As conflict has escalated in the region, MCC laments the violence and mourns all lives lost in Palestine and Israel. MCC remains committed to a just peace for all, and we invite you to join us in praying for an end to the violence.
Here at Stirling, we also lament the violence and pray for peace. We encourage people to learn more about the situation in the region and to take action for peace.
Opportunities for Learning
The latest MCC Canada podcast, Relief, Development and Podcast, has an update from MCC representatives for Jordan, Israel and Palestine, Sarah Funkhouser and Seth Malone.
In this episode, “Everyone is entitled to dignity and safety. An update from Palestine and Israel.” they provide some important context for the recent escalation in violence in the Middle East and to share how MCC's partners are responding. The episode also has a powerful message to Christians in the West from a Palestinian pastor, Ashraf Tannous.
As well, two episodes of the MCC Undercurrents podcast provide more of a historical context:
From season 1, episode 5 called “David and Goliath”, we explore the tragic realities of Palestinians living under Israeli occupation and hear from those on both sides of the wall working for peace.
From season 2, episode 8, called “Home (Palestine and Israel)”, we talk with Israeli Jewish filmmaker Lia Tarachansky and Palestinian poet Izzy Hawamda. It’s a powerful story of shared humanity, shared land, and a challenge for all of us who live on settled land.
Opportunities for Action
Walks with Grief: Join together in solidarity with others who meet on the King Street steps of the Kitchener Market every Saturday @ 11:00 a.m. for a silent, respectful Walk with Grief - to mourn the ongoing loss of life in Gaza and honour the many victims. They ask us to please wear dark clothes, maintain silence and invite us, if we wish to bring respectful signs of loss and grief only.
Christmas canceled! This year, the churches in the land of Jesus’ birth have agreed that festive seasonal decorations and events are inappropriate given the horrors of war and ethnic cleansing in Gaza and in the West Bank. See this news article from Sojourners magazine. Our siblings in faith suffer immense grief over friends and loved ones killed or injured, uncertainty about the future, and economic devastation related to the war—especially in Bethlehem, which is dependent on Christmas tourism. The Mennonite Church Canada Palestine Israel Network calls our churches and households to two actions of solidarity:
extinguish the Christmas lights for times of lament and intercession for the people of Israel and Palestine
write or phone your MP to ask our government to support an immediate ceasefire and a resumption of negotiations toward a long-term peace based on justice.
Financial support: Those wanting to support the MCC work in Palestine and Israel can go to their website, https://mcc.org/our-stories/can-you-help-us-help, to find out more and to make a donation.