In This Issue
Mennonite Church USA resolution
Cremisan Valley
Sign a petition for Gaza
Budget cuts to Palestinian Christian schools
Want to get involved?
Recommended reading
From the Sabeel Wave of Prayer
It has been a while since we have been in touch with you, and a lot has happened.
Mennonite Church USA resolution
In July, Mennonite Church USA delegates voted to table the resolution on Israel-Palestine for two years. This was a huge disappointment and setback for all of us who care so deeply about justice in Israel-Palestine and had worked so hard on it—drafting the resolution, gathering support from our congregations, and educating people about it.
But there have been setbacks before in the pursuit of justice, and we must redouble our efforts to ensure successful passage of a strong resolution in two years at Orlando 2017. The Mennonite reports that Executive Board “staff will identify a three-person writing team, as well as a broader reference team representing a range of perspectives, to revise the resolution. Congregations will receive an early draft for study and feedback; the team will use the feedback to adapt the statement as needed prior to the 2017 Delegate Assembly.” As MennoPIN members, it is critical that your voices are heard during this process.
Summary of comments by delegates on the Israel-Palestine resolution
6 Palestinian and Israeli peacemakers respond to delayed action
Cremisan Valley
In August, the high court of Israel ruled that Israel could continue building the separation wall in the Cremisan Valley near Bethlehem, after a ruling in April had halted construction. The wall goes directly through the land of 58 Palestinian families in Beit Jala and around a Salesian monastery, convent, and primary school. Sign a petition urging foreign governments to intervene to stop construction of the wall. Learn more through this update from Friends of Sabeel North America.
Sign a petition for Gaza
Last summer’s war left more than 100,000 housing units damaged, 19,000 destroyed, and damaged or destroyed 562 factories and workshops. Israeli restrictions on construction materials entering Gaza mean that few of the materials needed to rebuild have been allowed in. MCC and other organizations are seeking 1.8 million signatures on this petition—one for each resident of Gaza. To learn more and find out what steps you can take to advocate for an end to the blockade, check out MCC’s latest action alert.
Budget cuts to Palestinian Christian schools
On September 1, 47 Palestinian Christian schools in Israel went on strike to protest cuts in funding from the Israeli government. Funding given by the government has decreased dramatically over the last two years, while Israeli Jewish private schools remain fully funded. At the end of September, the Israeli Ministry of Education agreed to pay the Christian schools a one-time payment of $12.6 million, though the schools continue to advocate for a more equal, permanent solution. Disparate funding for both public and private Palestinian schools highlights the discrimination that Christian and Muslim Palestinians face in Israeli society.
Want to get involved?
Consider joining one of MennoPIN’s subcommittees to help MennoPIN continue this important work.
- The Communications Subcommittee focuses on publicizing the network and its areas of concern via articles, news releases, and digital media (web site, Facebook, Twitter, etc.).
- The Grassroots Subcommittee focuses on expanding and strengthening the network through personal contacts and regional organizing, with an emphasis on building relationships.
- The Advocacy/Action Subcommittee organizes and promotes Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions actions as well as legislative advocacy.
- The Education Subcommittee promotes educational resources and opportunities related to Israel-Palestine.
Email mennopin@gmail.com and note which subcommittee you are interested in.
Recommended reading
Combatant for a just peace by Ryan Rodrick Beiler
From the Sabeel Wave of Prayer…
Dear God, as leaders of the nations gather together at the General Assembly of the United Nations, we give thanks for the nation states that recognize the state of Palestine. We give thanks for the message of Pope Francis for the need for international responsibility as global citizens. We pray that the leaders of the world may raise their voices in solidarity with those who demand an end to the occupation of their land, so that Palestine and Israel may live within secure borders, democratic rights and religious freedom. Lord hear our prayer…And let our cry come unto you.
Mennonite Palestine-Israel Network
mennopin@gmail.com | mennopin.org | facebook.com/mennopin | twitter.com/mennopin
Steering Committee:
Jonathan Brenneman (Lima Mennonite Church, Lima, OH)
Tom Harder (Lorraine Avenue Mennonite Church, Wichita, KS)
Joy Lapp (Pleasant View Mennonite Church, Mt Pleasant, IA)
George Muedeking (Albuquerque Mennonite Church, Albuquerque, NM)
Rachelle Lyndaker Schlabach (Peace Fellowship Church, Washington, DC)
Timothy Seidel (Community Mennonite Church, Lancaster, PA)
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