#sabeel ecumenical liberation theology center

[eretzyisrael]

According to the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI) database, in December 2024-October 2028, the European Commission will provide Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center with €1 million for a project entitled “Faithful Futures: Religious Leaders for Accountability, Justice and Peace through the Two-State Solution.” As described in the database, the project, apparently funded through the EU Peacebuilding Initiative instrument (approved under the previous Commission), “seeks to preserve from further erosion and possibly reverse the negative public perception of the prospect for peace and a two-state solution.” 

Yet, in blatant  contrast to the project’s goal and EU policy, Sabeel states that its “ideal and best solution” is “a bi-national state in Palestine-Israel,” “one state for two nations and three religions” (emphasis added). Sabeel, through its “liberation theology” agenda (see section below), demonizes the existence of Israel and promotes antisemitic tropes. As such, Sabeel should be disqualified as a recipient of and a partner in any government-funded peace or development project.

Sabeel 

Sabeel is a Jerusalem-based NGO, presenting itself as an “ecumenical grassroots liberation theology movement among Palestinian Christians” that “encourages Christians from around the world to work for justice and to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people.” 

Applying “liberation theology,” Sabeel casts Palestinians as the modern-day version of Jesus, blaming the State of Israel and Zionism for their “suffering”. The NGO regularly publishes imagery that violates provisions of the IHRA Working definition of antisemitism, endorsed and used by the European Union, thus also violating EU funding guidelines.1 In particular, Sabeel’s rhetoric conforms to the Working Definition’s examples of contemporary antisemitism is public life, such as:

Using the “symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism (e.g., claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterize Israel or Israelis.”

“denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor”

“holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the state of Israel.”

[boy-and-girl-crazy123456]

Rev Naim Ateek's 2001 Easter message from Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center in Jerusalem:

AN EASTER MESSAGE FROM SABEEL

Dear friends,

As we approach Holy Week and Easter, the suffering of Jesus Christ at the hands of evil political and religious powers two thousand years ago is lived out again in Palestine. The number of innocent Palestinians and Israelis that have fallen victim to Israeli state policy is increasing.

Here in Palestine Jesus is again walking the via dolorosa. Jesus is the powerless Palestinian humiliated at a checkpoint, the woman trying to get through to the hospital for treatment, the young man whose dignity is trampled, the young student who cannot get to the university to study, the unemployed father who needs to find bread to feed his family; the list is tragically getting longer, and Jesus is there in their midst suffering with them. He is with them when their homes are shelled by tanks and helicopter gunships. He is with them in their towns and villages, in their pains and sorrows.

In this season of Lent, it seems to many of us that Jesus is on the cross again with thousands of crucified Palestinians around him. It only takes people of insight to see the hundreds of thousands of crosses throughout the land, Palestinian men, women, and children being crucified. Palestine has become one huge golgotha. The Israeli government crucifixion system is operating daily. Palestine has become the place of the skull.

Using the Gospel story one can put it in a different and still very poignant way. Four things are clear today. Jerusalem still does not know what makes for peace; Jesus is weeping and his tears are mixed with many other people's tears; the number of people who are carrying their crosses is multiplying phenomenally; and the women of Palestine as well as many Jewish women are weeping over the many killed and wounded innocents. This is the reality of life today.

In the midst of this hopeless and confusing situation, inundated with injustice and death, we refuse to give in to despair. We want to affirm the power of resurrection and life. With St. Paul we can say this Easter, "That I may know him, the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings…" (Philippians 3:10). Our faith in God does not allow us to lose hope. The resurrection of Christ remains the reality that inspires and empowers us. The day will come, and we pray soon, when joy will replace grief, trust will remove fear, justice will triumph over oppression, and reconciliation will supplant alienation. The living Christ is urging us to stand firm and be assured of the inevitability of the resurrection. We will, therefore, continue in our struggle against the evil structures that dominate and oppress. Our hope is in God. The resurrection is coming, and it will bring with it the promise of a new life and liberation for all the people of our land.

We count on your prayers and solidarity. Thank you for your continued support.

HAPPY EASTER

Best wishes,

Naim Ateek

President

Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center

www.sabeel.org

[opencommunion]

Prayers from Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center: "Emmanuel, you were displaced as an infant to Egypt, forced to flee for your life. You were a refugee, vulnerable to suffering and abuse. Lord, as your precious children in Gaza are displaced for the second or even third time from their homes and lands, grant them your protection and mercy. Lord, we pray that you help our unbelief and provide a liberation where all Palestinian refugees can return to their homes with dignity. Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer. 

Almighty God, whilst governments, media platforms, and organizations attempt to control the thoughts and voices of the oppressed through intimidation, we remember that you, O Lord, are the highest authority. We pray for the freedom of expression, whilst wisely discerning that in exercising this freedom, we must refrain from violence, discrimination and marginalization of any peoples. We hold on to our faith that you, O Lord know and listen to the cries of the oppressed. Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer. God of liberation, we come before you like the persistent widow pleading for justice. We continue with our prayers for all Palestinians in the West Bank, especially in Jenin refugee camp, who are undergoing immense violence. Comfort the bereaved families and heal the injured. Lord, liberate the Palestinians in the West Bank by ending the brutal occupation and colonization they experience. Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer. God of inclusivity, whilst we are overwhelmed by the ongoing suffering, we know that we must be courageous and act so that we may be witnesses to your kingdom. Lord, send your Holy Spirit to help us act for justice, mercy, liberation, and peace. When we are tempted or afraid, encourage us to walk faithfully and carry our own crosses. We hold on to our belief that faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains.  Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer."  (more at the link)  

Written by Palestinian Lutheran pastor & theologian Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac in 2022: "O Lord God, our hearts are burdened with great sufferings, burdened with wars and massacres of peoples, our hearts are burdened with contemporary conflicts. We pray for peace in Palestine. For an end to the evil of occupation and all manifestations of injustice and inequality. We pray that your light will shine on our land, especially on our brothers and sisters in Gaza, for their protection, peace and security. To the Lord we pray. Hear our prayers, Lord...

We pray for the besieged in Gaza, who live in the most difficult conditions, under the bombardment. We pray especially for the children and youth of Gaza, who dream of a better and peaceful future. We pray for the end of the siege. We beseech you to look at Gaza with compassion, to support the weak and the oppressed, and to bring relief, freedom and dignity to the people of Gaza. To the Lord we pray. Hear our prayers, Lord...

We pray for the detainees, the imprisoned, the exiled, the homeless, the persecuted and the refugees, for the grieving, the bereaved, the widows and orphans, for all the martyrs who gave their lives for freedom and peace, for the innocents whose blood was shed, for the wounded and tortured, for the afflicted families. To the Lord we pray. Hear our prayers, oh Lord…"

From the Anaphora of St. James, First Bishop of Jerusalem: "That there may be full recovery to the sick, rest to the afflicted, release to the prisoners, a return to those who are far, preservation for those who are near, gathering together to those who are scattered, concord and love to those who are at discord, provision and plenty to the hungry, full forgiveness to the sinners, exaltation to the priesthood, virtue to the deacons, peace among the kingdoms of the earth, cessation of wars, rest to the departed and to us forgiveness of transgressions and sins. Grant to us, our Lord, through Your goodness."

A prayer co-written by the heads of churches in Jerusalem in 2011

The St. Francis Peace Prayer in Arabic sung & accompanied on oud by Lebanese musician Serge El Helou

Novena of St. George, patron of Beirut

Novena of St. Charbel, patron of Lebanon

hey, I'd like suggestion for (christian) prayers for Palestine, either for Palestine specifically or for protection, health, justice, peace and safety. I've seen a few but I'd like to see if there are other options, and I'm not knowledgeable on prayers yet.

also, if anyone has prayers for Lebanon too, I'd deeply appreciate it, as my family is lebanese and I'm very scared for them as well.

[sbahour]

Chicagoans in Palestine. I enjoyed the opportunity to engage a group of students from North Park University, a private Christian university in Chicago, Illinois, today in Ramallah. These are millennials on a mission. I was happy to add to their education.

Thanks to Omar Haramy from Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center, Professor of Communication Arts, Dr. Robert Hostetter, and Adjunct Professor Nancy Hostetter for organizing.

#Palestine #Israel @naimateek @SabeelJerusalem St Andrew’s Guesthouse Ramallah @npu

[holylandjustice-blog]

Thursday — Reception for liberation theologist Naim Ateek

Thursday — Reception for liberation theologist Naim Ateek

Naim Ateek is a Palestinian priest in the Anglican Church and founder of the Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center in Jerusalem. Date: Thursday, Oct 12, 2017 Time: 2:30 – 4:00 pm Location: Episcopal Diocesan House 1551 10th Ave E Seattle, WA 98102 Information: Email questions here Tickets: Free Event Details We are pleased to welcome the Reverend Naim Ateek, founder of Sabeel, and Tarek…

[catholicobserver]

The Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center write: A new book by Ronen Bergman, the intelligence correspondent for the Is...

[sbahour]

An outstanding group, mostly from Canada and New Zealand, traveling with Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center, to Ramallah from Nazareth today. Thanks for visiting and all you do for justice in Palestine/Israel.

Thanks to Omar Haramy for organizing.

#Palestine #Israel #Sabeel

[holylandjustice-blog]

Event: Reception for liberation theologist Naim Ateek

Event: Reception for liberation theologist Naim Ateek

Naim Ateek is a Palestinian priest in the Anglican Church and founder of the Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center in Jerusalem. Date: Thursday, October 12, 2017 Time: 2:30–4:00 p.m. Location: Episcopal Diocesan House 1551 10th Ave E Seattle, WA 98102 Information: Email questions here Tickets: Free Event Details We are pleased to welcome the Reverend Naim Ateek, founder of Sabeel, and…