ALAMEH, ELCJHL, and WCC respond to killing of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh
Peace Not Walls shares responses to the killing of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh from Association of Lutherans of Arab and Middle Eastern Heritage, Bishop Sani Ibrahim Azar, and World Council of Churches. Read and listen to NPR coverage here.
Association of Lutherans of Arab and Middle Eastern Heritage (ALAMEH)
“The Association of Lutherans of Arab and Middle Eastern Heritage are calling on our church to be informed of the reality regarding war crimes against Palestinians. We cannot tolerate or stay silent regarding the crimes of the Israeli occupation. We are requesting that our church and US government hold the Israeli government accountable for this and other unjust violence committed against the Palestinian people. We are also asking that an independent international (not Israeli) investigation be implemented right away.”
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL)
“The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land expresses deep heartbreak and devastation at the murder of cherished Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Aqleh. Shireen’s voice proclaimed the truth about the occupation, persecution, and oppression of the Palestinian people that is so often suppressed by Western media and perceptions.
In the wake of her death, the reception of her mourning and funeral by Israeli occupation forces was cruel and unacceptable. A day of grieving that was meant to be a peaceful last goodbye from the Palestinian people to Shireen was stained with disgracing her body, attacking those in mourning, and an overall show of disrespect and brutality.”
Statement on the death and funeral of Shireen Abu Aqleh from the desk of Bishop Sani Ibrahim Azar
World Council of Churches (WCC)
“The World Council of Churches calls for an independent international investigation of the killing of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh on 11 May, given the grave implications of this event,” said Sauca. “Those responsible for Abu Akleh’s death must be held accountable to the full extent of the law.”
“No fewer than 86 Palestinian journalists have been killed since 1967, the year in which Israel occupied the West Bank and Gaza – with 50 of them having been killed since 2000,” said Sauca. “Ms Abu Akleh had reported on events in Palestine and Israel since 1997, and had earned respect among viewers worldwide.”
World Council of Churches statement on killing of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh
