For two voices from Israel & the Occupied Palestinian Territory
This ‘Mission Moment Dialogue’ might be used in any worship service. While it is specific to the work of Commitment for Life, it can be adapted to provide an example of the wider church working in Israel & the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Leader: We have two special guests this morning. One is Israeli and one is Palestinian. Their important unifying work is supported by our gifts to Christian Aid and Commitment for Life. Hadas and Hanan, welcome.
Readers: Hadas and Hanan
Script:
Hadas: Shalom, I am Hadas. I am Israeli and I care about justice.
Hanan: Salaam, I am Hanan. I am Palestinian, and I, too, care about justice.
Hadas: We are both business women.
Hanan: And we both like and use olive oil!
Hadas: As you probably already know, there are many olive trees in Israel and Palestine!
Hanan: We asked the question, ‘Can olive oil create hope?’
Hadas: In 1996, together, we set up Sindyanna of Galilee, our non-profit olive oil business.
Hanan: Our warehouse is in the Galilee, in Kafr Kana, where we have created a Visitors Centre. We were delighted to welcome the United Reformed Church tour group when they visited our Holy Lands in 2019.
Hadas: In 2015 we expanded our product line to include a variety of olive oils, nut pastes, honey, carob syrup, olive oil soaps, and the much-prized za’atar spice.
Hanan: Yes, they are available online!
Hadas: Sindyanna of Galilee is not just about business. Our goals are to produce outstanding olive oil and other premium food products, while enhancing Arab-Jewish cooperation, promoting Fair Trade, creating economic opportunities for Arab women, and assisting local growers and producers.
Hanan: We are working to create social change from the ground up! We are proud to be a non-profit organization led by a team of Arab and Israeli women, working together, providing a sustainable income for every woman involved.
Hadas: Thank you to Commitment for Life and the churches of the United Kingdom for supporting our efforts. Thank you for your visits, your prayers, and for purchasing our products.
Hanan: Thank you for making a difference and for believing in hope.
Leader: Join me in prayer. God of justice, thank you for people like Hadas and Hanan who persist in promoting your vision of unity and justice. Bless us with generosity that our gifts to Commitment for Life and Christian Aid might continue to support their work in Galilee and the work of others around the world.
Photo: Simon Rawles, provided by Christian Aid
Story: based on a news bulletin from Christian Aid and Commitment for Life
