Faith and Hope From Palestine

Century Farms. Tractors. Water. Not unfamiliar topics of discussion in southeastern Minnesota, but are they what we think of when we hear the word Palestine? From July 30 through August 2, numerous congregations took part in Bearing Witness: Stories of Faith, Accompaniment, and Hope from Palestine with guest Shadin Nassar, Middle East/North Africa Regional Associate for the ELCA. Shadin lives minutes from Nativity Church in Bethlehem, but spent several weeks in the United States this summer to share about her family farm and what is happening to Palestinian Christians and communities in Palestine under military occupation.

Her family owns and cares for the Tent of Nations, a Century Farm (one owned by the same family for more than 100 years) in Palestine, whose international connections have helped share the current reality of discrimination, occupation, and genocide in Palestine. Shadin traveled to the Southeastern Minnesota (SEMN) Synod on July 30 and presented at Christ Lutheran Church of Mankato, sharing pictures and the impact of occupation on her family farm amid settlements that are illegal under international law. The next day, she traveled to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Rochester for an interview with SEMN Synod Sumud Ambassador, Pastor Jeanette Bidne (of Trinity Lutheran Church of Blue Earth). On the evening of July 31, Shadin presented at Mount Olive Lutheran Church of Rochester to a group of thirty people. 

Traveling to Northfield, Shadin then visited St. Olaf College and had conversations with members of the St. Olaf community, including Pastor Matt Marohl. She experienced the vintage band festival in Northfield and then spoke to Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church of Northfield. Her final day in the synod began at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Northfield, where she gave a temple talk during worship and received a standing ovation after her speaking time during the congregation’s coffee hour. Shadin also had the opportunity to be greeted by our Bishop Regina Hassanally as well as some of our synod staff.  Recognizing connections between the experiences of Indigenous people in the U.S. and the current de-Palestinization of the Holy Land, Shadin was deeply moved to spend time in our synod, and many members of our congregations and those who attended these events were deeply moved by her bravery in sharing the current dire situation.

If you would like to learn more about ELCA Sumud—the ELCA response for justice in Palestine and Israel, or be more engaged in this conversation in the SEMN Synod, please visit the ELCA Sumud website or contact SEMN Synod Sumud Ambassador Rev. Dr. Jeanette Bidne at prjbidne.betrinity@gmail.com.

ELCA Sumud has just released a five-part series of short videos entitled Stolen Stories, which can help educate about the history from 1948 up to current experiences. May we continue to accompany our siblings in Christ in Palestine.