Attack on Palestinian Human Rights Organisations
On Thursday 18th August Israeli soldiers raided the offices of seven Palestinian Human Rights organisations. Six of them had been previously raided in October 2021 and accused of funding terrorism. Israel has failed to provide any supporting evidence for these spurious claims and EU and UN authorities have dismissed the claims as groundless. In this latest attack, documents and office equipment were taken and entrances were sealed with large metal sheets. Israeli Military Orders have deemed the organisations to be terrorist organisations. This tactic replicates the actions of Apartheid South Africa, which also labelled its critics as terrorists. Clearly, Israel is attempting to shut down documentation of its crimes in the illegally occupied territories and frustrate the provision of evidence to the International Criminal Court, which is currently investigating Israeli actions in the Occupied territories. Further actions that could be taken under Israeli terrorism law are the closing of bank accounts, imposition of travel restrictions and the arrest and detention of staff. The organisations that were raided in October 2021 are Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association, Al-Haq Law in the Service of Man (Al-Haq), Bisan Center for Research and Development, Defense for Children International-Palestine (DCI-P), Health Work Committees (HWC), the Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC), and the Union of Palestinian Women’s Committees (UPWC).
Raid on St Andrew’s Anglican Church, Ramallah
On the same day that Palestinian Human Rights organisations were attacked Israeli soldiers forced their way through the doors of St Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Ramallah. The Anglican Archbishop of Jerusalem, the Most Reverent Hosam E. Naom reports that at 3am on Thursday Israeli soldiers smashed their way into St. Andrews Church Ramallah. Archbishop Naom condemned the attack, and called for an impartial enquiry, followed by disciplinary action against the offenders.
Gaza Violence
Earlier this month Israeli forces attacked Gaza killing 46 people, including 16 children and wounding 460 in what was described as a ‘pre-emptive’ military action. Jonathan Kuttab, a Palestinian Christian Human Rights Lawyer writes about this latest assault on Gaza in a comment published by FOSNA, the Friends of Sabeel North America. Jonathan is the joint founder of Al Haq, one of the organisations currently under siege by the Israeli Army in Ramallah.
Visit of Omar Barghouti to Belfast
Omar Barghouti, the prominent Palestinian Human Rights activist and joint founder of the Palestine BDS movement, spoke at the West Belfast Feile on 11th August. On Wednesday (10th August) Omar met with some of the members of the Kairos Ireland Committee in the Duncairn Arts and Community Centre, Antrim Road. Omar emphasized that the BDS movement is a non-violent movement that targets institutions not individuals. It seeks to apply pressure on the current Apartheid Israeli government by targeting the financial interests of organisations that collaborate with the illegal occupation of Palestine. He commended the example of American Presbyterian and Methodist Churches in their call for justice for Palestine and in divesting from businesses that are complicit in the illegal occupation. At this year’s Irish Methodist Conference, a memorandum was passed that, ‘…calls on the managers of the Methodist Minister’s Pension Fund and the Methodist Central Finance Board to immediately review and divest from all companies and businesses that are associated with, or benefit from, illegal occupations contrary to international law.’
Kairos Palestine and Global Kairos for Justice Dossier on Apartheid
A comprehensive dossier has been prepared by Kairos Palestine and Global Kairos for Justice drawing together reports and statements affirming the conclusion that Israel is an Apartheid regime. It points to Palestinian, Israeli, and international reports, discusses theological issues, and highlights the witness of prominent individuals. This is a valuable resource for all who care about justice.
World Council of Churches week of prayer for peace in Palestine and Israel
15th – 22nd September has been designated by the World Council of Churches as a week of prayer for peace in Palestine and Israel. Kairos Ireland hopes to hold a one-hour online event on Sunday 18th September at 7pm. Further information will be posted as soon as possible.
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