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Suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon. (Image credit: Tahaddi)
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“Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry."
Psalm 39:12
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Dear Friends,
As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalates, we are in close contact with our partners in Lebanon and Israel. We will be adding all the latest news to our rolling Partner Updates Page.
Latest updates from Lebanon and Israel
Thankfully, so far all are safe, but those in Lebanon told us of chaotic scenes and panic across the country as people tried to find safety: "The trip from Tyre to Beirut, which usually takes less than 2 hours, took 14 hours yesterday. A status of panic spread among the escaping families because the raids were very close to the trapped families in their cars."
Our partners in Acre, northern Israel, also spoke of disruption, restrictions and fear: "As the escalation in the north became greater all the schools are teaching virtually this week. Activities in the center in Acre are postponed, and the team are in constant communications with the girls we support."
As strikes from both sides continue to intensify, all are anxious of what will come next: "It’s what is still yet to come that looms most heavily – the intangible dread, uncertainty, and anticipation of the next attack... Psychological warfare has become as real as the tangible components of bombs and bullets."
Please pray for peace
In the midst of this escalation, we turn our eyes to God. We have written a new prayer and we ask you to join us in praying for an end to this violence and for safety and comfort for all those affected. |
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Responding to the crisis
Many of the schools and community centres that we support in Lebanon have not been able to open all week but, as always, our partners' thoughts are how they can best serve. Many are drawing up contingency plans for the unfolding situation. Our partner Thimar (formerly the Lebanese Society for Educational and Social Development) told us:
“In this deep, frightening uncertainty, we continue to ask for your prayers and support. Yet all the while, we stand ready to respond. At our offices on the outskirts of Beirut, we have food boxes ready to distribute to people displaced by fighting.”
Please will you help support our partners as they respond to this crisis? A gift of any size will help so much, you can donate online or by calling 01494 897950.
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With best wishes,
Beth Amphlett
Communications Manager
Embrace the Middle East
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PRAYER REQUESTS
Join us in giving thanks for all of those who are no longer with us, but whose memory lives on through their ongoing support of our partners’ work. We are so grateful for the generosity of people who have left a legacy to Embrace, and we pray that the families who miss them will be comforted by God’s presence in their lives. Head over to our latest Weekly Devotion to find Bible verses and a reflection to guide your prayers. If you'd like to find out more about leaving a legacy, head over to our Gifts in Wills webpage. |
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PODCAST - EPISODE 4: LIVING AND SERVING IN ISRAEL-PALESTINE
The Very Reverend Canon Richard Sewell, the Dean of St George’s College, Jerusalem, speaks about the events leading up to the devastating war in Gaza, the impact the war has had on Al Ahli Anglican Hospital in Gaza City, and the violence that is intensifying in the West Bank.
>> Listen to the podcast << |
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JOIN OUR 170 ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
Our 170 years of partnership with Middle East Christians would not have been possible without supporters like you. Join us to celebrating together - we've upcoming events at London, Glasgow and Cardiff.
>> Find out more and book tickets << |
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SUCCESS! - SENIOR BISHOPS SPEAK OUT ABOUT VIOLENCE IN THE WEST BANK
Thank you to everyone who has used our letter template to write to their bishop and church leaders to encourage them to work for a just and lasting peace in Israel-Palestine. Our campaign is bearing fruit. This week four senior bishops spoke out.
>> Find out more << |
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