We live in hope
Dear friends of Sabeel,
Inspired by the Sumud of our Palestinian siblings, we are encouraged by significant breakthroughs in solidarity and advocacy this past year.Even though the violence has not ended, we live in hope that what can happen on this scale can grow and eventually bring us to a ceasefire and a just peace. We want to share with you our list of what we call “The Transformation Revolution”.
Despite the dangers in the region, Sabeel and other Palestinian Christian organizations have been receiving solidarity delegations from around the world throughout the year, beginning with the international Christmas Delegation which was supported by CFOS and included Canadian pastor Chris Ferguson. The widely circulated Christ in the Rubble sermon was preached to this group. Over a dozen Canadians joined a Solidarity Pilgrimage with Sabeel this month and there have been many in between. Despite the risks and challenges of traveling at this time, we see immense courage and love shared by these pilgrims, more than ever before.
First the first time ever, Canadian Church and Church Organization Leaders organized an advocacy event on Parliament Hill: the Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage and Prayer Rally in Ottawa, May 22, 2024. Listen to the voices of those present as they lament, pray and act for just peace in the region, including CFOS Chair Rula Odeh.
With support from CFOS, KAIROS Canada has set up a Just Peace in the Middle East Ecumenical Hub, a place where you can find resources on Actions, Statements/Letters, Partner Stories & Messages and Resources for Prayer and Worship.
As found in this Hub, many Churches have issued statements and appeals to the Canadian government that are increasingly strong. One example is the latest from the United Church of Canada, calling for the suspension of diplomatic relations with Israel, considering their disregard for international law.
Actions like this have echoed around the world. For example, the Church of England has been speaking out for justice, for the first time calling the current treatment of Palestinians, Apartheid, a naming most often avoided by Church Leadership.
This past summer we learned of the total success of the long standing campaign, of which CFOS is a part, asking the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to respond to violations of the Income Tax Act by the Jewish National Fund Canada (JNFC). The Government’s complete lack of acknowledgement of the evidence presented left us with little hope that this registered charity would be called to account. CFOS friend, Dr. Ismail Zayid of Halifax, is featured in this 2019 article explaining the context. There was delay on the part of the CRA which required CFOS and other groups to write letters urging the CRA to enact its decision to revoke the charitable status of the JNFC. There was concern that intense lobbying in support of the JNFC might be successful in reversing the decision even before it could be put into force. On August 10 the Canada Gazette published the long-anticipated notice, completing the CRA decision and making official the removal of charitable status from the JNFC. This incredible reversal of direction gives hope to all of us that what was previously unimaginable, can indeed be possible.
“My village is one of three villages that were depopulated in 1967, and with the aid of the JNF, illegally demolished by Israeli forces,” said Dr. Ismail Zayid of Halifax, a signatory to the comprehensive complaint to the CRA which formed the basis of IJV’s e-petition.
Please support the work of Canadian Friends of Sabeel. We need your help to continue our advancement of The Transformation Revolution.
Kind regards,
Monica
Monica Lambton is a co-founder and long-time Board Member for Canadian Friends of Sabeel. She currently lives in Vancouver, after 20 years in Montreal.