Israel and Palestine
The latest report on our work relating to Israel and Palestine is contained in the 2023 GA Book of Reports, Paper I1.
This report shows the continuing response to the substantive Resolution 37 which was taken by GA 2016 and can be found in the 2016 Book of Reports here.
Ecumenical visit to Israel Palestine 2023
In November 2023, the United Reformed Church will join with the Church of Scotland and UK Methodist Church on an ecumenical visit to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. There are two group leaders from the Church of Scotland, one from the Methodist Church and one from the URC. Each denomination has eight other representatives.
There are interfaith opportunities spread throughout the visit, with plans to hear from Rabbis for Human Rights on 29 November and from a Jewish contact, and built into the itinerary is a visit to Yad Vashem. Muslim Palestinian voices will also be heard at various points in the visit, particularly during the time in Hebron.
The political and social conditions in the region are precarious, and demonstrating practical solidarity with those who are suffering is vital. The URC continues to pray and work for a solution that benefits every religious community, Jewish, Muslim or Christian. We look forward to hearing perspectives and insights from those who will represent the URC. Watch this space!
Walking the Tightrope
A few years ago, the URC undertook a joint project with FODIP (The Forum for the Discussion of Israel and Palestine) to produce a film, preparing anyone considering a pilgrimage to the region.
The film is a practical and easily accessible resource aimed at encouraging people to undertake something much more than a biblical ‘Disney’ tour, engaging with real people and their present day circumstances, and can be found here.
Grafitti saying ‘Make hummus not war’ Image credit: © Philip Brooks
The Trump ‘peace plan’
In the aftermath of the recent announcement of President Trump’s ‘peace plan’, the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) have responded by issuing a statement. During the recent United Reformed Church educational visit to the region, participants saw at first hand the increasing encroachment of the illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine and the disruption these cause to Palestinian people.
EAPPI is an international programme coordinated by the World Council of Churches. It brings people from around the world to the West Bank to serve for three months as human rights monitors – ecumenical accompaniers (EA’s). EAPPI was founded in response to a call from the churches in Jerusalem. Over the last 20 years, more than 1,500 international volunteers from 22 countries have served as EAs. In the UK and Ireland this programme is coordinated by British Quakers on behalf of 16 partner churches.
The United Reformed Church is proud to be one of these partners, offering financial support and sending EA volunteers.
The Rt Rev Declan Lang, Lead Bishop for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference on International Affairs and the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, the Church of England Lead Bishop for International Affairs have also issued a joint statement in response to the American proposals.
Educational visit to Israel & Palestine 18-28 September 2019
This initiative responded to 2016 General Assembly resolution (see above): ‘to enable synods, local churches and individuals to become more aware and to respond with informed prayer, grace and solidarity… around the issues of the Israel/Palestine situation’.
In his role as Moderator to General Assembly, Derek Estill spearheaded the visit. Twenty two people took part, drawing from: URC Youth; Communications; Commitment for Life; Interfaith Relations; Global and Intercultural Ministries. There was at least one representative from each of the URC’s 13 synods. For most of the applicants, this was their first visit to the region. Each participant has given a commitment to share the experience and learning from the visit widely within their synod on their return.
Here are reflections from two of the participants:
Yad Vashem
The members of the group were deeply moved by their visit to Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre in Jerusalem. See photographs of the group reflecting on their visit here.
Have you ever, or are you thinking of organising a pilgrimage to the Holy Land?
Please download a copy of the resource below, which will help shape an ethical approach to the journey in a way that honours all the people of Israel and Palestine.
- Organising an Ethical Pilgrimage to the Holy Land (PDF | 14mb)
Exhibition of Hope for Israel and Palestine
At General Assembly in 2018, we were delighted to host the World Council of Churches’ 12 Faces of Hope exhibition. Two years previously, Assembly resolved to increase our collective awareness of the situation in Israel and Palestine, focusing on: dialogue and action; peace building; justice and security for all.
The exhibition is just one response to this call. It represents a strong and touching expression of hope for justice and peace through the personal stories of 12 Palestinians and Israelis who all are victims of the occupation.
Since General Assembly, the pictures have been exhibited in several churches as well as the Churches Together in Britain and Ireland AGM. It is due to be shown at Wessex October Synod.
If you are interested in hosting this exhibition in your church or at a specific meeting, do please contact Carole Sired. The pictures are A1 in size, mounted in 12 click frames and easily transportable. The exhibition is available free of charge apart from minimal costs for its transportation.
Invest in Peace
The URC is proud to support the Israeli-Palestinian ‘Invest in Peace’ initiative which is organised by the Board of Deputies of British Jews and Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI). Peter Colwell, Deputy General Secretary of CTBI, reflects here on four Invest in Peace Events with Palestinian Yasser Khaldi and Israeli Meron Guttel.