“The Stones Cry Out” Solidarity Delegation
Dear friends and partners,
In these dire days, our Palestinian sisters and brothers in Christ and all Palestinians are crying out to us, urging us to be present with them in solidarity in Palestine and to bear witness to the world that they are not alone in their struggle for justice. And so we respond boldly, with courage, and in faith.
“The Stones Cry Out Solidarity Delegation” has three actions:
ONE. DELEGATION TO PALESTINE
Tuesday-Sunday, February 27-March 3
The Palestinians are urging us to come and stand with them.
A Delegation comprised of US church leaders, lay leaders, representatives from local, national, and denominational organizations devoted to Palestine will meet with Palestinian religious, political, and NGO leaders in Bethlehem from February 27 through March 3. Visits and meetings will be planned by Kairos Palestine and the Global Kairos for Justice Coalition in Bethlehem in coordination with the Delegation organizers. An integral part of the delegation’s program will be to worship with Palestinian churches on Sunday, March 3. In addition, on Saturday or Sunday, our plan is to offer a worship experience that can be shared with congregations back home.
Our base will be at the Christmas Lutheran Church Guesthouse in Bethlehem. We are working with Kairos Palestine to arrange our meetings, in-country transportation, meals, etc. Those costs will be forthcoming.
Delegation participants are requested to make their own travel arrangements, to be in Bethlehem on Tuesday, February 27.
TWO. MEETINGS AND ACTIONS IN WASHINGTON DC
Tuesday-Wednesday, March 5-6
We must speak directly to the US government, not only complicit with but actively funding Israel’s genocidal actions.
On Monday, March 4, we fly back to Washington DC, where on Tuesday, March 5, we meet with allies from area organizations preparing for our meetings and actions on Wednesday, March 6. Drawing on the power of having just returned from meeting with the Palestinian community on the ground, In addition to meetings with Members of Congress, other government officials, and religious leaders, we are in the process of arranging public events in conjunction with these leaders as well as public actions in order to raise public awareness and to exert pressure on the Executive Branch.
THREE. SOLIDARITY PROGRAMS AROUND THE US
Wednesday, March 6
It is important that we publicly demonstrate nationwide support for a cease to the ongoing carnage, immediate humanitarian relief for the people of Gaza, and a process for bringing about a solution that will ensure justice for the Palestinian people and a future of peace and dignity for all the people from the river to the sea.
We are inviting denominational Palestine-Israel mission committees (PINs) , churches, justice organizations, and individuals across the US to plan actions, including demonstrations, prayer or worship events, and educational and informational events, for Wednesday, March 6, to be held in coordination with our meetings in Washington DC.
Friends, we realize that time is short. But the urgency of the times, as well as the pleading of our Palestinian friends and partners to stand with them, demands that we answer their call.
PLEASE SHARE THIS INVITATION WIDELY
WITHIN YOUR ACTIVIST NETWORK!
For itinerary, costs, and to reserve a spot on the Delegation,
contact Michael Spath, Lmichaelspath@gmail.com.
On behalf of the Sponsors, Planning Committee, and especially on behalf of our Palestinian partners,
Michael Spath
Planning Committee
Mark Braverman, Doug Thorpe, Don Wagner, Wendell Griffen,
Philip Farah, Mary Segall, Michael Spath