Palestine: On the Brink
It’s an agonising paradox: a student movement on the brink of renewal is also on the brink of disappearing.
“The situation of Christian communities across our region is becoming increasingly fragile,” says Jamil, IFES Regional Secretary for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
“But right now the situation in Palestine is critical. Our brothers and sisters there need the world to know they exist and to realise what they’re facing. They need our prayers and support.”
On the Brink of Renewal
Student ministry in Palestine has faced severe setbacks in recent years.
Alongside the utter destruction of Gaza, life in the West Bank became ever more complicated. Organised student witness was disrupted, and no-one was available to step into leadership.
Then, last year, a glimmer of light: a young woman was appointed as General Secretary (GS).
She’s been revitalising the vision for campus ministry among students in the West Bank. A few students even managed to join last year’s IFES regional gathering (all women since the men were not permitted to travel).
Earlier this year, the GS took part in IFES MENA training for emerging leaders, where 36 young leaders from nine countries explored what it means to “run the race with perseverance” in their contexts.
It’s a demanding call. How can you run a race when the route has been obliterated or completely blocked off?
On the Brink of Desperation
Indeed, the situation in the West Bank has worsened in recent months.
Restrictions have further tightened, with checkpoints even over short distances cutting off students and graduates from fellowship opportunities. A locally planned conference had to be cancelled due to obstruction from the Israeli army and settlers.
What are students feeling?
The GS shares: “Uncertainty, insecurity, frustration, confusion, loss, grief, fear, depression, loneliness, desperation.”
“We face many deep challenges – raising the next generation when many are considering leaving – remaining spiritually connected with so many barriers to movement – staying motivated in a harsh unstable reality – growing and flourishing as educated youth in a weak, dependent economy.”
“We feel misunderstood and rejected because of the lack of awareness about our suffering and the lack of meaningful action for justice from the international community.”
On the Brink of Vanishing
Jamil adds:
“This is not just about ministry being under threat. This is about how difficult it is for the Christian community to simply survive in the Holy Land – how they are on the brink of being wiped out.”
“They are losing land, homes, and churches.”
“It’s even more painful and frustrating that the suffering of our Christian brothers and sisters in Palestine is related to international political decisions sometimes influenced by particular theological interpretations. We need to stand against this. We need to stand with them. We need to be salt and light in their suffering.”
Pray
Let’s stand with them now, joining them in what they are praying for:
- We pray for young people and children to have hope, strength, and perseverance.
- We pray that God comforts every family going through a difficult time or grieving the loss of a loved one.
- We pray that God opens doors of provision and employment for those who are in need.
- We pray that God grants wisdom to leaders and officials in every decision they make.
- We pray for better days ahead, with justice, peace, and hope for the future.
- We pray for God’s healing for youth who are facing mental and emotional burdens because of the war.
- We pray for Christian families in Palestine as they seek to raise the next generation in faith amid the difficulties.
- We pray for our ministry to be revitalized and to impact many lives.