One of the well-known hymns we sing at Christmas is O Little Town of Bethlehem. As I write this column, I am currently in Bethlehem as part of a delegation with KAIROS Canada to Palestine and Israel looking at the political situation through the lens of women’s empowerment, peace and security.
“O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!”
Bethlehem is no longer a little town. There are 35,000 people in the town and 180,000 in the larger Governate of Bethlehem. It is surrounded by 23 illegal settlementsand 25 outposts on confiscated land with a total of 120,000 Israeli settlers. 87% of land in the Bethlehem area is under Israeli control. Bethlehem at the time of Jesus was under Roman occupation. Now it is under Israeli occupation.
“Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by;”
One of the very hard things I’ve learned on this trip is how stressful life is for the children of Palestine. Under occupation they can experience and witness many forms of violence. Many have family members in prison or who have been in prison. Some have seen family or friends shot. Some have experienced home invasions by Israeli soldiers. Some have lost their homes due to confiscation of land. All have experienced the daily aggressions of checkpoints, the lack of freedom of movement, and the ongoing presence of the separation wall.
This has led to symptoms such as the highest incidence of bedwetting and disturbed sleep—both signs on ongoing stress.
“Yet in the dark streets shineth the everlasting light.”
As we live in this time of advent expectation, we prepare for Christmas, the celebration of Jesus’s birth. We look forward to hearing again the message of the angels “Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God’s people on earth.” We remember the promise that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. But in Palestine and Israel there is still no peace.
“The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.”
I have been greatly encouraged by the hope, faith and courage of the groups of Palestinians we have met with along with the Israelis we have met who are committed to working for peace and justice. Please join me in praying for peace with justice for the people in Palestine and Israel,not just at Christmas but every day.
National Bishop Susan Johnson
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
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