United Church of Christ - Let light shine from Gaza to Bethlehem!

Let light shine from Gaza to Bethlehem!

Lights blazed from the Christmas tree in Manger Square next to the Church of the Nativity as Bethlehem mayor, Vera Baboon, lit up the 15-meter tree in the annual ceremony on December 6. The mayor offered a simple message on the occasion, saying that what is needed this Christmas is justice.

Isaiah 9:2 As has been the case for years now, the town of Bethlehem remains cut off from Jerusalem by the separation wall, and more and more land around the town is threatened with confiscation by the Israeli government. Israeli settlements expand in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, while Palestinian homes and other buildings are demolished.

The situation in Gaza was already dire and is now worsening considerably with the onset of winter. An estimated 100,000 people lack shelter, electricity blackouts are constant, and key infrastructure, including water treatments plants, are in a state of disrepair.

The UCC Justice and Witness Ministries and Global Ministries joined 19 other organizations in a Dec. 15 letter to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah, expressing “serious concerns related to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” and noting that “the situation in Gaza was already dire and is now worsening considerably with the onset of winter.” The signers state, “This humanitarian crisis is unconscionable and is the clear result of policy inaction and failure.” As we prepare to celebrate the holidays, ask your elected officials to remember the Palestinian people who struggle under the ongoing Israeli occupation and the Israeli people who also suffer because of the lack of a durable peace. Call on them to:

Increase the U.S. financial commitment for Gaza reconstruction,
Urge Israel to fully lift the Gaza blockade,
Urge Egypt to allow full freedom of movement through the Rafah crossing,
Work with the Palestinian government, the Israeli government, and the UN to resolve several issues related to the recently established Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism (GRM).

To break the dark cycle of violence that causes so much suffering for both Palestinians and Israelis, the underlying causes must be addressed. This Christmas, let light shine by calling for justice. Contact your elected officials to call for help in Gaza and for policies that work to end the Israeli occupation.

Personalize the subject and text of the message below with your own words, if you wish. If your elected official(s) will be leaving office at the end of this year, consider taking this opportunity to thank them for their service during their time in office.
Complete the form below with your information.
Click the Send Message button to send your letter to these decision makers:
- Your Senators
- Your Representative

* = Required Fields

* Title:. Required.

* First Name:. Required.

* Last Name:. Required.

* Address 1:. Required.

Address 2:

* City:. Required.

* State / Province:. Required.

* ZIP / Postal Code:. Required.

* Phone Number:. Required.

* Your Email:. Required.

Yes, I would like to receive periodic updates and communications from United Church of Christ.

Remember me. What's this?

* Subject:

Dear [Decision Maker],

* Personalize your message

As we prepare to celebrate the holidays, I ask you to remember with me the Palestinian people who struggle under the ongoing Israeli occupation and the Israeli people who also suffer because of the lack of a durable peace.

At the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the Palestinian town of Bethlehem, the mayor said that what is needed this Christmas is justice.

As has been the case for years now, the town of Bethlehem remains cut off from Jerusalem by the separation wall, and more and more land around the town is threatened with confiscation by the Israeli government.  Israeli settlements expand in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, while Palestinian homes and other buildings are demolished.

On December 10, Palestinian cabinet minister Ziad Abu Ein died after a confrontation with Israeli soldiers during a West Bank demonstration.   I ask you to support the call by the US State Department for the Israeli investigation into his death to be "swift, fair and transparent."

Furthermore, I bring to your attention an important recent letter from faith organizations to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah, expressing "serious concerns related to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza," and noting that "the situation in Gaza was already dire and is now worsening considerably with the onset of winter."

The signers state, "This humanitarian crisis is unconscionable and is the clear result of policy inaction and failure," and request the U.S. government to:

- Increase the U.S. financial commitment for Gaza reconstruction,
- Urge Israel to fully lift the Gaza blockade,  
- Urge Egypt to allow full freedom of movement through the Rafah crossing,  
- Work with the Palestinian government, the Israeli government, and the UN to resolve several issues related to the recently established Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism (GRM).

To break the dark cycle of violence that causes so much suffering for both Palestinians and Israelis, the underlying causes must be addressed. I ask you to support the aforementioned requests and to promote U.S. policy that works to end the Israeli occupation.

Thank you for considering my views.

With appreciation for your service,

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]