Advent Sumud Reflections: Palestinian Voices

On Giving Tuesday, Give the Gift of Solidarity

Our friends and partners from the Palestinian Christian community call on us to give deeply in the spirit of Sumud.

Rev. Dr. Naim Ateek, Founder and former Director of Sabeel Palestinian Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center:

These challenging times require of us greater watchfulness and deeper analysis that must be anchored in our love and faith of God and in a deeper commitment for truth, justice, and liberation for our brothers and sisters in Palestine.

Indeed, our Sumud must be exhibited through our nonviolent action and in our writings, witness, and advocacy on behalf of all oppressed people and especially our brothers and sisters in Palestine-Israel.

In light of the results of the United States elections and the probable new challenges that could adversely affect and impact our Palestinian people, I implore our Canadian friends to continue and enhance their support of Canadian Friends of Sabeel. Together we live Sumud.   

From Mira Rizek and the World YWCA – YWCA Palestine: Statement on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, October 29, 2023

Mira Rizek, President of the World YWCA:

We are committed to engaging young people, particularly young women, in pursuing positive transformation by educating them about their human rights as outlined in international resolutions such as UNSCR 2250, UNSCR 1325, and other global accords. Above all, we are devoted to instilling hope in their hearts and cultivating in them the core values essential to achieving freedom, justice, and peace for themselves, their communities, and the world at large.

It is time for the younger generations in Palestine to live in freedom, security, and peace.

We implore the United Nations to enforce its own resolutions on Palestine, and we call on all of you to summon the courage to stand up for the Palestinian rights of equality, freedom, dignity, and security. This is what solidarity looks like.