Monthly Archives: February 2005

Relief in Iraq & World Council of Churches on Israel/Palestine

After visiting the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, empty and badly scarred by Israeli firearms, one wonders where the Christian Churches are. I met the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Envoy in Jerusalem in the comfortable surroundings of the King David Hotel. I found out later that he had taken part in ending the siege of the Church of the Nativity. However it seemed he was far closer to the Israelis than the Palestinians. It seems to be forgotten that many Palestinians are Christians as well as Moslems. They appear to live side by side very well sharing the consequences of the Israeli occupation of their territory. They demonstrate by example what interfaith understanding should be. Who is listening? The links below lead to articles on the present situation.
Here there is also information on efforts to support peace in Iraq arguing for the withdrawal of foreign troops and an end to occupation. I would particularly urge you to watch the video clip Eyes Wide Open. This is a powerful statement about the dead of both US and Iraq and refers to events being held in Los Angeles during March. There is a petition addressed to George W. Bush.

Further views on Iraq by Iraqis.
The following is from an e-mail from the Middle East Fellowhips who have been rasing funds for relief efforts in Iraq and organising events in the U.S.
IRAQ RELIEF EFFORTS
Middle East Fellowship has helped raise over $20,000 for relief efforts in Iraq. The relief effort is being implemented by Nuhad Tomeh, one of our board members and the Presbytrian Church’s regional liaison for Syria, Lebanon, Kuwait, and Iraq. We urge you to partner with us in this campaign.
WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES ENCOURAGES BOYCOTT
The World Council of Churches has issued a statement urging its members to consider the use of economic measures to wage peace in Israel and Palestine.
California Events: EYES WIDE OPEN EXHIBIT
American Friends Service Committee’s “Eyes Wide Open” Exhibit is coming to Los Angeles in March. The exhibit features a pair of boots honoring each U.S. military casualty, a field of shoes and a Wall of Remembrance to memorialize the Iraqis killed in the conflict, and a multimedia display exploring the history, cost and consequences of the war.

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