:
https://youtu.be/plXgsCMgxGs?si=i1Rec50ic1FAb7O5
UK Gov response to Israel ‘gravely inadequate’ say 15 human rights groups
30 May 2025. Sabeel-Kairos joined other UK organisations in a letter to the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary calling the response to the Israeli authorities’ blockade of humanitarian aid, its continued attacks on Gaza, and the expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank gravely inadequate. (more…)
Return to Gaza
A Lament by Swee Ang
Return to Gaza
My God, my God Why do You forsake Gaza?
The broken heart of Gaza cries out to you from the abyss
of darkness, death, despair and desolation
Do you not hear the cries of the mothers
Weeping for their children
Bodies crushed under the rubble
Incinerated to ashes, torso torn apart
Eyes mingled with sand
The orphans with no surviving parents and family
Too frighten to cry, too shaken to eat and hope
Will you gather them like a hen her chicks
Will you heal their trauma and their wounds
Give them love and a future?
This beautiful piece of coastal land was created by You
You blessed this land and made it
Awash with fishes and now with fuel oil
Planted it with olives, dates, grapes, and jasmine
With fruits vegetables and herbs, oranges and lemons
With the fairest and most fragrant flowers in the Levant
Where peacocks, doves and sunbirds
Dance and sing in harmony and in sequence
Where food is plenty on land and in the sea.
The land on which the indigenous people live for millennia
Where civilisation, culture and trade flourished for millennia
Enriched by respect, tolerance, generosity and hospitality
Where the children of Ismail and Isaac lived under Your wing
Now you have allowed it to be laid waste
Death, desolation, and despair through massacres
Manmade hunger, famine and disease
Have decimated the natives of this land
I have called for those who murdered tens of thousands innocent
To face Your judgement for genocide and obliteration of the land
I have pleaded with you to spare the lives of the defenceless
I bring before You Your own promise that You will honour
Your pledge to Hagar to save and prosper the descendants of Hagar
Do You remember opening the spring of life for them
Telling them that their descendants will always live on this land?
Almighty God, our hearts are dying, there are no tears left
Hope is faltering, and words are failing
We know the hearts of kings and rulers are in Your hands
And You direct them in the way You desire
Take away their hearts of stone
Give them new human hearts, hearts of flesh and compassion
Let Gaza live and rescue humanity from this abyss.
Merciful and compassionate and loving God so we pray.
Amen
Swee Ang, 1 June 2025
Unified Call to Confront Famine in Gaza
Launch the Diplomatic Humanitarian Convoy Now
12th May 2025
Palestinian civil society, joined by humanitarian and human rights organisations worldwide, issues this urgent and unified call: The manufactured famine in Gaza must be halted. The international community must act decisively, immediately, and with full moral and legal responsibility. (more…)
Leading Aid and Human Rights Organisations Condemn the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation as a Dangerous, Politicised Sham
We, the undersigned humanitarian and human rights organisations, unequivocally reject the establishment of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a project led by politically connected Western security and military figures, coordinated in tandem with the Israeli government, and launched while the people of Gaza remain under total siege. It lacks any Palestinian involvement in its design or implementation. (more…)
Journeys to Justice
If you missed our online storytelling event, you can catch up by watching the recording on YouTube:
A Global Call to affirm and uphold Palestinian Rights and the Rule of International Law
We are a movement of faith communities, students, academics, nonprofit organizations, civil society organizations, trade union members, business people, other people of conscience and good will. We cry out at the growing indifference and silence in the face of systemic violations of International Law by Member States of the United Nations. Sign our petition now and uphold Palestinian Rights and the Rule of International Law. (more…)
An Unlawful Presence
“We, the undersigned organisations, call upon global leaders to uphold their legal and moral responsibilities in light of the ICJ’s Advisory Opinion and the UN General Assembly resolution.” Read our shared post about how world leaders must act to end Israel’s unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. (more…)
Kairos Palestine Easter Appeal 2025
As we approach Easter, a time of renewal and resurrection, we Palestinian Christians stand at a crossroad…..
—one that will determine whether our presence in the land where Christ was born, crucified, and resurrected will endure or fade into history. The threats facing us and all Palestinians—land confiscation, forced displacement, physical assaults and violent arrests, targeted killings, movement restrictions, economic strangulation, and political marginalization—have reached a critical point.
A Turning Point to Protect Christianity in Palestine
An Urgent Call for Unity and Action
Christ is Risen!
Let Justice and Hope Rise with Him!
Read the full Kairos Easter appeal here:
Kairos Palestine Easter Appeal 2025
As we approach Easter, a time of renewal and resurrection, we Palestinian Christians stand at a crossroad….
– one that will determine whether our presence in the land where Christ was born, crucified, and resurrected will endure or fade into history. The threats facing us and all Palestinians—land confiscation, forced displacement, physical assaults and violent arrests, targeted killings, movement restrictions, economic strangulation, and political marginalization—have reached a critical point. (more…)
A Jerusalem Voice for Justice
An ecumenical witness for equality and a just peace in Palestine/Israel.
Journeys to Justice
Updated Kairos Palestine motion moves forward to General Synod!
We are delighted that a motion to encourage greater support and solidarity with Palestinian Christians, along with a call for the Church of England to divest from all companies profiting from Israel’s illegal occupation, has been updated and re-affirmed by the Carlisle Diocese, and now proceeds to General Synod in July. (more…)
Stories from Palestinian Christians
Saturday 26th April, 7.30-9pm.
An informative evening discussing ways we can support our Palestinian brothers and sisters achieve equality in the Holy Land.
More info and register for free ticket here:
https://storiesfrompalestinianchristians.eventbrite.com/ (you do not have to register but it will help us get the right amount of refreshments if you can!)
Eyes on West Bank Webinar with John Howard.
Now uploaded to YouTube.
We had a great evening with SK trustee John Howard sharing about his recent trip to Palestine and also hearing from Claire after her return from The Creatives delegation in Jerusalem learning about how the Palestinians use art as resistance and to protect their heritage and culture.
The recording is now uploaded to YouTube and can be found here:
Free access to Palestinian films
With the situation in Palestine deteriorating yet further, a lot of filmmakers have made their films about Palestine available online for free.
Leave a legacy of hope
How to include a gift in your Will:
Please order our Legacy information pack by filling in the form below or emailing Ruth
Whether you’re updating a pre-existing Will or have never written one before this guide contains all the practical information you need to include a gift in your Will to Sabeel-Kairos, as well as outlining what difference your legacy could make.
Speaker tour: Tent of Nations
Eyes on the West Bank – Webinar with John Howard
Wednesday 19th March, 7pm.
Former Ecumenical Accompanier and current Sabeel-Kairos trustee, John spent 3 weeks in the West Bank in January this year. In this webinar he will reflect on what he saw, how Palestinians are responding to the current situation in the West Bank, and stories of those he met during his trip.
Register for this webinar here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tiTtF4xcR8yalKrWNbuMpg
Stop Arming Israel: 230 organisations demand action from Governments
We join 230+ organisations in calling on all F-35 partners to take action in line with their legal obligations and immediately halt the direct and indirect transfer of F-35 parts and components to Israel. (more…)
15 NGOs demand UK action to stop escalating violence in the West Bank
11 February.
We, the undersigned organisations, urgently call on the UK Government to take immediate action in response to escalating Israeli forces’ violence in the occupied West Bank, particularly in Jenin and Tulkarem refugee camps.
Since early 2025, Israeli military attacks have killed at least 66 Palestinians in the West Bank, including eight children. The ongoing siege of Jenin has trapped thousands of Palestinians, restricting access to medical care, water, and electricity. On February 2, 2025, the Israeli military demolished approximately 20 buildings in the Jenin refugee camp, further escalating displacement in the area. This latest operation has compounded an already dire situation, with nearly all of the camp’s 20,000 residents forced from their homes over the past two months.
Despite compelling evidence of unlawful killings, mass forced displacement, and attacks on civilian infrastructure, we have yet to see any meaningful action to protect civilians and prevent atrocities in the West Bank or any condemnation from the UK Government or action to hold the Israeli government and forces accountable. Israeli forces have been using disproportionate, unnecessary, and indiscriminate force – including airstrikes on civilian areas and attacks on medical facilities – which are apparent violations of international human rights laws on the use of force. Yet, there has been no clear or forceful response from the UK Government to demand an end or accountability for these actions.
Israeli forces’ atrocities which concentrated for over 15 months in Gaza are now spilling over into the West Bank, with Israeli forces deploying the same indiscriminate military tactics that have killed thousands of Palestinians in Gaza. Severe movement restrictions, including roadblocks and checkpoints, have paralysed daily life and worsened the humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, settler violence against Palestinians reached unprecedented levels in 2024, with homes set on fire, and Palestinian communities harassed.
The UK’s failure to respond meaningfully to the International Court of Justice’s Advisory Opinion, which found Israel’s continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territory unlawful, is unacceptable. The UK must urgently exert all efforts to ensure that similar patterns of mass killings, displacement, and destruction seen in Gaza do not move to the West Bank, through:
- Publicly condemn Israeli forces’ actions in the West Bank, including the use of disproportionate, unnecessary and indiscriminate force, and demand an immediate halt to military operations.
- Demand an immediate and unconditional lifting of the siege on Jenin, ensuring humanitarian aid reaches those in need, along with the restoration of essential services.
- Suspend all arms transfer to Israel, including the parts of the F-35 fighter jets.
- Hold Israeli authorities accountable for violations of international law, including unlawful killings and attacks on civilian infrastructure.
- Work with international partners to ensure Israel faces meaningful consequences and that Palestinians are protected under international law.
- Outline a clear plan to end Israel’s continued presence in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and evacuate all settlements, in line with the ICJ Advisory Opinion.
Delay is not measured in time but in Palestinian lives. Every moment of inaction costs more lives. The UK Government must use its diplomatic influence to demand an end to the violence, hold Israeli authorities accountable, and ensure Palestinians’ rights are protected under international law.
The time for action is now. The lives of Palestinians in the West Bank are at stake, and we cannot afford further delay.
Signed by:
- Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP)
- Oxfam GB
- Save the Children UK
- Islamic Relief UK
- Christian Aid
- Gender Action for Peace and Security (GAPS)
- Action for Humanity
- ABCD Bethlehem
- Amos Trust
- Welfare Association
- Sabeel-Kairos UK
- Muslim Aid
- Embrace the Middle East
- Council for Arab-British Understanding (Caabu)
- War on Want
The Divestment Guide- Great resource for students!
For all students who are looking for ways you can take action for Palestine!
The Divestment Guide, created in partnership with the Student Christian Movement, will take you step by step through all you need to know to campaign for your university to divest from arms sales and promote a just peace.
Download this free resource here: Divestment Guide
A Betrayal of Justice: Kairos Palestine Rejects Trump’s Ethnic Cleansing Proposal and Calls for Global Action
Read the statement from our partner Kairos Palestine issued on 6th February 2025. (more…)
Held without charge
Tuesday 4th February, 6pm (UK)
The horrific conditions experienced by Palestinians inside Israeli jails with Layan Nasir and Tala Nasir.
In partnership with Amos Trust, we bring you the chance to hear first-hand from Layan about her ordeal in Israeli prison for over 8 months, without charge or trial.
We will also be joined by Tala Nasir, lawyer at Addammeer Palestinian Prisoners Support Association.
To register, please visit the Amos Website here: Webinars 2025
Kairos Palestine Statement on Gaza Ceasefire
“But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” Amos 5:24
Jerusalem/ Bethlehem, Monday January 20th, 2025
In light of the recent ceasefire agreement between the Israeli occupation and Hamas, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to our Palestinian people for their steadfastness and resilient spirit during these challenging and bloody times. (more…)
18 NGOs demand UK Government ensure Gaza cessation of hostilities leads to justice and accountability
16.01.25. Today we joined other human rights, development and humanitarian organisations in welcoming the ceasefire whilst highlighting the failure of the UK Government to act meaningfully or hold Israel accountable for the last 14 month of bloodshed in Gaza. (more…)
Statement on police barring 18 January march from the BBC
Today we have joined the Palestine Solidarity Campaign strongly condemning police attempts to stop an agreed march for Palestine from protesting at the BBC on 18 January. (more…)
Unity and Solidarity with Palestinian Christians
From Churches Together in South London: 
To church leaders, church goers, people working in or with Christian organisations and churches, representatives of churches together groups, local ecumenical partnerships and other ecumenical organisations in South London.
We warmly invite you to join us for a webinar during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
Unity and Solidarity with Palestinian Christians – what are they asking of us?
Tuesday 21 January 8-8.45pm online
CTSL Unity Week Webinar with Charlotte Marshall, Director of Sabeel-Kairos, a Christian charity working for human rights, justice and equality for Palestinians in solidarity with the Christian community in the Holy Land.
Join us as we examine the historical and current challenges facing the small Palestinian Christian community as they try to stay in their land amidst persecution and war. We will draw on the resources for this year’s Week of Prayer as we hear stories of Christian families facing displacement and violence. Learn about how their non-violent approach drives their advocacy work to live in freedom and equality with all who call the Holy Land home. We will discuss their ‘cry for hope’ to us, the global church, and ways we can work together with them from South London in unity, supporting one another in Christ.
Hope is a radical act
Thank you! £11,300 raised for the Shepherd Society
We are delighted to have reached and surpassed our fundraising target for our Christmas Appeal, thanks to the generosity of our supporters! (more…)
Call to European Churches: Why are you silent in the face of genocide?
“Blessed are they who observe justice,
who do righteousness at all times.”
Psalm 106:3
December 19th, 2024
We, members of the Global Kairos for Justice coalition, write this letter during a season commemorating God’s intervention in history to bring justice and peace to all nations and creation. The heavenly host proclaimed to the shepherds suffering under the heel of occupation, “Peace on earth!” (Luke 2:14). Yet, in the very land where peace was promised, a catastrophe is unfolding. The Israeli government’s actions against the Palestinians constitute an attempt to establish a false peace by eliminating the Palestinians—using the Hamas actions on Oct 7, 2023, which certainly violated international humanitarian law, as a pretext for genocide. (more…)
Sabeel-Kairos Christmas Appeal for Palestine
Be part of creating jobs, livelihoods and hope in Palestine this Christmas!
This year we invite our members, supporters and campaigners to join us in supporting the vital work of Bethlehem Bible College through their charitable arm, the Shepherd Society. The Shepherd Society runs many programmes in the West Bank and Gaza including medical aid, food parcels, job creation schemes, humanitarian relief, and microfinance projects. (more…)
Sabeel-Kairos UK Presents its 2024 Advent Series
Join us this December!
Sabeel-Kairos UK is delighted to announce this years Advent series ‘Palestine-Longing for Peace.’
Amidst the horror which continues to unfold throughout Palestine and beyond, we bring you Palestinian voices with their message to us this advent season. This four-part series will amplify the voice of Palestinian Christians living under occupation, oppression and genocide. (more…)
Global Kairos for Justice Call for Prayer during Advent
It is a very critical moment for the Palestinian people. Palestinians have no safe place in their land, threatened by killing and forcible transfer. We therefore cry to God during this Advent season for the Palestinian people at 12.00 o’clock wherever we are in the world. (more…)
Red Letter Christians – Daily devotional Reflections from Bethlehem throughout Advent
Our friends at Red Letter Christians have produced a wonderful resource this year where we can turn our hearts and minds to Bethlehem in this holy season.
Written by Palestinian Christians living in the heart of the Holy Land and their allies, this devotional invites us to consider the world-changing truth that God is with us, Emmanuel – not from a place of comfort, but in the rubble of suffering, injustice, and violence. As we watch the horrors unfolding in Gaza, we are reminded that the Savior of the world was born in the midst of violence, as a refugee in an occupied land. (more…)
Christ in the Rubble resource kit
Our sister organisation in the US, Friends of Sabeel North America, has put together this useful resource pack to use in your church and Christian community. With prayers, sermons, actions, songs/carols and images all collated in one place, it focuses on Munther Isaac’s Christ in the Rubble theme from 2023 and helps us to build solidarity with our Palestinian Christian brothers and sisters today.
You can access the resource pack here: Christ in the Rubble resources
Advent Series Week 1 Uploaded to YouTube!
We were absolutely delighted to welcome Alice Kisiya to speak about her experience of living under occupation and her families battle to protect their land of Al Makhrour in Bethlehem. Alice inspired us and challenged us as she passionately shared her heart to stand up for what is right. If you missed it, watch again here. (more…)
Joint Statement: 37 Organisations call for URGENT clarity from Foreign Sec on genocide remarks
We call on the Foreign Secretary, as a matter of urgency, to make a statement clarifying the Government’s understanding of i) genocide in international law; ii) the scope of the UK’s international obligations pursuant to the Genocide Convention and Rome Statute; and iii) what steps must be taken to fulfil such obligations. (more…)
Palestinian Christians from Kairos Palestine meet the Archbishop of Canterbury
“I praise God for the steadfastness of Palestinian Christians in the face of occupation, systemic discrimination and devastating violence. I thank God for their faithfulness in the land where Christ lived, died and was raised from the dead.”
Urgent Statement: Northern Gaza is Being Erased – Global Leaders Must Act Now to End Israel’s Atrocities
The Israeli forces’ assault on Gaza has escalated to a horrifying level of atrocity. Northern Gaza is being wiped off the map. Under the guise of “evacuation,” Israeli forces have ordered the forced displacement of an estimated 400,000 Palestinians trapped in northern Gaza, including Gaza City. This is not an evacuation—this is forced displacement under gunfire. Since 1 October, no food has been allowed into the area, and civilians are being starved and bombed in their homes and their tents. (more…)
Palestinians in northern Gaza are facing an imminent existential threat
9th October – 15 NGOs including Sabeel-Kairos UK warn UK Government of urgent and immediate threat to the lives of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in northern Gaza, and call their silence ‘tantamount to complicity’. (more…)
October 7th, 2024: One Year On Still Another Cry from Palestinian Christians
On the anniversary of the 7th October 2023 attacks and the year of bloodshed that has followed, our partner Kairos Palestine issues this statement. (more…)
2023-24 Annual Report
We are pleased to present you with this annual report, which outlines our advocacy work and priorities during the period between September 2023-24.
(more…)
Sabeel-Kairos T-Shirts and Tote bags for sale!
Our new-look Sabeel-Kairos T-shirts and Tote Bags are must haves for anyone wanting to show their support and solidarity for the people of Palestine; highlighting our charity’s values as we campaign for peace and justice. Great to wear when campaigning at protests and vigils. Get yours now by visiting our online shop!
Sabeel-Kairos Merchandise
New in!! Our new-look Sabeel-Kairos T-shirts and Tote Bags are must haves for anyone wanting to show their support and solidarity for the people of Palestine; highlighting our charities values as we campaign for peace and justice. Great to wear when campaigning at Protests and Vigils. Get yours now!!
Please contact Claire on to confirm we have your item in stock. Once she has replied then please pay the amount + postage below.
T-Shirts
Available in sizes L, XL 2XL
Colour: Black, yellow, orange and olive green.
Price: £10.50+£3pp Total: £13.50
Tote Bags
Orange, blue, black, olive green, yellow.
Price: £6+£3pp Total: £9
Sabeel-Kairos joins other organisations to express deep disappointment at the UKs abstention on the UNGA resolution supporting the ICJ Advisory Opinion
Along with 14 other UK NGOs we are deeply disappointed by the UK Government’s decision not to align with the majority of its international counterparts by supporting this historic resolution to uphold international law. (more…)
Movie Night – ‘Where Olive Trees Weep’
Join us for a FREE screening of the film, plus a Q+A with executive producer Ashira Darwish!
Tuesday 24th September at 7pm, online.
‘Where Olive Trees Weep offers a searing window into the struggles and resilience of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. It explores themes of loss, trauma, and the quest for justice.’ (more…)
Webinar: the silent genocide
Join us for this one-off webinar, featuring Rifat Kassis as he talks about the ‘silent genocide’ occurring in the West Bank. (more…)
Methodist Campaigners hold Vigil for Gaza
Our Sabeel-Kairos Methodist campaign group held a vigil for Gaza outside the entrance to the 2024 Methodist Conference on the 1st July, sharing prayers, poems, reflections and stories from Gaza and the West Bank. (more…)
West Bank Webinar – the silent genocide
Since Oct 7th 2023 over 500 Palestinians in the West Bank have been killed by the Israeli military, or settlers, including over 968 attacks by settlers on Palestinians and their property. Over 9000 Palestinians have been arrested, including 635 minors, and over 43,600 fruit and olive trees belonging to Palestinians have been destroyed. In the West Bank our partners are describing this as ‘the silent genocide’ which has passed almost unnoticed due to the terrible war on Gaza.
Join us as we hear from Rifat Kassis, who will update us on the situation in the West Bank, answer your questions, and together explore what action we can take to support Palestinians living in this violent and unpredictable situation.
Registration:
This event will take place on zoom, and there will be a limit of 100 people. Please register promptly if you wish to attend by clicking here.
Free Layan Nassir!
Palestinian Christian Layan Nassir was first arrested in 2021 for being part of a progressive student university group that was designated ‘unlawful’ by Israel in 2020 in an attempt to suppress student activism and silence Palestinian demands for freedom. After several months in prison, Layan was released, only to be rearrested in April 2024. Find out how you can campaign for Layan’s release below.
(more…)
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…)
Sabeel-Kairos UK at Greenbelt!
Planning is now well underway for the Sabeel-Kairos stall at this years Greenbelt.
We are excited to be able to promote the great work that we are doing, especially in the current climate, and are looking forward to having the opportunity to meet and engage with people who will be at the festival.
We have planned a small programme of activities which we are hoping will draw people into our stall, and are still looking for a few more volunteers to join our team; who are familiar with our work and might have a few hours to spare over the weekend to come and speak with people, serve Arabic tea or volunteer up their face painting skills.
Please get in contact with Claire at if you are going to be at Greenbelt and could give a little bit of time to come and serve on the stall. We’d love to have you!
Sign up to receive our newsletters and the wave of prayer
We are delighted you want to hear more about our work and keep in touch. Please fill in the form below. Signing up to ‘General’ will mean you receive our monthly e-newsletters, which contain lots of information about our campaigns, advocacy work and news from our partners in Palestine. The wave of prayer is sent weekly on a Wednesday morning to enable you to join with our partner Sabeel Jerusalem and others around the world on a Thursday at noon to pray together for peace and justice. Both are free to receive, but please consider joining us as a member and supporting us financially so you can help us to continue our work!
Sign up form: http://eepurl.com/iygQuA
Example of our recent newsletter: June Newsletter from Sabeel-Kairos UK
About Sabeel-Kairos
Sabeel-Kairos UK is 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.
Our vision
We believe in justice and self-determination for the Palestinian people, where every Palestinian lives in freedom, with their human rights, security and dignity recognised and respected.
We want to see a thriving Palestinian Church, which is increasing in both number and impact in Palestinian society.
We need Churches and Christians in the UK and worldwide to be part of realising this vision, and to campaign, pray and stand in costly solidarity with Palestinian Christians to achieve this.
Our mission
We journey with our partners, Sabeel Jerusalem and Kairos Palestine on the long road to justice, offering steadfast solidarity with Palestinian Christians as they seek to remain a Christian presence in the Holy Land, under the extreme pressures of the illegal Israeli occupation and apartheid system. We amplify their voices and calls to the Western church for repentance and action.
Our activities
Here are the main ways that we seek to achieve our vision and mission alongside our partners:
- Raise-awareness of the injustices being experienced by the Palestinian people. We do this through organising solidarity visits to Palestine for key UK influencers with our partner, Sabeel Jerusalem. We support those Influencers on their return to the UK to tell their audiences what they have seen and heard in Palestine.
- Bring the voice of Palestinian Christians and Palestinian liberation theology to the UK church to inform and stir people into outspoken, prayerful and campaigning action. We do this by organising delegations of Palestinian Christians to tour the UK as well as sharing our expertise through online and in person educational events.
- Encourage churches to divest from Israeli apartheid and occupation through our Investing for Peace campaign. We do this by supporting denominational campaign groups to bring motions to their governing church bodies. We also promote the campaigns and aims of the Palestinian BDS movement.
- Bring a united voice challenging the government through political engagement. We do this by working closely in coalition with other organisations campaigning for Palestine, lobbying MPs and raising awareness in parliament.
Joint NGO statement on ICJ orders
On 24 May 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered additional provisional measures regarding Israel’s alleged violations in Gaza of obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Together with other UK NGOs we issue this statement in response. (more…)
Nakba Day – A Call for Global Action and Solidarity
Our partner Kairos Palestine, together with the Global Kairos for Justice network, issues this statement and Global Call to Action on the 76th Anniversary of the ongoing Nakba. (more…)
Rafah Statement – UK must stop the slaughter
Joint statement released 7 May 2024.
The UK Government has repeatedly asked Israel not to unleash a slaughter in Rafah, Gaza.
Foreign Secretary, Lord Cameron is “very concerned about what is happening in Rafah” and knows “it is impossible to fight a war amongst all these people. There is nowhere for them to go.”
Deputy Foreign Secretary, Andrew Mitchell thinks that “an Israeli incursion will struggle to be compliant with international law,”
Middle East Minister, Lord Ahmad said that “the fighting must stop now, in order to get the hostages home.”
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister acknowledges that “Too many innocent civilians have died in Gaza,”
David Cameron also asked Israel for a ‘Plan B’ for Rafah to ensure “people can achieve safety, get food, medicine and water, and that people are kept safe.”
They have been ignored by Israel
Yesterday, the Israeli military issued relocation orders to people sheltering in parts of Rafah, the first step towards a full-scale invasion that will most likely kill thousands of civilians. The area people are being directed to is already overstretched and lacks the capacity and resources to accommodate the number of people seeking refuge. The relocation orders lack guarantees of safety and the right to return, which risk violating humanitarian law.
In the last 12 hours, Israel has intensely bombed Rafah, including civilian homes and areas marked as safe. This morning, Israeli tanks entered the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, blocking completely the passage for people and humanitarian aid.
There are no safe spaces in Gaza. Israel has repeatedly attacked so-called ‘safe zones’, killing displaced people. Any claims from Israel that civilians can be safely relocated have lost credibility.
The failure of our leaders to back words with meaningful action is glaring. As the 1.4 million people in Rafah face attacks that our leaders know would be catastrophic, they must finally act to stop the slaughter.
The UK must work urgently to stop any further assault on Rafah from going ahead, demand an immediate lasting ceasefire, resume funding to UNRWA, and suspend arms sales to Israel for as long as there is a risk they may be used to violate international humanitarian law.
A ceasefire is the only way to stop the death and destruction, get more aid to those who desperately need it, and safely release the hostages.
There is no Plan B for the people in Rafah.
- Action For Humanity
- ActionAid UK
- Amos Trust
- Bond
- CAFOD
- Care International UK
- Christian Aid
- Council for Arab-British Understanding
- Friends of the Earth England, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Gender Action for Peace and Security (GAPS)
- Humanity & Inclusion
- Humanity First UK
- International Rescue Committee UK
- Interpal
- Islamic Relief UK
- Lawyers for Palestinian Human Rights
- Link Education International.
- Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP)
- Mercy Corps Europe
- Omega Research Foundation
- Oxfam GB
- Peace Direct
- Plan International UK
- Quakers in Britain
- Sabeel-Kairos UK
- Save the Children UK
- SCIAF
- SOS Children’s Villages UK
- Trócaire
- War on Want
- Welfare Association
Download the statement here: Rafah Statement May 7
Resources for Lent/Easter 2024
Give to our partner Kairos Palestine’s Easter Appeal, Pray for Gaza through the Stations of the Cross resources, join a Gaza ceasefire pilgrimage and other actions/resources for Lent/Easter. (more…)
Global Christian Leaders call for permanent Gaza Ceasefire
We are pleased to join over 140 Global Churches and Christian Organisations to issue this urgent letter during Holy Week, calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and a halt of Arms sales to Israel. (more…)
The UK Government must do more to prevent more death, destruction and degradation in Gaza
21.03.24. Today we joined 28 other agencies to call on the UK Govt again to support a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, resume funding to UNRWA and insist on unfettered humanitarian access, and to suspend UK arms sales to Israel. (more…)
Revd Munther Isaac calls us to action – support a ceasefire now
On Monday, after addressing parliamentarians, Revd. Dr Munther Isaac issued this call to action in a candlelight vigil outside the Houses of Parliament. (more…)
Famine is imminent: 1.1 million Palestinians experiencing catastrophic food insecurity
UK groups say UK government’s public position on weapons licences to Israel is at odds with what the government has admitted in litigation, and calls for an explanation.
Sabeel-Kairos joins 7 other NGOs including War on Want, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International to question the Government’s response to our letter on the sales and transfer of weapons licences to Israel. (more…)
We are recruiting!
Are you someone with a passion and commitment to the Palestinian people, who can organise events, mobilise people to campaign, and work with our partners in Palestine? If so you might be our new Events and Campaigns Officer! (more…)
World Day of Prayer Service
We were delighted to participate in the World Day of Prayer service for Palestine at the Salvation Army Church, Regents Street, on Friday 1st March. (more…)
Revd Munther Isaac calls out Archbishop of Canterbury and Church of England – ‘They lack courage’
In an interview with The Guardian Newspaper, Revd Munther Isaac revealed that plans to meet with Archbishop Welby had been cancelled because he spoke at a pro-Palestinian rally and shared a platform with Jeremy Corbyn. (more…)
62 NGOs sign letter calling on MPs to support ceasefire motion
On Wednesday 21st February MPs will face a crucial vote on supporting an immediate, permanent ceasefire in Gaza. We’ve joined 61 other NGOs calling for MPs to support this motion and halt the catastrophic loss of life and destruction of Gaza. (more…)
A Call for Urgent Intervention by Kairos Palestine
Stop the genocide in Rafah and the forcible displacement of the Palestinians! Call to action issued Feb 13th 2024.
Christians hope to make their presence felt in Gaza protests
Sabeel-Kairos joined the first ever Christian Bloc at the National March for Palestine on Saturday 13th January. This write up which quotes us was in the Church Times. (more…)
Christmas Appeal – Thank you!
We are delighted to report that our Christmas Appeal raised over £10,000 for families suffering from hardship in the West Bank and Jerusalem. Read on for a special thank you from Omar Haramy, Director of Sabeel Jerusalem. (more…)
Statements, Petitions, Campaigns and more
Here you will find the joint statements we have signed, our own calls for a ceasefire, campaigns you can join, petitions you can sign and more.
Christmas amidst massacres – Cornerstone, ed. 86
This issue of Cornerstone contains voices who attempt to understand the meaning and message of the nativity story by contextualizing its message to the Palestinian context. (more…)
‘Christ under the rubble’
Listen to Munther Isaac’s powerful sermon in the Liturgy of Lament service. (more…)
Sabeel-Kairos joins War on Want and other NGOs to call for a halt in UK arms sales to Israel
Join us and email your MP today to demand that the UK stops its complicity in Israel’s war crimes. (more…)
Letters in the Church Times
Well done to our Church of England campaign group who had two letters published in the Church Times on Friday 17th November, and Friday 22nd December. (more…)
Kairos Palestine Christmas Alert
In this 2023 Christmas Alert, Kairos Palestine points to the dire, tragic situation of the Palestinians in Gaza. It provides theological reflections and prayers to encourage deeper solidarity and more meaningful actions.
You can read and download the alert here: Kairos Palestine Christmas Alert 2023
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…)
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…)
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…)
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 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…)
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 Brian Brown’s book, Apartheid South Africa! Apartheid Israel? for sale for £15 + postage.
Please contact with your order.
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 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)
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…)
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…)
Subscribe to our newsletters and the wave of prayer
We are delighted you want to hear more about our work and keep in touch. Please fill in the form below. Signing up to ‘General’ will mean you receive our monthly e-newsletters, which contain lots of information about our campaigns, advocacy work and news from our partners in Palestine. The wave of prayer is sent weekly on a Wednesday morning to enable you to join with our partner Sabeel Jerusalem and others around the world on a Thursday at noon to pray together for peace and justice. Both are free to receive, but please consider joining us as a member and supporting us financially so you can help us to continue our work!
Sign up form: http://eepurl.com/iygQuA
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…)
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.
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.
Our Work
Alongside our grassroots campaigning work with local groups and churches, our combined action and partnerships with the BDS movement, Christian Aid, Amos Trust & other organisations, our under 35s work, and our theological and education materials, we’ve made some big moves since our Investing for Peace campaign began. Here is a list of the successes we’re most proud of: (more…)
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…)
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…)
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…)
Carlisle Diocese passes historic Cry for Hope motion
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…)
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
In 2025, Esther McIntosh and Diana Paulding took over as co-convenors of the group. Esther is professor of feminist theology and ethics at York St John University and has consistently called for theologians to resist silent complicity and stand in solidarity with Palestinians in the face of oppression. Diana is a post-graduate researcher working in the field of the Hebrew Bible and is an active member of the United Reformed Church. You can read their full biographies here: Sabeel-Kairos UK Board of Trustees | Sabeel-Kairos
The Theology Group has a regular meeting every three months where members come together for learning, discussion, and solidarity. If you are interested in finding out more about the Theology group, or joining them, please contact Esther and Diana 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
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…)
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…)
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…)
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…)
Connect with us!
Please contact Claire, our advocacy officer if you would like to become involved in our under 35s work on
Please also find and follow us on twitter, instagram, and facebook
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…)
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 staff
We have a small but dedicated staff team who are passionate about their work! Meet the team. (more…)
Sabeel-Kairos community groups
Across the UK we have a number of Sabeel-Kairos community groups. All are grassroots movements, bringing together people locally that campaign, advocate and fundraise for a just peace in Palestine and Israel. Others meet in small groups or online to pray through our ‘Wave of Prayer’ bulletin, that we send out weekly from our partner Sabeel in Jerusalem.
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 Ruth on
Here is a list of our current groups. Please contact Ruth on the email address above to be put in touch with any of these groups, unless there is an alternative contact provided.
North of England
All Saints with Saint Frideswyde, Crosby
Activities include raising awareness of Sabeel-Kairos in the church, including weekly prayers for Palestine. Has hosted the World day of Prayer for Palestine.
Hexham Sabeel-Kairos Community
Prayer in Hexham Abbey on the last Saturday of every month currently 10-10.30am to dovetail with the weekly silent vigil outside the Abbey 9.30-10am for a ceasefire in Gaza & a Just Peace in Palestine and Israel
Christmas stall in Hexham Market with produce, crafts & campaign material
Other events in relation to current issues and a wide mailing group who are updated on campaigns and news from Palestine.
Sheffield Sabeel-Kairos Community
A very active core group which meets in person 3-4 times a year to plan, pray and encourage each other in campaign work for Palestine.
There is a wider network of 70-80 members who receive the Sabeel-Kairos newsletter and information about local campaigns and events. A current significant campaign the group is involved in is the Sheffield coalition campaigning for the city to become an Israeli apartheid free zone.
North West of England Regional group
We meet online each Thursday to pray the ‘Wave of Prayer’ email from Sabeel Jerusalem amongst other activities.
North East Sabeel-Kairos community
Please get in touch if you are interested in meeting others in this area to pray and campaign for Palestine.
Midlands
Beckminster Methodist Church, Wolverhampton.
St Peter’s Catholic Church in Bromsgrove:
Justice and Peace Group Members receive and engage with the Sabeel-Kairos newsletter and the Sabeel Wave of Prayer letter.
Holy Land Group, King’s Heath, Birmingham
A stall at the monthly Farmer’s market selling olive wood carvings, small ceramics, food products from Palestine. The stall also helps to raise awareness of the work of Sabeel-Kairos. Please get in touch if you live nearby and could help with this important monthly event.
Contact: Miriam Wilcher or Gill Myall
Lichfield Concern for Palestine
Sabeel-Kairos Community in Lichfield, Staffordshire
South of England
Guildford Prayer for Palestine group
Meets in person in Guildford on a Thursday evening from 6-7pm to pray for Palestine. Anyone in the area would be welcome to join.
Reading
There is a small cluster of Kairos supporters in Reading but no formal group. There is a Kairos Reading Facebook Page which shares news from Palestine and information about events in the Reading area.
London
There is no regional group in London, however many of our events with Palestinian Christian speakers take place in London. We also have connections with Bloomsbury Baptist church who have members of the congregation who are actively involved in peace and justice for Palestine. Please get in touch with us at Sabeel-Kairos if you would like information about London based activities.
Wales
Swansea Sabeel-Kairos community
Meets every first Friday of the month, 12:30pm, at St Mary’s Church in the city centre to share the Wave of Prayer, news and updates.
Ireland
Kairos Ireland
Kairos Ireland Ireland wide group, established to support Kairos Palestine, a group of Palestinian Christians. We are particularly keen to engage with church & faith leaders to aid understanding of the plight of our sisters and brothers in Christ as they live under the Israeli Occupation.
Meets online and in person. If anyone from Ireland, north or south, is interested in joining they would be very welcome.
Scotland
There is a Scotland wide online campaign group. Please get in touch with us at Sabeel-Kairos if you are interested in this.
Investing for Peace Campaign postcard
Please find our campaign postcard here. You can download and print this, or order copies directly from us.
How to host a fundraiser
If you would like to host a fundraiser in your local group, community or parish we would love to hear from you.
This is a great- and delicious! – way to have some fun and stand in solidarity with Palestinians.
Have a look at our recipe cards, and fun fact sheets, and then 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…)
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
Occupation and Apartheid
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. In addition, Palestinians under occupation live under Israeli military rule, whereas Israeli settlers live under civilian rule, leading several human rights organisations to label the situation as Apartheid.
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.
Join a denominational campaign group
Our thriving denominational campaign groups are a welcoming and friendly space to share ideas, help one another raise awareness, strategise on how to impact our Churches, and generally support each other in our campaigning efforts! To join one, please fill in the form below.
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
Sabeel Jerusalem is a Palestinian organisation working in East Jerusalem and the West Bank to serve the Palestinian Christian population and help mobilise and inspire them to work for justice, liberation and freedom for all Palestinian people.
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.
Vision
Local Christians inspired by the life and teaching of Jesus Christ stand for the oppressed, work for justice, and engage in peace-building
Activities:
Alongside serving the local Christian Community through prayer and bible study groups, Sabeel Jerusalem also advocates internationally for an end to Israeli oppression and apartheid.
They host numerous delegations from around the world to show people the reality of life in Palestine, including inviting Church leaders, politicians, musicians, artists and other people of influence to take part in advocacy tours.
They also run a weekly campaigning gathering called Kumi Now which seeks to mobilise the international community on a particular issue facing the Palestinian people each week and unite people to campaign together for justice.
Finally the Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Centre is a resource for Churches and individuals seeking to understand and spread Palestinian Liberation Theology. As well as having an extensive library, they have online resources and send out the weekly Wave of Prayer which enables Christians all over the world to pray in an informed way at 12 noon on Thursday each week.
You can find out more about Sabeel Jerusalem by visiting their website here: Home – Sabeel, Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center
Methodists Divest from Caterpillar citing Palestinian Evictions
5th May 2021
The Methodist Church has sold its shares in the US-based company Caterpillar, citing the continued use of its equipment to destroy peoples’ homes as part of the illegal occupation of the Palestinian territories, and its poor record in Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance. (more…)
FAQs
Please click here to see the FAQ. If you wish to submit further questions please contact us.
Become a member of Sabeel-Kairos
Thank you so much for considering standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people by choosing to join Sabeel-Kairos.
The benefits of membership
-You will get access to all our events included in your membership fees: webinars, study series, Q & A’s with speakers from our partners in Palestine.
-You will be able to access support from our staff in any campaigning and advocacy work for Palestine that you do amongst Christians/churches in the UK. This includes being part of our UK wide network of Christian peacemakers for Palestine.
-You will be helping us to fund and expand our advocacy work for a just peace in Palestine & Israel.
-You will have the option of joining one of our denominational campaign and advocacy groups, which are supported by our staff.
-You will be able to attend our AGM to get more in depth news about the charity’s work and use your voice by voting at our AGM.
Yearly membership: The minimum cost is £30 a year – Please set up a yearly direct debit as this means that your membership will not lapse from year to year. If this is not possible then please feel free to just pay for one year or get in touch with us if your circumstances mean you need a reduced rate .
Regular giving membership: You can also be a member by giving a minimum monthly sum of £2.50. If you can increase this to £5 /£10 or more this would be amazing! Regular giving is our main source of income, and helps us to plan what funds we have available each year for our campaigning and advocacy work.
Please fill in the membership form and then set up your membership payments below.
Other ways to give:
If you would prefer to donate another way, such as setting up a standing order with your bank, or sending us a cheque, please contact our membership officer Ruth on .
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…)
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…)
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…)
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
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.
Gaza
For the two million people who live Gaza, life is an endless struggle. The current situation sees the citizens of Gaza living in abject poverty in near inhuman conditions. The horrific situation which the people of Gaza will wake up to today is a direct result of Israel’s official policy, which continues to determine daily life in the region. (more…)
The Christian Community
There has been a Christian community in the Holy Land since the very beginning of Christianity. Although a minority in the Palestinian population, this small community contribute hugely to society, and are responsible for over 40% of social services in the West Bank and East Jerusalem today.
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…)
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…)
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.
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
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.
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.
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’
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.
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…)
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. All are grassroots movements, bringing together people locally that campaign, advocate and fundraise for a just peace in Palestine and Israel. Others meet in small groups or online to pray through our ‘Wave of Prayer’ bulletin, that we send out weekly from our partner Sabeel in Jerusalem.
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 Ruth on
Contact Us
For questions and enquiries please contact or you can call us on 07835822728.
We no longer have an office – our staff work remotely.
We have a new PO Box address as of the 14th January 2025. Please send correspondence to:
Sabeel-Kairos UK
PO Box 293
PUDSEY
LS28 0GF
Please note: if you are sending us a cheque, please ensure it is made out to ‘Friends of Sabeel UK’ and not ‘Sabeel-Kairos’ (this is due to the registered name of the charity being the former).
Social media:
You can follow us on X (formerly twitter): @SabeelKairos
Facebook: Sabeel-Kairos – seeking a just peace for Palestine
And Instagram: Sabeel-Kairos (@sabeelkairosuk) • Instagram photos and videos
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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- Photo: Charlotte Marshall. Destruction in Gaza following Israel’s invasion of Gaza in 2014.
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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 Palestine
From historic Palestine to today
With thanks to Visualizing Palestine for their permission to use this resource.
West Bank – Settlements and Wall
UN OCHA OPT Map of West Bank access restrictions November 2024
Open as a PDF here: Westbank_Access_Restrictions_Nov_24
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.
Since then, Israel’s land grab has continued unabated. Settlements have become cities, with all the associated infrastructure, taking unprecedented amounts of land from Palestinians, including agricultural land. Today there are over 700,000 Israeli settlers living in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Settlements and the wall have taken over 42% of Palestinian land in the West Bank since 1967.
Kairos Palestine
Kairos Palestine is a Christian Palestinian movement, born out of the Kairos Document, which advocates for ending the Israeli occupation and achieving a just solution to the conflict.
The 2009 Kairos Document is the word of Christian Palestinians to the world about what is happening in Palestine.
“Our word is a cry of hope, with love, prayer and faith in God. We address it first of all to ourselves and then to all the churches and Christians in the world, asking them to stand against injustice and apartheid, urging them to work for a just peace.”
We declare that the military occupation of Palestinian land constitutes a sin against God and humanity. Any theology that legitimizes the occupation and justifies crimes perpetrated against the Palestinian people lies far from Christian teachings.
We urge the international community to stand with the Palestinian people in their struggle against oppression, displacement, and apartheid.
We demand that all people, political leaders and decision-makers put pressure on Israel and take legal measures in order to oblige its government to end its oppression and disregard for international law.
We hold a clear position that non-violent resistance to this injustice is a right and duty for all Palestinians, including Christians.
We support Palestinian civil society organizations, international NGOs and religious institutions that call on individuals, companies and states to engage in boycotts, divestment and sanctions against the Israeli occupation.
“Everything that happens in our land, everyone who lives there, all the pains and hopes, all the injustice and all the efforts to stop this injustice, are part and parcel of the prayer of the Palestinian Church and the service of all her institutions.”
Since the 2009 Kairos document, the Kairos Palestine movement has issued several further urgent calls to action. They include:
A Dossier on Israeli Apartheid: A Pressing Call to Churches Around the World
You can find all of these documents, alongside many other statements, reports and alerts, here on the Kairos Palestine website
Global Kairos for Justice Movement
© Kairos Palestine
Alongside the Kairos Palestine movement, a global solidarity movement has emerged in support of their mission. The international movement is dependent on a committee in which Kairos Palestine plays the significant role of facilitating and coordinating the various committee’s tasks of looking at theological and political rhetoric, exchanging information, unifying advocacy strategies and suggesting activities that take into consideration the specificity of each country deriving from the Kairos concept of acting now for justice. We are proud to be part of the Global Kairos for Justice network. You can find out more about the network here: Global Kairos
Donate
Photo: Ryan Rodrick Beiler
All donations directly support:
– Our core advocacy campaign Investing for Peace, which has already helped three UK denominations to change their investment policies to screen out and/or divest from companies that profit from the Israeli occupation.
– Our work to promote Palestinian Liberation theology here in the UK through our partnership with Sabeel Jerusalem and Kairos Palestine.
– Our distribution of the Sabeel ‘Weekly Wave of Prayer’ which resources a network of individuals and groups committed to praying for a just peace in Palestine.
– Our partnerships with other organisations in the UK who we work with to promote the Boycott Divestment and Sanctions movement (BDS), including calls to end the arms trade with Israel.
£10 a month can help build and develop grass roots campaigning in church denominations in the UK.
£25 a month can help us help us put on events and webinar series which equip UK Christians in their advocacy for a just peace for Palestine.
£50 a month can help us to raise Palestinian voices by bringing speakers in person to the UK to speak to clergy and policy-makers.
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