From the Revd Ron Ingamells
Sir, — Once again, a lone voice speaks up for the Palestinian people (Comment, 17 June). It is now 22 years since I was a member of a British Council of Churches delegation, under the leadership of Bishop Sam Poyntz. The report Impressions of Intafada was heavily criticised by many Israeli organisations. The sadness is that Bishop Llewellin’s article echoes all the impressions gained 22 years ago, except that Gaza is now in a worse situation, and the people live in the shadow of that appalling Wall.
I get constant updates from the Joint Initiative of the YMCA and the YWCA regarding the stealing of land and the destruction of olive trees. During our visit in 1989, we met leaders of Palestinian churches as well as Israeli representatives, and concluded that the life of Palestinians was intolerable.
I quote from the report: “It is not sufficient for a delegation from the BCC to visit an area and its people and make a report to the Assembly. Arising from a new awareness of need we are called to continue in supportive action.”
Since then, many delegations and individuals have visited and reported on the same situation. Surely it is time for the Churches, together with the partners in Christian Aid, the YMCA and YWCA, and many others, including joint Jewish and Christian organisations, to make a determined and powerful effort to inform and mobilise vocal support for the Palestinian people.
The Bishop wrote: “I am, without apology, deeply critical of the policies of the Israeli government towards Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.” This lone voice now needs to be translated into the strongest ecumenical action. Another day of prayer for the Palestinians, together with political lobbying and fund-raising, is now imperative. The human rights of the Palestinians are too important to be sidelined again.
RON INGAMELLS
2 Aragon Close, Buckden
Cambridgeshire PE19 5TY