CFOS endorses ecumenical statement
Canadian Friends of Sabeel (CFOS) wholeheartedly endorses the March 5, 2025 statement issued by Canadian churches and church-related organizations calling for accountability for all war crimes in Palestine and Israel and in particular the genocide and ethnic cleansing in Gaza. We echo the concerns expressed in the letter regarding the possible “Gazafication” of the West Bank as evidenced in the expanding violence, forced displacements, and arbitrary killings and arrests by Israeli forces including illegal settlers.
Rooted in our Christian commitment to peace with justice, support for human dignity, and respect for international law, we stand in solidarity with all our Palestinian, Israeli and Canadian partners who seek a just and lasting peace.
We are greatly disturbed by Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu’s call for ethnic cleansing and forced displacement in Gaza – this action would constitute a horrific war crime on top of the war crimes already committed. The ongoing genocide, occupation, illegal annexations, and systematic violations of Palestinian rights must end. As people of faith, we echo the urgent call in the letter for Canada to impose harsh political, economic, and diplomatic sanctions on Israel for its documented crimes against the Palestinian people.
The focus of Canadian efforts must be for peace with justice that ensures Palestinian self-determination, upholds international law, and rejects Israeli settler-colonialism.
Rula Odeh, chair of CFOS, states, “As a Canadian of Palestinian heritage and Christian faith I want to reaffirm our commitment to amplifying the voices of our Palestinian siblings and working towards a future where peace with justice, and human rights prevail. CFOS urges all Canadians to contact their Members of Parliament in support of the calls to action by the Canadian churches and church-related organizations. Now is the time for action.”
Canadian Friends of Sabeel is a national ecumenical response to the call of Palestinian Christians for solidarity. Through education and engagement, we support the struggle for equality in justice, freedom, and human rights of Palestinians living under apartheid and the illegal Israeli military occupation. With partners around the world, we work non-violently for a just and durable peace for Palestinians and Israelis. We invite Canadians to join in and support our work; visit friendsofsabeel.ca.