World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel

'Bridges not Walls' is the theme of the 2015 week of advocacy and action in support of an end to the illegal occupation of Palestine and a just peace for all in Palestine and Israel. The week will be observed 20-26 September. Congregations and individuals around the globe who share the hope of justice shall unite during the week to take peaceful actions, together, to create a common international public witness.

Pax Christi is a member of the planning group for the week, supported by the Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum of the World Council of Churches. In social media, the hashtag #WallWillFall is being used to talk about this year's World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel.

It is hoped that churches around the world will send a clear signal to policy-makers, community groups, and their own parishes about the urgent need for a peace settlement that ends the illegal occupation and secures the legitimate rights and future of both peoples. Elements include:

• Praying with churches living under occupation, using a special prayer from Jerusalem and other worship resources prepared for the week.
• Educating about actions that make for peace, and about facts on the ground that do not create peace, especially issues related to prisoners.
• Advocating with political leaders using ecumenical policies that promote peace with justice.

It has been 66 years since the creation of the State of Israel. It is now 47 years since the occupation of East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza overwhelmed the peaceful vision of one land, two peoples.