People living with disabilities in Palestine face barriers to economic empowerment and essential services. Statistics issued by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics indicate that unemployment rates have reached 87% among people with disabilities – four times the percentage of unemployment among persons without disabilities. In addition, 53% of people with disabilities are illiterate.

Three main factors contribute to the exclusion of people with disabilities in Palestine. Firstly, the Palestinian legislative system does not respond to the basic rights of people with disabilities (including the right to health, education and economic empowerment). Secondly, despite tremendous efforts to improve social attitudes towards people with disabilities, negative stereotypes are still prevalent. Thirdly and most importantly, there are huge barriers to accessibility. This includes barriers in the physical environment, barriers to access information, barriers to access economic opportunities, and barriers to access educational and health rights.

Our partner, the Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation, is responding to these challenges by advocating for people living with disabilities in Palestine. BASR works with local organisations, including health, education and humanitarian centres, to make premises more accessible and to train staff in overcoming prejudice to make their services more inclusive.

The more inclusive such places become, the higher the chances are that people with disabilities will receive their basic rights and needs, paving the way for a more equal society.

Bible reading

Lord, how many are my foes!
    How many rise up against me!
2 Many are saying of me,
    “God will not deliver him.”

3 But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
    my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
4 I call out to the Lord,
    and he answers me from his holy mountain.

5 I lie down and sleep;
    I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
6 I will not fear though tens of thousands
    assail me on every side.

7 Arise, Lord!
    Deliver me, my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
    break the teeth of the wicked.

8 From the Lord comes deliverance.
    May your blessing be on your people.

Psalm 3

Thought

The Christian faith reminds us how important it is to speak up for others. As we grow in our knowledge of God’s love, we find that we can’t ignore injustice, which is sadly so prevalent in our world. Instead of driving us to despair, let us remember the sovereignty of God and the fact that he delights to use his people to make the world a better place: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’ (Philippians 4:13).

Ask yourself: What injustice do you see that makes you angry? Set aside some time to prayerfully consider how you can respond (whether through prayer, raising awareness in your local church, or writing a letter to your MP). Ask God to help you not to become weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9).

Prayer

Gracious God,

We praise you for the reminder that you are a God of love, a God of mercy and a God of justice.

We thank you for the work of the Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation and we pray that your hand of blessing would be upon all that they do. We pray especially for all the people that they serve – may they be able to access more opportunities and live life to the full.

In our own lives, help us to fight injustice and not become weary in doing good.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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