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Jerusalem: Update and Actions
This special newsletter comes to you in light of the decision by US President Trump on Wednesday to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Please find below an update on the situation in Palestine, some key responses from the Palestinian Christian community, and actions you can take to protest against this decision.
Situation Update
Photo: Reuters
Since the US announcement on Wednesday there have been widespread protests in the West Bank, Jerusalem and Gaza against the decision, and clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces. More are expected today following Friday prayers at the Al Aqsa mosque in particular. There have also been protests in other Arab countries.
Please read the links below for more news on the current situation and tensions:
Scores of Palestinians hurt as Jerusalem protests rage - Al Jazzera News
LIVE: Palestinians begin 'day of rage' protests against Jerusalem move - Live updates from Middle East Eye
Live: Jerusalem Watch: Middle East Monitor's live updates from the region on the crisis
UN security council to meet to discuss US decision amid widespread international condemnation - The Guardian
Responses from the Palestinian Christian community
There have been many responses from both political and civil society representatives in Palestine to Trump's decision. Below we highlight the responses from prominent Palestinian Christians.
Sabeel Jerusalem Christmas statement - "Power cannot bring peace to the city of Jerusalem"
Mitri Raheb from Kairos Palestine - Theological reflection on Trump's speech - "We ask our partners to raise their prophetic voice in political advocacy"
Sami Awad, Holy Land Trust - "Trump has erased the illusion that there was an actual peace process"
Actions you can take
National Protest TODAY: Hands off Jerusalem!
PSC and other partners have organised a protest outside the US Embassy in London from 5:30-7:30pm on Friday 8th December. Please attend if you can!
Details: US Embassy, Grosvenor Square W1A 2LQ, London, 5:30-7:30pm. Click here to find more details.
Local Protests:
There are also demonstrations happening across the UK today and over the weekend, including in Manchester, Sheffield and Bristol - please visit this events page on PSC's website for more details
Write to your MP and ask them to support EDM 665
PSC have launched a parliamentary campaign calling on MPs to put pressure on President Trump to reverse his decision.
So far Theresa May has called Trump's decision 'unhelpful' but done little to condemn it further, or call for a reversal of the decision.
It only takes 5 minutes to complete this online action - so please do so now and show our politicians what we expect of them!
Christmas Messages to Palestine
Earlier this week we asked you to send a personal message of support and solidarity to our Christian brothers and sisters in Palestine. Now, more than ever before, they need to hear our support, so please do this in the coming weeks before Christmas.
Thank you for reading this special edition of our newsletter, and we hope it informs and inspires you to action.
In solidarity,
Charlotte Marshall
Advocacy Worker, Kairos Britain
