Palestine and Israel are significant to three major religions: Christianity, Judaism and Islam.
The region has been a centre of religious pilgrimage and devotion for centuries. The sacred sites and traditions associated with this land have played a crucial role in shaping the religious and cultural identities of millions of people worldwide.
UNJPPI is working for justice, peace and an end to Israel’s military occupation of Palestinian territories and system of apartheid.
We listen to the voices of Palestinian Christians
whose dwindling presence in the Holy Land is threatened by Israel’s occupation:
“Our presence in this land, as Christian and Muslim Palestinians, is not accidental but rather deeply rooted in the history and geography of this land, resonant with the connectedness of any other people to the land it lives in. It was an injustice when we were driven out. The West sought to make amends for what Jews had endured in the countries of Europe, but it made amends on our account and in our land. They tried to correct an injustice and the result was a new injustice.”
It is important to know that you are not alone in this work. We are surrounded by other like-minded allies with whom we can learn and share. Others often model for us what actions are impactful, how to handle opposition and where to turn for resources and support.
We do not do this work in isolation.
Churches and other faith groups around the world have responded to what is going on in Israel and Palestine. For some, their response comes from seeing the realities on the ground first hand and forming relationships with Palestinians and Israelis working for peace and justice. For others, action comes from a theological drive to “seek justice and love mercy” (Micah 6:8).
UNJPPI partners and aligns with other churches and faith groups that seek a just peace in the region.
UNJPPI does not support Christian Zionism or groups that support this ideology because of its racist and colonial nature.
What Can I Do?
~ Find out what your church denomination/faith group is doing, if anything, at local, regional or national levels.
~ You may want to join an existing local advocacy group or get involved with a national group like Friends of Sabeel or UNJPPI.
Timeline of Major Church and Faith-based Actions
1948 to 2024