“The Stones Cry Out” Solidarity Delegation — February 27 to March 7, 2024

Dear friends,

In these dire days, our Palestinian siblings are crying out to us, urging us to stand in solidarity with them in Palestine, to witness and demonstrate to the world that they are not alone in their struggle for justice. And so we respond boldly, with courage, and in faith.

“The Stones Cry Out” Solidarity Delegation has three actions:

1) Delegation to Palestine — February 27 to March 3
Palestinians are urging us to come and stand with them. A delegation comprised of U.S. church leaders, lay leaders, and representatives from organizations devoted to Palestine will meet with Palestinian religious, political, and NGO leaders in Bethlehem from February 27 to March 3. Visits and meetings will be planned by Kairos Palestine and the Global Kairos for Justice Coalition in Bethlehem, in coordination with the delegation’s organizers. On Sunday, March 3, we will worship with our Palestinian siblings and hope to offer a worship experience that can be shared with congregations at home. Delegation participants are asked to make their own travel arrangements and to arrive in Bethlehem on Tuesday, February 27. Detailed schedules and costs for meetings, in-country transportation, meals, and more are forthcoming.

2) Delegation to D.C. — March 5 & 6
We must speak directly to the U.S. government, which is not only complicit but actively funding Israel’s genocide. We will meet in D.C. with allies from area organizations who are preparing for meetings and actions. Drawing on the power of our having just returned from Palestine, we plan to garner widespread media attention. Those who aren’t able to make the trip to Palestine are welcome to join us in D.C.

3) Action Across the U.S. — March 6
It is important that we publicly demonstrate nationwide support for the urgency of a ceasefire and immediate relief for the people of Gaza, and a sustainable solution that ensures justice for the Palestinian people. We are inviting denominational Palestine-Israel committees (PINs), churches, justice organizations, and individuals across the U.S. to plan actions, including demonstrations, prayer or worship events, and educational events, on Wednesday, March 6, in coordination with our actions in D.C.

Friends, we realize the time is short. But we must answer our Palestinian siblings’ urgent plea. Please share this invitation widely with your network. For complete information about the delegation and to reserve your spot, please contact Michael Spath at Lmichaelspath@gmail.com.

On behalf of the delegation’s sponsors, planning committee, and especially our Palestinian partners,

Michael Spath, Mark Braverman, Doug Thorpe, Don Wagner, & Wendell Griffen