Our faith and our humanity call us to act now to support a just and lasting peace in Gaza, and throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Act Now!
Boys flying a kite with rubble of buildings in background
Credit: Jeffrey / Act Alliance

What We Believe

“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow,” (Isaiah 1:17)

As people of faith, we bring the grief, compassion, and concerns of a hurting world to God. We are called into bold discipleship that leads to daring justice!

In the context of violent atrocities and international crimes—especially those that target civilians and directly affect global partners and their communities—this means we are called to:

  • amplify the voices of partners;
  • raise our spirited voices in outrage and solidarity; and
  • advocate for Canada to do everything in its power to help end the violence.

What You Can Do

People in Gaza are experiencing utter destruction, loss of life, and inhumane conditions without access to necessities for life. Famine is imminent. Children are particularly impacted. In Occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank, Israeli settlers and the Israeli military forcibly displace and dispossess Palestinians of their lands, their homes, and their rights. Canada must not be complicit in genocide, ethnic cleansing, and famine.

Transformative justice work is long-term; our responsibility is to create and seize any opportunities to speak truth, amplify the voices of those who are directly affected and most vulnerable, and to encourage those in power to support a just peace!

Please join us in action: advocate, pray, educate and donate.

Act

The situation in Palestine and Israel is evolving at breakneck speed. The advocacy tools and approaches provided here can’t keep pace with the changing context on the ground.  We invite you to use the templates in this section and update them with the latest developments from the Related News section below.


Under downloads below is a template email to help start you off (last updated March 2025). Don’t forget to keep us informed by copying  takeaction@united-church.ca

We are asking the Canadian Government to do everything it can to:

  1. Support a guaranteed long-term, meaningful ceasefire; reinforced by a comprehensive two-way Canada-Israel arms embargo.*
  2. Secure unhindered humanitarian assistance/relief —including from The United Church of Canada Mission and Service partners—which urgently and abundantly needs to reach those in need.
  3. Foster the conditions for a just and lasting peace —where safety, respect for rights, justice, and human dignity for all is ensured and upheld, without exception. This requires an end to the occupation, strict and unwavering compliance with international law, respect for international human rights and humanitarian institutions and the right to self-determination.

*The United Church of Canada is part of the #ArmsEmbargoNow campaign. TThe campaign site has helpful resources and additional ways to take action.

For more tips, visit our Faith in Politics page or join our justice network Succeed at Advocacy on CHURCHx.

Pray

Pray for peace with justice for the people of Palestine and Israel. Additional prayers can be found here and at Canadian Council of Churches.

Links to traditional Palestinian music can be found with materials for World Day of Prayer 2024 Palestine.

Donate

Online via our secure donation page.

The Work of Partners

Many United Church Mission and Service global partners work to support peace in Palestine and Israel. Here are some of the ways partners are involved.

For more information, contact  globalpartnership@united-church.ca

Related News

Ecumenical Statement Shows Solidarity with Palestinian and Israeli Partners

KAIROS Canada and its members issue joint statement in response to spiraling violence in Middle East.

Praying for a Permanent and Lasting Ceasefire

The United Church of Canada awaits partners’ perspectives on proposed ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Canada Must Not Undermine the UN’s Work in the Middle East

A statement to support the work and recommendations of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Palestinian Territories… continue reading

Dear Prime Minister: Quiet diplomacy isn’t working

Letter urges the prime minister to suspend diplomatic relations with State of Israel for disregard of international law

Canada’s Joint Statement with Australia and New Zealand One Step of Many Needed

The United Church acknowledges Canada’s joint calls for an urgent ceasefire and support of International Court of Justice’s recent decision on Israel… continue reading

ICJ Orders Israel to End Its Unlawful Occupation

The United Church of Canada reminds the Government of Canada about obligations under international law, in wake of ICJ’s Advisory Opinion on the… continue reading

Screams from under Fire: An Update from Partners in Gaza

Despite exhaustion, limited resources, and harsh working conditions, their thoughts occupied with the safety of their own loved ones, DSPR medical… continue reading

Six denominations unite their efforts for a just and lasting peace

Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimages build political will, MPs tell church leaders during meetings on May 22. Ecumenical effort urged all parties to take… continue reading

National Church Leaders Call for Peace in Palestine and Israel

National Canadian church leaders, including Moderator the Right Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne, marched on Parliament Hill in Ottawa today in a call for… continue reading

There Is a Place for All

For months, humanitarian agencies have sounded the alarm against any military offensive in Rafah, where thousands who have been displaced multiple… continue reading