This past week Lina Abu Akleh, niece of Shireen Au Akleh, the Palestinian American journalist killed by an Israeli bullet while covering a “security operation” conducted by Israeli authorities in the Jenin refugee city – it is not really a camp as most people imagine it – came to Washington, D.C. to ask that the U.S. government hold Israel accountable for its actions.
Impunity. That is the word that should be used for not just this killing but for the death of Omar Assad, a 78-year old Palestinian American who was dragged from his car by Israeli forces, handcuffed and left at a construction site where he died of a heart attack.
Since 2003 when an Israeli tank literally ran over Rachel Carson who stood in front of it imploring an end to violence, Israeli forces have killed hundreds, if not thousands, of Palestinians in its “security” operations. Adolescent boys are routinely rounded up and imprisoned without charges. We claim we stand for human rights, but when it comes to Israel, we certainly talk out of both sides of our mouth.
Prayer for the Day
Called to be witnesses for truth and justice,
We are often silent in the face of injustice and evil;
Called to act against impunity and tyranny,
We fear how others will look at our words.
Forgive our frailty, our fear, and our weaknesses,
Strengthen us to live with courage and determination,
In the name of the Transformer of our lives, `
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
I am always hearing from Israelis: “CNN is anti-Israel” or “The BBC is against us.” But, no, they are reporting facts.
- Zubin Mehta, music director emeritus Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra
We all feel a continuous incompleteness, but we continue to endure despite Israel’s apartheid.
- Dima Srouji, Palestinian architect, fellow at the Victoria & Albert Museum
There is no truth in their mouths; their hearts are destruction;
Their throats are open graves; they flatter with their tongues
Make them bear their guilt, O God; let them fall by their own counsels;
Because of their many transgressions, cast them out,
For they have rebelled against you.
Psalm 5: 9-10