We often sing: “O come, O come Emmanuel And ransom captive Israel.”

As the world awaited Christ’s birth, the Holy Land was occupied by the Roman Empire. The people of Israel were living under a terrible occupation.

Today, Israel is a strong and prosperous country.

Now, parts of the Holy Land beyond Israel are illegally occupied. Christians and Muslims live under occupation.

Their land and most of their water are being taken, their homes destroyed to make way for new Israeli settlements.

The United Methodist Church opposes Israel’s occupation of land outside its internationally recognized borders.

The town of Bethlehem is in occupied territory.

Her people are suffering.

Holy Land Christians have asked the churches to help end the occupation that is destroying so many lives.

Christians United For Palestine (CUFP)

Palestinian Christian Man from Aboud with Self Made Crucifix

The US government has long opposed Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which violate international law.

Israel recently announced plans for thousands of new illegal settlements on Palestinian land in the West Bank.

These settlements are sustained by industrial zones that pollute the environment with untreated waste.

The 2012 General Conference called on all nations to boycott products made in illegal

settlements on occupied land.

This is NOT a boycott of Israel, but of products made in

illegal settlements.

Some of these products are:

SodaStream carbonated beverage machines and syrups . You’ll find them at Costco, Macy’s, Staples, Bed Bath & Beyond, etc.

Ahava and Dead Sea Cosmetics

You’ll find them at Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, Body Works, etc.

Keter Plastic Products

F

At Home Depot, Sears, Costco, etc.

Interstar Toys by Edushape

Sold at Toys R Us

Many churches and Christian groups are calling for a boycott of settlement goods:

– The United Methodist Church– The Presbyterian Church USA– The United Church of Canada– The Church of Sweden– The World Council of Churches– The South African Council of Churches– The British Methodist Church– The Malaysia Council of Churches– The Episcopal Peace Fellowship– The National Coalition of American Nuns

…..and many more

Many Jewish groups are also calling for asettlement boycott:

– Jewish Voice for Peace–American Jews for a Just Peace –Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions

– Not in Our Name–Jews against the Occupation– Independent Jewish Voices – Jews for Justice for Palestinians– A Different Jewish Voice – Jewish Voice for a Just Peace in the Near East– French Jewish Union for Peace – Jews Say No– Meretz, and others

As we prepare for the Prince of Peace, this is a way to take action toward peace.

“Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”

- John 3:18

Remember….Our buying decisions can make a difference!

Please keep this in mind as you shopin this holiday season.