The Peace of Jerusalem

It’s been another difficult week in Jerusalem. Tension has building over the past months. Indeed, it’s been building since before the terrible events of this past summer. Now, terror attacks, the announcement of new building over the Green Line in Jerusalem, the take-over of properties in Palestinian neighborhoods, protests and rioting over the status of the holy sites, police crackdowns, and diplomatic tremors are adding to the tension in the Holy City.  
 
It’s tempting to despair, but that’s a luxury we cannot afford. Instead, we need to roll up our sleeves to support those Israelis working to push back against racism, incitement, and violence. We need to stand shoulder to shoulder with those Israelis working for peace and justice in Jerusalem. And there is reason for hope.
 
Here are some of the bright lights shining in Jerusalem today:
 
A forum of Israeli organizations are working with the Educational Coordinator for Jerusalem – who oversees all of the schools in the city – to put together a major conference that would unite educators from Arab and Jewish schools in the city. We hope they will address the growing issue of racism and incitement.
 
Months of advocacy by the NIF-funded Tag Meir coalition helped bring to an end Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu’s bid to become Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem. Rabbi Eliyahu has a long history of divisive statements, including issuing a ruling forbidding renting homes to Arabs.
 
Ir Amim – an Israeli activist group focused on making Jerusalem a more equitable and sustainable city for the Israelis and Palestinians who share it – is tracking provocative activities within the city and bringing that information to policy makers and to the public.
 
That’s just a taste of what thousands of committed Israelis are doing, right now. It’s up to us to help them. So pray for the peace of Jerusalem, like the Psalmist says. But then join our partners in helping to achieve it.