With this month’s United Nations debate on Palestinian statehood, members of Southern Ontario churches take a closer look. Earlier this year, a dozen members of various Mennonite churches from Southern Ontario embarked on a Learning Tour of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, sponsored by the Mennonite Central Committee of Ontario. Accompanied by photographer Ryan Rodrick Beiler of MCC’s Middle East team, they visited holy sites and met with officials and advocates on all sides of the conflict. They also visited the villages, streets and homes of those struggling simply to cope with everyday life in a troubled land. They have since spread out into the church communities, sharing these stories and stories in the light of God’s love for mercy, and for justice (Psalm 11:7).
