Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, radical right-wing Israeli settlers who want to push Palestinian farmers out of the West Bank altogether, continue their attacks on Palestinian villages, burning olive groves, throwing Molotov cocktails at houses, and shooting villagers. Israelis are allowed to carry weapons for so-called defense purposes, but use them to harass and intimidate Palestinian farmers.
CNN videos show masked settlers attacking farmers and accompaniers walking to an olive grove., sending several to the hospital. Some of these “setters” hold dual US citizenship. The US, government issued a statement that it was “deeply concerned” about this violence. Oh boy, whoopee.
Israeli authorities have tried to conflate criticism of this violence with anti-Semitism, and, unfortunately, this campaign has been successful in many respects. Wishy-washy statements of “concern” are not enough; neither are sanctions. It’s well past time to re-examine policies that help to feed the lions of hate.
Prayer for the Day
In anguish, O God, you view the violence in the land that gave you birth,
As those who claim fealty to you attack farmers and their families;
Violence breeds violence, and hate only nurtures more hate,
As the children of those attacked see no protection from their occupiers.
Break into this spiral, O Lord, and bring peace to those who seek it,
For we know there must be ways to obtain justice and peace.
In the name of the One who weeps over violence and hate,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
The attack today [July 24], not even 24 hours after the ICJ ruled that Israeli occupation is illegal and that settlers enjoy impunity when exercising violence, serves as further proof for the dire need for international civil protection in Palestine.
Mohammed Katib, organizer for Defend Palestine
Israeli forces have a track record of enabling settler violence and it is outrageous that once again Israeli forces stood by and in some cases took part in these brutal attacks [regarding attacks on three villages in June and July].
Heba Morayef, Amnesty International
Like a swallow or a crane, I clamor, I moan like a dove.
My eyes are weary with looking upward, O Lord, I am oppressed; be my security!
But what can I say? For God has spoken to me, and it has been done.
All my sheep has fled because of the bitterness of my soul.
Isaiah 38: 14-15