Why are you so obsessed with Israel?
by Jacob Janzen
I’ve read several books about Israel/Palestine, covering the history, the politics, and the theology behind it. I read a lot of articles and emails from groups focused on the topic. Of all the time and mental energy I spend reading, Israel/Palestine commands a lion share.
It begs the question: Why are you so obsessed with Israel? It is a small country, far from my own. The casualties from the conflict are actually pretty small compared to other modern wars. And they are very small compared to wars of the past.
I think for me the core reason is the DISHONESTY surrounding it. So much of what I’ve learned from reading about it has shown my prior understanding to be false. And now that I have learned the details of the situation, I recognize just how much the rhetoric and the description of events in this country are biased against equal human rights. And my country, the government that represents me, is operating against the principles of Peace and Justice.
In my efforts to be a Peacemaker, I will continue to read and learn and gain as many perspectives as I can on this issue. I would love to reach a point where I feel a stable Peace has been established, and I could move on to other topics. But I doubt that will happen in my lifetime.
I encourage the readers of this email to read more also. Lately I’ve found that studying the modern history is effective in helping shape how people view the situation. Sources abound, including some we share with you below.
Also, as MennoPIN looks toward updating our website with helpful resources, we’d love to hear what book/s have been transformative for you. What book/s have challenged you, changed your perspective, or touched your heart and moved you to take action for peace in Israel/Palestine? Please email us at info@mennopin.org
Upcoming Events, Actions, and Resources
In our September newsletter, we shared with our readers about an opportunity to support the Palestinian Christian community of Zababdeh on the West Bank by purchasing their handmade olive oil soap. We’re pleased to discover that several churches have done so, and encourage more congregations to jump on board. With the holiday season quickly approaching, these soaps would make excellent teacher gifts, stocking stuffers, etc.
Below is an email sent to us recently about West Philadelphia Mennonite Fellowship’s experience supporting this project:
Good morning. Thank you for sharing the information about Zababdeh parrish, Melkite Catholic church olive oil project.
I corresponded with Abouna Firas Khoury in October and West Philly Mennonite Fellowship purchased soap. Working with Abouna FIras via email was fairly easy as well as figuring out how to purchase the soap. After paying, the soap arrived in a week and was well packaged and all in good condition. We are now selling the soap.
I would encourage other congregations or groups to consider working with the Zababdeh community to support the project. This is an opportunity for mutual aid that is straightforward and fairly simple to implement.
If anyone would like to contact me regarding the project, I am very willing to share what I learned.
Best,
Donna Sharer
Phila, PA
dLsharer@gmail.com
This Advent, Christians for a Free Palestine is mobilizing Christians to join the Boycott Chevron campaign and has created an Advent resource page for 2025 full of what you need to participate.
In it you’ll find how-to-guides for caroling actions in public places like holiday markets and events, pickets at Chevron stations, and even a link to a brand new Boycott Chevron Book of Carols by CFP. You can get creative and even have fun with your resistance.
Save the date
Mennonite Action’s Anniversary Call
Thursday, November 20 at 8 pm EST
Two years ago, congregations across the U.S. and Canada rallied together in response to the escalated violence against Palestinians. Mennonites across the nation have been organizing, learning, painting signs, singing, holding vigils, showing up to legislator’s offices, pestering elected officials by phone and email, praying, taking public action, sharing money and resources, and living into our Anabaptist calling, together.
Mennonite Action’s Anniversary Call is an opportunity to reflect, mourn, celebrate, and recommit to the work of justice. Make plans to attend, and share this church bulletin with your congregation!
Join Red Letter Christians’ Book Club on Tuesday, November 25 at 7pm EST with Palestinian theologian Daniel Bannoura and New Testament scholar Dr. Gary Burge to discuss Being Christian after the Desolation of Gaza.
Grab your copy for 40% off using code DESOLATION40 from Wipf & Stock.
And be sure to read Chapter 17 by MennoPIN’s Amy Yoder McGloughlin!
Looking to expand your knowledge on Palestine? Or find something to recommend to a friend who is open to learning more? Check out this topical reading list compiled by two Palestinians in Ramallah.
Mennonite Palestine Israel Network
MennoPIN keeps you informed about Palestine/Israel through our monthly update, special alerts, calls to action, important resources and tour possibilities, all from an Anabaptist perspective. To find out more, please visit our website at www.mennopin.org
Feedback, responses, and suggestions for future updates can be submitted to info@mennopin.org
Steering Committee
Bob Atchison (Manhattan Mennonite Church, Manhattan, KS)
Lydia Brenneman (Lima Mennonite Church, Lima, OH)
Dave Janzen (Fellowship of Hope, Elkhart, IN)
Michael George (Landisville Mennonite Church, PA)
Jonathan Kuttab (Palestinian lawyer and human rights activist, Manheim, PA)
Dorothy Jean Weaver (Community Mennonite Church, Harrisonburg, VA)
Zachary Murray (Mennonite Central Committee, Washington, DC)
Adam Ramer (Co-coordinator of Mennonite Action, New York, NY)
David Bluford (Rainbow Mennonite Church, Kansas City, KS)
Gretchen M (Philadelphia, PA)
MennoPIN 