American Faith-Based Groups Launch Campaign Against Israel's Apartheid

June 8, 2023

Israeli and Palestine activists hold a banner during a protest to block the new Route 4370 Israeli highway near the Palestinian town of Anata, January 23, 2019. [Image Source: © 2019 Ilia Yefimovich/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images]

Cited article by Victoria Strang, Human Rights Watch

HRRC commends the Apartheid Free Communities Initiative for its efforts to end the ongoing apartheid against Palestinians. Other organizations and religious institutions should condemn the apartheid and support Palestinians as well. Faith-based organizations in particular can make a huge and positive impact.

Article Summary

Over 100 North American congregations, faith groups, and organizations have launched the Apartheid Free Communities Initiative. This interdenominational initiative is dedicated to ending the crime of apartheid taking place against Palestinians. Members of this initiative stated that addressing Israel's ongoing actions is a "matter of theological urgency.”

The initiative includes the Episcopal Peace Fellowship, Palestine Israel Network, Friends of Sabeel North America, Mennonite Palestine Israel Network, United Methodists for Kairos Response, Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East, and others. Campaigns such as these can provide valuable unified voices on human rights issues.