news article
Participate in World Week for Peace in Palestine/Israel
August 25, 2015 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
During the week following the International Day of Prayer for Peace, Sept. 20-26, church organizations, congregations, and people of faith are encouraged to make a common witness by participating in worship services, educational events, and acts of advocacy in support of peace for Israelis and Palestinians.
The Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum (PIEF) of the World Council of Churches invites member churches and faith-based communities to join together for a week of advocacy and action in support of an end to the illegal occupation of Palestine and “a just peace for all in Palestine and Israel.” Congregations and individuals around the globe who share the hope of justice shall unite during the week to take peaceful actions together to create a common international public witness.
The theme of the week in 2015 is: "God has broken down the dividing walls."
Why participate?
This annual observance of a week of prayer, education, and advocacy calls participants to work for an end to the illegal occupation of Palestine, so that Palestinians and Israelis can finally live in peace.
“It has been 66 years since the creation of the State of Israel. This has not led to the creation of an independent Palestinian state but has only deepened the tragedy of the Palestinian people. It is now 47 years since the occupation of East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza overwhelmed the peaceful vision of one land, two peoples,” according to PIEF’s website. “Yet the dream of one nation cannot be fulfilled at the expense of another.”
The action week’s message is that now:
- It's time for Palestinians and Israelis to share a just peace.
- It's time for freedom from occupation.
- It's time for equal rights.
- It's time for the healing of wounded souls.
How to get involved
As participants in the World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel, churches around the world shall send a clear signal to policy-makers, community groups, and their own parishes about the urgent need for a peace settlement that ends the illegal occupation and secures the legitimate rights and future of both peoples.
Praying with churches living under occupation, using a special prayer from Jerusalem and other worship resources prepared for the week.
Educating about actions that make for peace and about facts on the ground that do not create peace, especially issues related to prisoners.
Advocating with political leaders using ecumenical policies that promote peace with justice.
Click here for more information about this event as well as resources.
Photo courtesy the Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum (PIEF) of the World Council of Churches.