In 2007, what seems to be light years ago, when I was in Palestine I couldn’t help but notice large Israeli settlements encroaching on lands that were to be part of a two state solution. Since then, the situation has only become worse and more desperate for the families and villages on the West Bank.
Yesterday in a joint statement, Canada, Britain, and France called the situation for what it really is: ethnic cleansing. Calling the land Judea and Samaria, radical Israeli settlers are determined to push Palestinians, Muslims and Christians, of the land they have inhabited for thousands of years. And Netanyahu, afraid of losing an election, has done nothing because of the fragile balance that keeps him in power.
We of the Abrahamic faiths have battled over these lands since before the Crusades. It is more than sad that sharing a common ancestry has created more strife than peace. It’s little question that the Oslo accords are dead, but perhaps this common stand will push the Israeli government into taking positive actions against the so-called “settlers” on the West Bank and live up to its agreements signed thirty years ago.
Prayer for the Day
How is it, O God, that as children of common ancestry,
We focus more on our differences than similarities?
Surely, O Lord, we can find ways to live together,
Rather than tearing each other apart as we do.
Bestow on us your Presence, leading us to reconciliation,
So that all may live in peace in the land you proclaimed holy.
In the name of the One who calls all our neighbors,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
The time has come to take further action to uphold our commitment to protect the two-state solution, our interests and to stand up for our values, before it is too late.
Joint statement by Burnham, Macron, and Carney
And there is absolutely no contradiction between this [support for Israel] and my support for the state of Palestine. Indeed, quite the opposite. The two-state solution is based on an explicit belief that the only route to security for both peoples is to live side by side in peaceful coexistence with freedom, security and self-determination.
British Foreign Secretary Miliband, who is Jewish
God has told you what is good; and what does God require of you, but to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:8