The Society of St Yves

Restriction of movement has long been part of life for Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank. With very rare exceptions, Palestinian ID holders have been required to apply for time-limited permits from the Israeli army to enter large parts of the West Bank and East Jerusalem. This has resulted in a life of constant uncertainty for Palestinians and has obstructed the development of a stable economy.

Since the Israel/Hamas war started on 7 October 2023, these restrictions have tightened to the point of becoming almost unbearable. In a recent article, the Arab Center Washington DC notes the West Bank has all but been shut down since 7 October:

‘Road closures, checkpoints, and the increased risk of military and settler violence have kept most Palestinians in the West Bank restricted to their towns and villages. Closures and violence are crushing the economy, keeping children out of school, and ensuring that Palestinians are living in a constant cycle of fear and uncertainty.’

Without the right to freedom of movement - which is a universal human right - other rights are curtailed, such as the right to work, to worship freely and to access health and education services.

Embrace partner, the Society of St Yves, is a Catholic human rights organisation working under the patronage of the Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem. It strives for a social order that values the dignity of all people in the Holy Land. One of its projects, funded by Embrace, raises awareness and provides legal assistance for the Palestinian community in the West Bank on their freedom of movement rights.

St Yves provides Palestinians in the West Bank with free legal consultations and services, as well as legal representation when needed in the Israeli courts to remove security bans and travel bans. It manages around 8,000 cases per year in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

Bible reading

‘Speak out on behalf of the voiceless, and for the rights of all who are vulnerable. Speak out in order to judge with righteousness and to defend the needy and the poor.’

Proverbs 31: 8-10

Thought

Time and again, the Bible calls on believers to stand up and defend those who are marginalised and oppressed. This includes protecting people from harm (where it is in our power to do so) and speaking up for those who are unable to speak up for themselves. Standing up for justice and doing what is right is what God requires of us – even when this is not easy or popular.

Ask yourself: Sometimes it is easier to stay silent than to speak up against injustice. As believers, where can we find the strength and courage to do or say the right thing?

Prayer

Loving God,

We thank you that you are a God of justice. You are a strong tower, an ever-present help, and you love the needy and the oppressed. Nothing can be hidden from you.

We pray for your blessing to be on the legal and advocacy work of the Society of St Yves, as they protect and uphold the rights of many Palestinians in the West Bank. May their work cause ripple effects in the communities they serve, leading more people to live lives free from discrimination and abuse.

In our own lives, help us to reflect your heart of mercy and compassion. May your love overflow from us to people around us. Keep our eyes and hearts open to people in need, and give us the courage to speak out against injustice.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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