‘Vital in its own way’

Kenny Roger offers an update on the Church of Scotland’s work in Israel/Palestine.

THE attack by Hamas on October 7 2023 and the military response by Israel has led to the longest and deadliest conflict since Israel was founded in 1948.

As well as the devastating loss of life and destruction in Gaza, over 100 hostages are still being held in Gaza, there have been forced house clearances in the occupied Palestinian territories, and many deaths and arrests of Palestinians, many without charges being brought against them. The situation in the north with Lebanon is also causing concern for many, with the end of the conflict feeling a long way away. The Occupation and the lack of a political solution are blighting a new generation, sustaining hatred and making peace with justice very difficult.

The Church of Scotland presence in Israel at a time like this has its challenges, but it is also vital in its own way. The Church has around 160 employees in Israel-Palestine, spread between our two hotels in Jerusalem and Tiberias and our school in Jaffa. Each of our establishments is a place of hospitality where people from different faith and ethnic groups are welcome and work together. In this time of war, many of the staff are unable to work due to the decrease in tourism, but the school continues to operate at full capacity. At the time of writing, many of our staff In Jerusalem, who come from Bethlehem, have had their visas revoked, as have almost all of the 100,000 West Bank workers who normally work in Israel each day. These workers do not receive support from either the Israeli or Palestinian Government during unemployment, which has led to much financial hardship in the West Bank.

In our hotel in Tiberias, we have been able to welcome around 100 evacuees from the northern border with Lebanon, who are unable to stay there due to the constant rocket fire. The hotel has transformed itself, with space being set aside for a kindergarten, alongside a soft play, for the younger children staying with us. At Christmas, those staying put up a Christmas tree and decorated it. Although the majority staying are Jewish, they recognise the Christian ethos of our hotel, and are thankful for the hospitality received.

In our school, children and staff are learning even more of the need to live and work together, and to see the humanity in each other. Our hope is that the students move forward knowing that things can be different than they are currently and help contribute to a better future.

Our Mission Partners the Rev Dr Stewart Gillan and the Rev Muriel Pearson, both of whom have returned to Israel and Palestine, work to support the congregation of St Andrew’s, Jerusalem and Tiberias, the staff in our hotels and school and church and NGO (Non Governmental Organisation) partners who continue to press for peace with justice. The Church’s partners include the Evangelical Lutheran and Episcopal Churches, as well as NGOs like Rabbis for Human Rights and Parents Circle Family Forum in Israel, and Wi’am and Tent of Nations in the occupied Palestinian territories. They are working to share their stories and requests with congregations across the Church of Scotland. Israelis and Palestinians who call for peace with justice are bravely going against the flow of popular opinion and need our support.

In a time of war groups polarise, and holding space to meet becomes more important than ever, particularly across the faith communities. The narrative in Israeli society has moved much further to the right, and safe spaces to talk and share other views have diminished. As such, Stewart was delighted to help one of our partners, Rabbis for Human Rights, host an interfaith gathering in December at the hotel in Jerusalem entitled ‘Shining a Brighter Light Together’, bringing together leaders from the three major faiths, for prayer and contemplation.

Stewart was also greatly encouraged to worship with churches in Jerusalem during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in January, an annual pilgrimage around the different denominations – Orthodox, Latin, Episcopal and Lutheran. During the Christmas visit to the Armenian Orthodox Church (in mid-January), our need for unity was sounded. ‘Our only protection is our unity,’ said one of their bishops in conversation following greetings and prayer. The Armenian Church is fighting a land sale in the Old City, which would further diminish the Christian presence in the Holy Land. The Church of Scotland aims, by its presence, to enable and support the Christian community, and do what it can to help Christians to stay in their land, through employment, purchasing policies, and standing with them in the difficulties that they face. Supporting the Armenian Community at this time is another example of how we can do this.

Both Stewart and Muriel have been working across their partner presbyteries, speaking and preaching, taking part in online events and keeping in contact with partners, with Muriel also leading an online Advent reflection hosted by the Scottish Laity Network. Please be in contact with them directly or through the Faith Action team, if you would like to find out more about the work that they are doing, and their reflections on it. (Email Faith Action at faithaction@churchofscotland.org.uk)

At a time when many feel helpless about how they can better understand the situation, or how they can support, here are some ideas that might encourage you to be more involved.

• Keep informed Sign up for Mission Partner Letters and blogs, and with the Balfour Project, or Embrace the Middle East, both of whom also provide good commentary on the situation.

• Small grant support Raise some money to make small grants through Christian Aid or the Church of Scotland to support the Christian community and/or local NGOs working to promote peace with justice. Support Palestinian craft producers by inviting Hadeel to run a stall at your church event. We are grateful for the financial support already received, which has made a difference to many.

• Advocate and lobby Write to your MP asking them to raise with the UK Government your hope that International Humanitarian Law is upheld, that the State of Palestine would be recognised, and that they would work with all parties to ensure a political solution to the conflict with human rights guaranteed for all. Resources available at https://www. churchofscotland.org.uk/about-us/our-views/church-ofscotland-in-israel-and-palestine

• Pray Join Christian Aid, the Church of Scotland and others on the 24th of each month to hear from partners and to pray in an informed way. Sign up for Sabeel’s weekly prayer letter which gives good background as to what is happening ‘on the ground’ (Sign up at https://sabeel.org/category/wave-of-prayers/) Stewart was invited to lead the prayers for justice and peace in the service at Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church during the Week of Prayer, and spoke the following words, which may help you as you seek to pray for the future of the Holy Land.

That people might have time and space in which to heal and recover from war and the making of war, from abandonment and the estrangement of friends; that we might make an entry together into a better future on both sides of the wall.

Looking to the day when walls of fear and hatred can be brought down within us and throughout the Lord’s holy city and land. ¤