This week we saw the Presbyterian community move swiftly in the direction of justice for the Palestinian people. We are grateful that the Presbyterian General Assembly voted to advocate for the safety of Palestinian children, recommend to ReMax to stop business in settlements and engage in a prayerful study of the Palestinian call for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions. We applaud this measure, and look forward to joining you as you put the principles of your faith into practice. 

"In particular, mobilize Presbyterians everywhere to communicate with their senators, congresspersons, and the president of the United States their concern for the safety and well-being of the children of Palestine who suffer widespread and systematic patterns of ill-treatment and torture within the Israeli military detention system..." (Action 08-02, "On Advocating for the Safety and Well-being of Children of Palestine and Israel," General Assembly 222)

We applaud the recent unanimous decision of the Alliance of Baptists to divest from companies that profit from human rights violations as part of the Israeli occupation of Palestine. The statement brought forward by the Justice in Palestine and Israel Community, which passed at the national gathering, also directs individual alliance members and congregations to strengthen their educational and advocacy efforts including boycotting settlement goods, advocating for an end to U.S. government support of the occupation, and challenging all forms of racism and religious bigotry directed against Jews and Muslims. We thank the Alliance of Baptists members for their support in passing this courageous statement and hope their inspiring action will serve as a model for other faith-based communities in the United States.