Published On: May 12, 2021 (ALL BLUE TEXT ARE HYPERLINKS)

I. The Statement

The United Church of Canada joins Canadian civil society in renewing the call to the Canadian government to intervene with Israel and de-escalate the spiralling violence and negotiate its end. The violent suppression of peaceful protests by Palestinians against settler-initiated, court- ordered evictions in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of East Jerusalem have escalated into violence, with more than 300 people wounded by Israel in the city, and a deadly assault on the people of Gaza―with initial reports of more than 50 people killed, among them several children, and the death toll continues to climb—the result of Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. At least half a dozen Israelis have been killed in rocket attacks from Gaza, including a child.

In an April 20 joint letter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Canadian churches, agencies, and networks asked the Canadian government to intervene with the Israeli government to halt the evictions, illegal under Geneva Convention IV (Part III, Section III). Since then, violence has spread to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, preventing Palestinians from daily prayers and violating the sanctity of the revered religious site to both Muslims and Jews. Rockets fired into Israel from Gaza have killed several Israelis and injured many more.

The churches are calling on the Canadian government to renew international efforts to vigorously pursue its policy and demand that Israel stop expanding the illegal settlements in East Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank.

“Palestinian and Israeli partners are clear that negotiating a just peace is the only way out of the cycle of bombs and guns,” says the Right Rev. Richard Bott. “I invite United Church people to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and to put faith into action by writing to urge Minister Garneau to uphold international law.” Letters and statements have also been issued by the following ecumenical partners:

• Patriarchs and Heads of Jerusalem Churches • World Council of Churches • Global Ministries Leadership, Christian Church and United Church of Christ

II. Reasons to Hope -- found on the national website of the United Church of Canada: You can CHOOSE to learn about some of these initiatives, and consider how your community of faith might support this work:

• Peace, Justice and Coexistence Program As part of the International Christian Committee of Israel (ICCI) in the Galilee, this program is an initiative of the Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees, a Mission & Service partner. Through community-based consultations and workshops of civil society, and legal and official bodies, this program works to bring about understanding to cultivate a culture of openness and trust between Arabs and Jews in the Holy Land, and as a means for the achievement of equal rights for the Arab Palestinian minority in Israel. • Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) The programme brings internationals to the West Bank to experience life under occupation. Ecumenical Accompaniers (EAs) provide protective presence to vulnerable communities, monitor and report human rights abuses, and support Palestinians and Israelis working together for peace. When they return home, EAs campaign for a just and peaceful resolution to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict through an end to the occupation, respect for international law, and implementation of UN resolutions. The Local Reference Group of EAPPI is a joint Palestinian–Israeli advisory body that provides guidance, advice, information, and support to the local staff and the programme. The LRG works on strengthening relations with local churches and partner organizations, promoting the EAPPI locally and nationally, suggesting new partnerships, and advising on security and political concerns. • Parents’ Circle - Families Forum (PCFF) PCFF is a joint Palestinian–Israeli organization of over 600 families, all of whom have lost a close family member as a result of the prolonged conflict. Joint activities have shown that the reconciliation between individuals and nations is possible, and it is this insight that they are trying to pass on to both sides of the conflict. Moreover, the PCFF has concluded that the process of reconciliation between nations is a prerequisite to achieving a sustainable peace. The organization thus uses all resources available in education, public meetings, and the media to spread these ideas. • Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salaam (Oasis of Peace) A cooperative village of Jews and Palestinian Arabs of Israeli citizenship where, 35 years ago, Jewish and Palestinian Israelis chose voluntarily to live side by side; a unique place where Jewish and Palestinian children are raised together. A Canadian Association of Friends of Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salaam is based in Calgary, Alberta. • Rabbis for Human Rights This blog is the only rabbinic voice of conscience in Israel, defending human rights of marginalized communities in Israel and the Palestinian Territories. • Other Voice A grassroots volunteer initiative comprised of citizens from the communities bordering the Gaza border. Leaders say, “Other Voice knows that our violent reality can and must be altered. In our work, we keep in contact with Gazans and call for an end to the siege and for an end to the attacks, from both sides, that target primarily innocent citizens. We work toward the co-creation of a sustainable reality for all.” • Combatants for Peace A movement started jointly by Palestinians and Israelis who have taken an active part in the cycle of violence, Israelis as soldiers in the Israeli army (IDF) and Palestinians as part of the violent struggle for Palestinian freedom. “After brandishing weapons for so many years, and having seen one another only through weapon sights, we have decided to put down our guns, and to fight for peace.” • Canadian Association of Jews and Muslims This association brings members of the Jewish and Muslim communities in Canada closer together to promote positive interaction and to work together to counter problems faced by both communities. Their objectives are to learn, understand, and jointly work together in order to promote harmony between Canadian Muslims and Jews. • Peace it Together This program unites Palestinian, Israeli, and Canadian youth for a program of dialogue and filmmaking. The films they co-create are used to advance reconciliatory approaches to ending the conflict. Staff support youth as they foster dialogue and share their films in their own communities, and become empowered to work in equitable partnerships as peace builders.

We might add to this list “Hand in Hand”, an excellent educational program that brings together Arabs and Jews in integrated elementary and high school classrooms. Two teachers in every class, one Jewish, the other Arab; each class a close mix of 50% Jewish/Arab students. Several of us from St. Andrew’s Wesley visited one of the Hand in Hand schools while we were in Jerusalem and were most impressed. Their website begins: Our hearts break together as Jewish and Arab family members, neighbors, friends, and colleagues suffer loss and fear at this painful time. In the face of violence, racism and militarism, we stand for what is possible and crucial in this country: equality, respect, dignity. Change will come through education, and we educate our thousands of children every day toward the goal of building a shared society. Please join us. https://handinhandk12.org/