Who Are We?
In May, 2016, a group gathered to read Mitri Raheb’s book Faith in the Face of Empire, and from that has emerged Twin Ports Peace Not Walls with members in the Duluth and Superior areas. The name "Peace Not Walls" echoes the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) campaign of standing for justice in the Holy Land (see www.elca.org/peacenotwalls). The group works for justice and human rights in ending the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land and advocates peaceful resolutions between Israel and Palestinians.
AWARENESS
GROUP STUDY
- Reading & discussion of books—e.g., Faith in the Face of Empire by Mitri Raheb, Chosen? by Walter Brueggemann, Kingdom of Olives and Ash edited by Chabon &Waldman, & Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor by Yossi Klein Halevi.
- Film and Food Nights to increase understanding of this issue
- Resource lists with books, films, websites, and reliable broadcast media.
- Presentations to faith communities, classes, and other organizations.
ACCOMPANIMENT
TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
- Some have traveled to Israel/Palestine or have lived among Palestinians in the Bethlehem area and can share their experiences.
- Planning is underway for a trip to Israel/Palestine in the spring of 2021 to allow participants to witness the daily reality on the ground of both Palestinian and Jewish people.
ADVOCACY
- Occasional alerts to contact White House and congressional representatives to advocate legislation or action needed for justice
- Sharing information from various advocacy organizations such as Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) and Bright Stars of Bethlehem working for peace with justice in the Middle East.
Karen Bockelman kgbockelman@gmail.com 218-349-5863
Ryan Jagim rdjagim@gmail.com 218-730-7812
