On March 14 we sent out a notice inviting the congregation into a time of discernment. The Peace & Justice for Palestine & Israel group within our congregation asked us to consider joining with 500+ other organizations in signing the Apartheid Free Pledge.

Having offered many opportunities over the past two years to learn more about the tragedy in Palestine, in March we increased our congregational awareness campaign.

It is important for us to understand what signing the pledge both means and doesn’t mean to our congregation. Please click here to continue reading and sign up for future events.

On May 10th at 1:00 p.m. in Bridge Square, Northfielders for Justice in Palestine and Israel will commemoriate the Nakba. The Nakba, meaning “catastrophe” in Arabic, generally refers to the forced displacement of over 800,000 Palestinians and depopulation of 500+ Palestinian towns and villages before and after the creation of the State of Israel in 1948. Today, an estimated half of all Palestinians around the world are descended from those displaced in the Nakba and are denied the right to return by Israel. 

At this event, we will read the names of the depopulated and destroyed villages. As each village name is read, a bell is rung and a small flag is placed on a large map in the location of said village. Those present are invited to take a turn at placing a flag on the map. 

This is a family-friendly event with a children’s table. You are invited to bring a folding chair. 

We cannot hope to understand the present turmoil in Palestine and Israel, let alone achieve a just peace for all those who live there, without knowing where and how this world-shaking conflict began.

If you or someone you know are interested in attending a meeting, please contact Kate in the church office at 507-645-7532 or at church@firstucc.org.