I’m writing to send thanks and warm greetings from Palestine, both to you and to your colleagues on the NEC of the Episcopal Peace Fellowship. We were deeply heartened to learn of the NEC’s recent endorsement of divestment and economic/cultural boycott, and of this strong support of the principles put forth in the Kairos Document.
I wish to commend your initiative, as does the Palestine Kairos Group itself; we applaud both your political vision and your concrete acts in solidarity with the Palestinian people. Reflecting on the resistance effort against apartheid South Africa and the gradual victories won by boycott campaigns and solidarity work, initiatives like yours become all the more crucial – and a source of very real hope –in the resistance against Israel’s oppressive regime.
As we express in the Kairos Document, the injustices endured in Palestine are both localized and utterly universal. What’s at stake are not simply our rights as Palestinians, but also more broadly as human beings; likewise, occupation damages the humanity of both the occupied and the occupiers. The expansion and strength of an international community that supports peace with justice in our region, and works collectively to achieve it, is essential. Thank you for contributing to these efforts.
From Palestine, I send appreciation and solidarity to you and to all other members on the NEC of the Episcopal Peace Fellowship.
All best wishes,
Rifat Kassis, Kairos Palestine Coordinator
