Everyone needs a home where families are safe and secure, where their basic needs are met, where they can come and go freely, and where they can imagine a future.
But that is not the reality for most Palestinians, or even for some Israelis.
In September 2017, Mennonite Central Committee Canada (MCC) is releasing its first collection in a series of videos featuring stories of people who make their home in Palestine and Israel. Some may be surprising. Some may prompt questions. And some may compel you to action.
These stories are part of a campaign called A Cry for Home, a multi-year initiative inviting MCC supporters to learn about, engage with and advocate for a just peace for Palestinians and Israelis.
At the special request of MCC’s Palestinian Christian partners, a variety of resources are being developed to provide a window into the lives of people living in Palestine and Israel, lives that are filled with heartache and hope, devastation and faith. These partners are asking western Christians to stand in solidarity with them, and to advocate for an end to oppression and injustice.
“I've been to Palestine and Israel three times,” says MCC Canada executive director Don Peters. “Each time, I returned to the peaceful tranquility of my own home in Canada, while the cry for home—and for a just peace—lingered persistently in the background as a plea from that troubled land.
“We know there are many different perspectives on the situation in Palestine and Israel, and we anticipate this campaign will raise some questions. We are happy to engage constructively on these,” he says. “However, the one thing our partners consistently ask for is our voice. What we have seen and what we have heard, we need to share. As Christians, we believe change and reconciliation are possible through Christ, and we are blessed to work with both Palestinians and Israelis committed to a peaceful resolution.”
MCC’s prayer for all people in Palestine and Israel comes from Isaiah 32:16-18 (NRSV): “Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness abide in the fruitful field. The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings and in quiet resting places.”
Visit MCC’s A Cry for Home campaign to view videos, read stories, download fact sheets, find prayer requests or learn how to can get involved.
Add new comment
Canadian Mennonite invites comments and encourages constructive discussion about our content. Actual full names (first and last) are required. Comments are moderated and may be edited. They will not appear online until approved and will be posted during business hours. Some comments may be reproduced in print.