An ecumenical committee from Palestine had prepared the 2024 World Day of Prayer. The order of service had been finished and translated into many languages long before the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.
Now the difficult question arose: Could we still celebrate this service all over the world as it had been planned?
We believe: More than ever, it is our duty to open our eyes and ears to those who are suffering -- on all sides. More than ever, it is our duty to speak out against hatred, antisemitism, and racism of every kind. More than ever, it is our duty to pray for peace and to stand up for human rights and justice for all.
We therefore decided to celebrate this service and pray for the people on all sides who are suffering. Is there a motto that could be more appropriate than the one the Palestinian women chose from the letter to the Ephesians: "… bear with one another in love"?
Our service was enhanced not only by the music of the guitar group, but especially by the amazing singing of Samer Al Horany. After the service, we were treated to delicious snacks from the Arabic world.