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Palestine Development Initiative
They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat of their fruit.
They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat.
And no one shall make them afraid.
This Biblical vision, which has consistently guided the PC(USA)’s work in both Israel and Palestine, provides a context for Commissioners’ Resolution 04-19 of the 216th (2004) General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). That resolution provided a commitment to undertake “an intentional and systematic effort of development and compassionate action in Palestine.” After extensive research and conversations with partner churches and church-based organizations in Palestine and Israel, three areas were identified for the implementation of this resolution:
- Promotion of visits to the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza
- Support of our Palestinian Christian partners in providing low-cost housing for their communities
- Expansion of international marketing for Palestinian crafts and related products
This approach was endorsed by the General Assembly Mission Council (GAMC) at meetings in February and April 2006.
Since the passage of this resolution, the economic circumstances in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem have suffered a devastating decline. In November 2006 the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East reported that a quarter of the people cannot meet basic human consumption needs; rates of acute malnutrition and childhood stunting are steadily rising. In such circumstances, efforts to provide economic support for the Palestinian people are more urgent than ever.
The approaches suggested here are clearly not adequate by themselves to reverse the slide of the Palestinian economy. They can, however, make a significant contribution, while continuing the PC(USA)’s witness for a just peace. As positive investment opportunities that respond to the General Assembly’s decision and with the ongoing support and concurrence of the GAMC, these initiatives are commended to Presbyterians across the denomination. For more information about the project or ways to get involved, please contact Israel and Palestine Mission Network vice moderator Don Mead. |
