Holy Week Solidarity with the People of Palestine 

As Holy Week draws us into the story of Jesus, who lived under occupation, was unjustly arrested, and publicly executed, we cannot ignore the cries from Gaza. 

In the past month alone, over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed as ceasefire negotiations remain stalled. To date, more than 50,000 Palestinians have lost their lives—most of them women and children—with the true number likely much higher. Families continue to be torn apart. Entire communities are being displaced. Healthcare workers and journalists remain under attack. Starvation looms as borders stay closed to life-saving humanitarian aid. 

As United Methodists, we are called to embody the love of Christ by standing in opposition to the forces of war, violence, and systemic oppression. This Holy Week, we, as members of the California Pacific Palestine/Israel Strategy Group, are asking every United Methodist and congregation to take one faithful action in solidarity with the Palestinian people. 

One powerful step you can take is to sign onto the statement created by Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA): 

Christian Stand Against Forced Displacement and False Doctrines 

This petition is a collective response from Christian leaders and activists against the misuse of scripture and theology to justify the forced displacement and ongoing occupation of the Palestinian people. It calls the Church to stand with the oppressed and to proclaim a gospel grounded in justice, love, and liberation. You can read the full petition and view current signatories at the link above. 

If you or your church chooses to sign the petition, has already done so, is engaging in prayer, offering aid, or lifting up the Palestinian people in any way during this sacred week, we would love to hear from you. You can also reach out to learn more about the ongoing work being done by our strategy group. Contact us at: calpacpalestine@gmail.com. 

In the shadow of the cross, we refuse to look away from our Palestinian siblings. We choose to follow Jesus into places of suffering—and to stand there with hope, courage, a resolve to work for meaningful peace with justice in our world. 

Wishing you a blessed Holy Week and Easter, 

Rev. Mary Ann Pickard 
Chairperson, California-Pacific Conference Palestine/Israel Strategy Group 

Artwork: Peace by Sliman Mansour