World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel is a time for people of faith around the world to join together in worship, prayer, education, advocacy, and action in support of an end to the occupation of Palestine and a just peace for all in Palestine and Israel. Olav Fykse Tveit, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, reminds us that “the situation in Palestine and Israel is unchanged and people continue to suffer. It affects the future of everyone in the region, denies the equal human dignity of all people…. Though we are all created equally in God’s image, the military occupation and its discriminatory practices are obstacles to the fullness of life for all in God’s creation.”
Humanity and Equality in God’s Creation
The theme for 2019, to be observed September 15–22, is Humanity and Equality in God’s Creation.
As people of faith we are called to stand up against racism, xenophobia, stigmatization, and exclusionary rhetoric. We will continue to work toward human dignity of all people, regardless of ethnic, religious, or political differences, and the struggle for the realization of equal human rights of all.
Reaching sustainable peace in Israel and Palestine must be based on the recognition of the inalienable human rights of all people in the region.
Liturgical, action, and animation resources can be found on the World Council of Churches’ site and in our worship section.
More Resources and Ideas for Action
These additional resources may offer inspiration for animation in your local contexts:
- The Kumi (Rise Up) project highlights a different organization working to raise awareness about specific issues in Israel‒Palestine, provides information about a specific issue of injustice through the stories of those effected, and promotes a creative nonviolent advocacy action.
- Detaining Dreams from No Way to Treat a Child: Show this video and use the accompanying study guide for conversation. See more information on how to participate in the No Way to Treat a Child Campaign.
- Promote or sell directly Zatoun fair-trade products. Proceeds from the sale of Zatoun products are used to directly benefit Palestinian farmers and children living in occupied Palestine.