Public discussion about the history and politics of Israel often demands moral clarity expressed in simple declarations. One is expected either to “stand with Israel” or to oppose it. One affirms as historical fact the notion that “a people with no land came to a land with no people,” or chants “From the river to …
Weeping for the divided cities
No. 47 of 47. First published 31 Dec 2007. Here is a prayer read by Australian Anglican Archbishop Phillip Aspinall at our group devotions in Jerusalem on the morning of 10 Dec 2007 in preparation for our journey from Jerusalem to Bethlehem: Lord Jesus Christ,Today we share your tears for the cities of the world;Still …
Visit to Yad Vashem
No. 46 of 47. First published 31 Dec 2007. Today (Monday 10 Dec 2007) we moved from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, with important diversions. The first was a visit to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Authority, and its flagship attraction, the Holocaust History Museum. Most striking to me was the huge concrete bunker, vaguely reminiscent …
Lutheran World Federation urges peace in Palestine
No. 45 of 47. First published 29 Dec 2007. The Lutheran World Federation has appealed to Israeli and Palestinian leaders to “urgently pursue” the successful conclusion of a peace treaty between their nations, as agreed at the recent Middle East peace conference in Annapolis in the US. At a full day of meetings in Annapolis …
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Meeting with Bishop Suheil Dawani
No. 44 of 47. First published 24 Dec 2007. In the evening of Sunday 9 Dec 2007, our Australian delegation met with Episcopal Bishop Suheil Dawani in a meeting room at St George's Cathedral in West Jerusalem. Bishop Dawini told us, as many other Palestinian Christians have pointed out, that it is critically important to keep the …
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