Holy Land Forum at OCC

Join Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) at Overlake Christian Church on September 17th for a forum and Q&A on faithful peacebuilding in the Holy Land.

Our presentation will give particular attention to the events that have unfolded in the Holy Land since October 7, 2023. Following October 7th, CMEP has continuously called for a permanent comprehensive ceasefire, the allowance of humanitarian aid into Gaza, for the release of hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners held unjustly in Israeli prisons, demilitarization through suspending additional U.S. military funding to Israel, and for the root causes of the occupation and decades of conflict to be addressed. We recognize that current events are rapidly changing, and our speakers will be prepared to discuss the most current news and updates from the ground, including news from our Executive Director’s most recent trip to Palestine/Israel in May 2024.

We will also discuss the importance of advocating for human rights in both Israel and the Palestinian territories. The occupation has impacts on people living on all sides of the conflict, including both Israelis and Palestinians. Understanding the geopolitics, social considerations, and other aspects of the conflict demands that we look beyond the headlines into the daily realities of people living on the ground. The things we learn working for peace in the Middle East can be applied to conflicts in all areas of our lives, including conflicts with our families, friends, neighbors, and communities. Join us to learn what it means to be someone who pursues peace, while also advocating for justice in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and beyond.