 |  | May 17th News Bulletin Here’s what’s upcoming and what you may have missed at CMEP and in the news. | | | | | |  | Image: US President Joe Biden has given contradictory remarks about his 'red line' on Gaza (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) | | | | | Biden’s Unclear Red Line on Rafah, Gazans Perish, U.S. Credibility Reaches a Nadir Written by CMEP’s Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon & Ron Shive Justice Unbound “For over 40 years, CMEP has advocated for justice for Palestinians while advocating for equality and human rights for all people in the Middle East. We support efforts toward a negotiated settlement in Gaza that addresses the core causes of the current crisis and brings an end to the decades-long violations of the rights of the Palestinian people in accordance with international law, including, but not limited to, bringing an end to the military occupation. Any solution must advance security and self-determination for both Palestinians and Israelis.” | | | | | | | |  | Image: Protesters are escorted out of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, after interrupting a speech by President Joe Biden on Jan. 8, 2024. (Mic Smith/Associated Press) | | | | | President Biden’s Last Chance to Stop the Nightmare in Gaza Written by CMEP’s Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon Word & Way “Right now, Palestinians are striving not only for self-determination and liberation from occupation but for basic day-to-day survival. In Gaza, they desperately seek safety from bombs and warfare and must struggle for the daily necessities of food and water amidst the onset of famine. As the Israeli military moves into many neighborhoods in Rafah, which had been the last remaining refuge for over one million civilians, the brutal truth is that absolutely nowhere is safe.” | | | | | |  | Image: Abed Rahim Khatib (Anadolu via AFP) | | | | | | | World leaders fail to act as Israeli invasion of Rafah worsens humanitarian catastrophe Statement signed by CMEP Médecins du Monde “As the main weapon provider for Israel’s military effort, the United States bears a significant responsibility for Israel’s IHL violations. In addition to halting the transfer of high payload bombs, the US should also use all its leverage to halt the ongoing military operation in Rafah. In fact, all suppliers of arms have to respect the Human Rights Council resolution voted on April 5 calling on them to cease the sale, transfer and diversion of arms, munitions and other military equipment to Israel. All states must act now to ensure an immediate and sustained ceasefire.” | | | | | |  | Sign Now! Join the global call for signatures, calling for permanent Gaza ceasefire and the halt of arms sales to Israel. | | | | Sign-on letter from U.S. Catholics on Israel-Palestine: In April, The Catholic Advisory Council of Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP), Pax Christi USA, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, and the Franciscan Action Network invite all Catholic individuals and organizations in the United States to sign on to an open letter expressing our grief and dismay over the horrors that have occurred in Israel-Palestine over the last six months. There are more than 4,000 signatures! | | | | |  | Join a group of Churches for Middle East Peace's Regional Coordinators as they venture to Israel/Palestine in November 2024. This trip will highlight the spiritual significance of the Holy Land, the role local Christians play in the landscape of the region, meetings with religious and non-profit leaders in the region, and in-depth analysis and engagement with the current realities on the ground. This trip also includes attending CMEP's And Still We Rise Summit in Jericho. Join us this November 9-18th, 2024. Registration Extended! | | | | For more information or questions about this trip, please email ana@cmep.org. | | | | | | New Statement - Out Today May 17, 2024: CMEP Calls on Biden Administration to Advance Efforts Toward Peace. As an organization of Christian denominations and organizations committed to peace, Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) calls on President Biden and his administration to do all that he can to advance efforts toward peace instead of war and further militarization that increases violence and causes immeasurable death and destruction. | | | | | | | |  | Image: An undated image of Layan Nasir. (X/MuntherIsaac) | | | | | Family of Christian Palestinian woman held in Israeli detention speaks out Al-Monitor “Commenting on Layan's arrest, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby criticized Israel for arresting Layan. “Layan Nasir’s case is a breach of assurances made by Israel about the treatment of Christians. The case highlights the controversial Israeli practice of administrative detention used to hold thousands of Palestinians for months without charge,” the archbishop’s office said in an April 28 statement.” | | | | | | | | | | Contact Us Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP)
110 Maryland Ave NE, Suite 505
Washington, District of Columbia 20002
(202) 543-1222 info@cmep.org | | | | | | | |
