Friends, yesterday on the Mount of Olives, the place where Jesus wept over Jerusalem if they had only known “the things that make for peace”, we with Palestinian Christian leaders and leaders there to be in solidarity from around the world launched a movement. A movement of prayer. A movement that could happen in your city. A movement of public solidarity with Palestinian Christians voices crying out for an end to genocide.
www.gazaceasefirepilgrimage.com
Started by InVerse’s own James Harris (yes, famous for being Decolonising Sunday School’s Jenna’s other half and all round wonderful bloke) see set off to walk the length of Gaza in his own town. Inspired, I wanted to do the same and connected some friends like Lisa Sharon Harper, Susan Wahhab the President of Palestinian Christians in Australia network and Mae Cannon who heads up Churches for Middle East Peace.
www.gazaceasefirepilgrimage.com
It’s taken off. In 24 hours 11 cities have sign on to map Gaza onto their own location with their feet as they walk, roll or ride in solidarity with Palestinian Christians.
We have four clear demands:
1. Enduring and Sustained Ceasefire.
2. Immediate flow of life saving food, water, aid, fuel and humanitarian assistance.
3. Release of all hostages – both the Israeli hostages held by Hamas – and the Palestinian hostages held in the Israeli prison system.
4. End of occupation so a just-peace can begin.
And a clear objective to raise funds for the following:
1. Relief. Humanitarian relief in the form of food, water, medical supplies etc.
2. Refugees. Supporting those who are seeking safety.
3. Arrival of Relief and Refuge. Groups working to make sure the relief is arriving to those in need and refuge is being provided to those seeking safety.
(We ask that each Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage divides money raised evenly between these 3 priorities.)
And I just want to thank InVerse Collective for the way our listeners and community have signed up to join a walk and many of you putting your hands up to host a walk!
This lent we will not be silent. This lent, we will walk a via dolorosa of solidarity with our Palestinian siblings. ❤️🍉