Thank you to everyone who joined us online last week! Unfortunately we were unable to record the meeting, but those who attended were glad for the time to hear of both the challenges of the current situation but also the hopeful possibilities of the groups Musalaha works with.
Here is one story of hope from the evening:
On the first Monday after the weekend when the current war began, staff had planned to gather together in the Beit Sahour house. Instead, staff met from different places, all aware that the situation had suddenly changed. While it was sad not to be together in person, everyone understood the importance of safety. Musalaha’s director, Daniel, made sure that each staff member was supported and cared for during those uncertain days.
During the staff meeting, they took time not for logistics or planning, but simply to check in with one another. Each person shared how they were feeling and what the past few days had been like. There was space for honesty, for worry, and for prayer. What stood out most was the deep care that everyone showed for one another. People listened patiently, encouraged one another, and made sure no one felt alone.
In the middle of a difficult and frightening time, the meeting became a reminder of why this community exists. Even as the war grows larger than previous escalations, they find themselves having deeper conversations, not only about how they are coping, but also about how Musalaha’s work can grow stronger and more meaningful in the present moment.
It was a small moment, but it carried real hope. In the midst of conflict and uncertainty, a group of people committed to reconciliation chose to listen, care, and keep imagining a better future together. We continue to pray that this war will end soon so that we can return fully to the work of building peace.
Please join us in praying for:
Pray for an end to the violence and safety for all people affected by the ongoing conflict involving Israel, the US, and Iran.
Pray for strength, mental health, and resilience for our staff as they continue running programs amid these challenges.
Pray that through the Palestinian Muslim Christian Women program as they wrestle with topics of Freedom of Religion and Belief and how they can make change within their communities.
Pray for wisdom for the Muslim Christian Civil Society Leaders group, that they can discern how their unique group identity can be used for joint action.
Pray for the Palestinian Israeli Civil Society Leaders group, that our difficult conversations create more respect for one another, and help prepare us for meaningful action.
Pray that the Muslim Christian Young Adult leaders, that their trauma-resilience work would bring healing to their communities.
Pray for our Lydd & Ramle participants, that their reconciliation process would cultivate humility, deep listening, and hope.
Pray that the TRUST Project, that we will have wisdom and the ability to equip young people with resources to heal from trauma, reclaim agency, and strengthen their communities.