UMKR and MFSA present the compelling experiences of United Methodist and Baptist laity and clergy who have recently visited some of the most troubled spots in Palestine/Israel and who bring us Palestine’s urgent call for solidarity and support.

Opening with a basic introduction to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, its recent history, and current realities, the webinar features a wide range of recommendations for responding to that call, wherever we are and with whatever means we have.

Hear from a panel of justice advocates who know Palestine/Israel well and who have been recent eyewitnesses to the worsening conditions on the ground across historic Palestine. They bring us their first-hand experiences of providing a protective presence at key locations of conflict and creating a bold public witness of faith-based solidarity, a witness intended to be shared in our churches and our communities.

Joining us is Omar Haramy, the Executive Director of Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center in Jerusalem, speaking about the purpose and power of these ongoing solidarity trips that Sabeel is organizing with diverse faith partners. Our panel’s trip was co-sponsored by Sabeel, Rabbis for Ceasefire, and Christians4Ceasefire and included Buddhists and Hindus.

These presenters also carry with them and bring to us the fear and frustration of Palestinians who see their lives are not valued by a neglectful world community and who despair of the global church’s seeming silence and inaction.

This webinar challenges us to answer Palestinians' urgent call to solidarity, offering manifold ways that we can be justice-seekers and peacemakers: acting as individuals and in community, within the church and in our society, locally, nationally, and globally.

This Webinar was recorded on November 13, 2024

INTRODUCTION TO PALESTINE/ISRAEL VIDEOS

Two videos were presented, slightly abridged, early in the webinar.

Find the full videos here:

How did the Nakba happen?
Al Jazeera English
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=megzzpTWajg

Israeli Palestinian conflict explained: an animated introduction to Israel and Palestine
Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y58njT2oXfE

Another recommended video:
United Methodist Missionaries Speak Out
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKb8SYVB8KQ

United Methodist missionaries who have served in Palestine/Israel speak of what they have seen and learned over decades. They urge the church not only to pray for peace, but to take meaningful action to end the suffering that is caused by the Israeli occupation. They represent the diverse spectrum of the United Methodist Church, from conservative to progressive. Yet they are united in calling for the church to employ non-violent economic actions, such as divestment from companies that support and profit from the Israeli occupation, to help end hostilities and reverse the cycle of violence in Israel/Palestine.

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SOLIDARITY ACTION & INFORMATION

Find all of the opportunities for solidarity presented in the closing segment here:
https://www.kairosresponse.org/take_action_home.html

Scroll down this page to find links to give to humanitarian aid organizations:
https://www.kairosresponse.org/war2023_palestine-israel.html

See materials for study and discussion:
https://www.kairosresponse.org/education.html

Materials from Kairos Palestine for reading and study:
https://www.kairosresponse.org/kairos_palestine-1.html

Reports and resources on Israeli Apartheid:
https://www.kairosresponse.org/it_is_apartheid.html

Recommended Books List:
https://www.kairosresponse.org/education_books.html

Find Resources such as UMKR's Quick Facts Series:
https://www.kairosresponse.org/resources_home.html

Find solidarity posters for use at public events or in a church display:
https://www.kairosresponse.org/posters.html

Find sources for Palestinian products; see "Palestine Market:"
https://www.kairosresponse.org/take_action_home.html

Learn about Ceasefire Pilgrimages to do in your area:
https://www.gazaceasefirepilgrimage.com/

Plan a Trip to the Holy Land:
https://www.kairosresponse.org/tours.html
https://www.fosna.org/delegations

Support the Chevron Boycott:
https://www.kairosresponse.org/chevronboycott.html

Learn about Apartheid-Free Communities and take the pledge:
https://www.kairosresponse.org/apartheid-free.html

Christians 4 Ceasefire Campaign
https://franciscanaction.org/christians-for-ceasefire-campaign/

Suggestions for Subscribing:

Mondoweiss
https://mondoweiss.net

+972 Magazine
https://www.972mag.com

Electronic Intifada
https://electronicintifada.net

Better sources of news on Palestine/Israel:
Al Jazeera
https://www.aljazeera.com

Middle East Eye
https://www.middleeasteye.net

Middle East Monitor
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com

Palestine Chronicle
https://www.palestinechronicle.com