Be Smart for Palestine

Members of a Holy Week pilgrimage to Palestine saw and heard the suffering of a people under siege. They visited families living in ever-more-constricted conditions. They witnessed violence. The pilgrims asked—as we all do—“What can we do?” One Palestinian’s response was unexpected:

“Don’t suffer for Palestine. Be smart for Palestine. Don’t be a martyr for Palestine. We have more than enough martyrs!”

Unexpected, but clear as a bell. Don’t waste time repeating bad news and wringing our hands. Don’t let fear or overwhelm immobilize us. Bruce Reyes-Chow, leader of the Holy Week pilgrimage, speaks of the “horrors, holiness, and hope” he experienced in Palestine. “Almost all the Palestinians we met ended their stories of hardship saying, ‘but we have hope!’”

Being “smart for Palestine” involves listening to and amplifying Palestinian voices, giving thanks for their hope, and learning from their resilience. It means speaking out—talking and writing about the “facts on the ground” that are largely ignored by mainstream media. It means working in community, because none of us is smart or strong enough to go it alone.

Praying and worshiping God strengthens us as a community of peacemakers when we gather on PPF’s online church, Lost & Found. This summer, Lost & Found will dedicate three worship services to Hope and Sumud: Voices from Palestine. Join us on July 6, August 3, and September 7 (4 PM Pacific / 7 PM Eastern) as we find strength and hope in being smart for Palestine. You can register for Lost & Found here.

For more information on these upcoming worship events and other Palestine-related news, join the mailing list of PPF’s Palestine Solidarity Working Group (scroll down on our newsletter page to subscribe).

Tricia Lloyd-Sidle

Palestine Solidarity Working Group

Christ in the Rubble by Kelly Latimore