ISSUE 82, SUMMER 2020 CORNERSTONE A PUBLICATION BY SABEEL ECUMENICAL LIBERATION THEOLOGY CENTER REFLECTIONS: COVID-19 IN PALESTINE. The way we face our challenges determines the proba- bility 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, reflects on human nature and how people react when they face a major problem. Many scholars believe that when facing problems humans react by going through phases: (a) ignoring the problem, or even denial of the problem (b) fear, panic, and anger (c) compromise with the problem, trying to live with it (d) depression (e) acceptance of the problem and dealing IN THIS ISSUE with it proactively. p. 1 Refllections: COVID-19 in Palestine It is true that people deal with any problem in different Love Transcends Pandemic p. 5 ways: some spend more time in one of the above phases Dr. Samah Jabr than the others, some might get stuck in a certain phase From the Chaos of Fear, Panic and Anger Towards and feel unable to move forward without help. But it is Community Building p. 8 almost certain we must deal effectively with all phases Zoughbi Zoughbi & Tarek Zoughbi to overcome the problem successfully. Pandemic Inequality in Palestine and Israel p. 13 Abdallah Awwad Today in Palestine there are many problems that our Depression in the Palestinian Community During people are facing, however two major problems stand COVID-19 p. 15 out at the time of writing this Cornerstone: An interview with Yoad Ghanadreh The Reality on the Ground: From Pandemic to Layers of 1. The COVID-19 pandemic and its devastating effects Occupation and Confusion p. 19 on our lives. Sam Bahour 2. A Political reality that seems to dismiss any chance Moving Forward: A Path to Liberation p. 24 for a just solution to the Palestinian-Israeli con- Omar Haramy flict. Sadly, many in the world now believe that 2 ISSUE 80, SUMMER 2019 ISSUE 82, SUMMER 2020 3 since Israel refuses to comply 36 Then Jesus went with them to a place 51Suddenly, one of those with Jesus put After finishing with the last supper, Fear, Panic and Anger estine try to compromise on their with international law, the only called Gethsemane; and he said to his his hand on his sword, drew it, and news was out that the decision was demands for justice, sometimes only solution relies upon a concession disciples, “Sit here while I go over there struck the slave of the high priest, cut- made that Jesus was going to be ar- The moment that Jesus is arrested, to be granted job opportunities, a of the Palestinian people: a total and pray.” 37He took with him Peter ting off his ear.52 Then Jesus said to him, rested and plans had been made to a disciple pulls out a sword and at- military permit to receive health concession to the Israeli govern- and the two sons of Zebedee, and began “Put your sword back into its place; for hand him over for crucifixion. Jesus, tacks. When Jesus diffuses the sit- treatment, a minimal ration of water, ment’s political proposals. The to be grieved and agitated. 38Then he all who take the sword will perish by the teacher and leader of a small uation and the disciples realize the etc. Regardless of how much we are political changes in this period of said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even the sword. 53Do you think that I cannot movement, was being betrayed by power and might of the mob that willing to compromise, our quality history threaten to diminish the to death; remain here, and stay awake appeal to my Father, and he will at the corrupt religious authorities of came to arrest Jesus, they run away in of life continues to deteriorate. chances of our Palestinian people with me.” 39And going a little farther, once send me more than twelve legions that time and handed to the Roman panic. Even the disciple who claimed for a just political solution. he threw himself on the ground and of angels? 54But how then would the occupation authorities. The conspir- that his love and loyalty to Jesus COVID-19: The long months of prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let scriptures be fulfilled, which say it must ators believed that by eliminating were nonnegotiable denies Jesus out total lockdown have failed to put In the preparation of this Bible study, this cup pass from me; yet not what I happen in this way?” 55At that hour Je- Jesus his followers would be scattered of fear three times “before the cock an end to the pandemic. The people Sabeel conducted an online gathering want but what you want.” 40Then he sus said to the crowds, “Have you come and the movement would come to crows.” have tried to live with the sad reality that brought together 20 different Bible came to the disciples and found them out with swords and clubs to arrest me an end. of COVID-19, but life does not sim- study facilitators from both Palestine sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, as though I were a bandit? Day after Political Crisis: People react differ- ply go back to normal. It is evident and Israel. Since 2015, Sabeel has could you not stay awake with me one day I sat in the temple teaching, and Reading the story we can reflect on ently when they face fear and anger. that we must defeat the virus by been training Bible study facilitators hour? 41Stay awake and pray that you you did not arrest me. 56But all this has the human reaction of the disciples: Some think of immigration as a way finding a treatment and vaccination. that were nominated by their differ- may not come into the time of trial; the taken place, so that the scriptures of the to pursue a better life while others ent parishes. The trained Bible study spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is prophets may be fulfilled.” Then all the use violence by joining a militant facilitators work with their respected weak.” 42Again he went away for the disciples deserted him and fled. Denial of the Problem group or even reverting to individual “He [God] might have been a churches to form Bible study groups second time and prayed, “My Father, acts that have a violent nature. wafer in the hands Of priests this in their respected communities. As of if this cannot pass unless I drink it, The disciples slept in the garden of day, or music from the lips: Of today, Sabeel has helped in forming your will be done.” 43Again he came Gethsemane. It is possible they were COVID-19: Unfortunately and very red-robed choristers, instead he over 30 active Bible study groups that and found them sleeping, for their eyes tired, but also they found in sleep a worryingly, both domestic and in- slips Away from church, shakes off serve mainly women, young adults and were heavy. 44So leaving them again, way to ignore the problem that they ter-community violence is on the our linen bands To don his apron youth groups. he went away and prayed for the third were now outlaws and being chased rise in Palestine. Both children and with a nurse: he grips And lifts time, saying the same words. 45Then he by the people in power. women are the most vulnerable to a stretcher, soothes with gentle Matthew 26: 31-56 came to the disciples and said to them, violence. hands The frail flesh of the dying, “Are you still sleeping and taking your Political crisis: we feel that our lead- gives them hope, Breathes with 31Then Jesus said to them, “You will rest? See, the hour is at hand, and the ership, political parties and advocacy Compromise the breathless, lends them strength all become deserters because of me this Son of Man is betrayed into the hands bodies are asleep. Little action is to cope.” night; for it is written, of sinners. 46Get up, let us be going. See, being taken in comparison to the It is normal when one faces a major ‘I will strike the shepherd, my betrayer is at hand.” huge political threats we are facing. challenge to compromise and find a N. T. Wright, God and the and the sheep of the Our adversaries are creating realities way to live with the problem. After Pandemic: A Christian Reflection flock will be scattered.’ 47While he was still speaking, Judas, on the ground while we are over- a few moments of resistance, the on the Coronavirus and its one of the twelve, arrived; with him whelmed by their power and might. disciples surrendered to the might Aftermath 32But after I am raised up, I will go was a large crowd with swords and of the religious establishment and ahead of you to Galilee.” 33Peter said clubs, from the chief priests and the COVID-19: Many people continue the Roman empire. Jesus was left to to him, “Though all become deserters elders of the people. 48Now the betrayer to ignore and deny the threat that walk the way of the cross on his own; Depression because of you, I will never desert you.” had given them a sign, saying, “The In preparation for the Bible study, this pandemic is causing. Unfor- the movement had lost its leader and 34Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, one I will kiss is the man; arrest him.” a discussion took place among the tunately, conspiracy theories and they were scattered and on their own.