There are several suggested actions for those interested and willing to act to improve conditions for people living in the Middle East. I borrow the following list from Rev. Sandra Olewine, United Methodist Liaison - Jerusalem.

1) Pray - for a just and durable peace. Pray for the leadership of both peoples. Pray for the victims and perpetrators of violence.

2) Learn - seek out multiple sources of information on the situation here. Work to more deeply understand the sources of the conflict so that we may be better prepared to help with solutions. Join Sandra's mailing list at solewine@annadwa.org

3) Give - The United Methodist Church has numerous Advance Specials to which people can give to help address the human suffering here. Such giving helps keep hope alive in the midst of the darkness.

4) Engage - talk to Jewish and Muslim neighbors, work to distinguish between the fight against anti-Semitism, which we must all be engaged in and the legitimate critique of Israeli and Palestinian policies.

5) Advocate - talk to elected officials, make your concerns known, make the church's positions known. We are called to be 'peace with justice' evangelists. Contact List

Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi, Director of the Health, Development, Information and Policy Institute in Ramallah had additional suggestions for Americans:

6) Institute a grassroots protection campaign. Bring Americans to Palestine. He said it serves two purposes -- an international presence supports Palestinian morale because families know they are not alone in their struggle, and internationals are eyewitnesses to the daily events in the unpredictable Middle East region.

7) Invite Palestinians (especially the young people) to the United States to speak.

8) Write letters to the news media. He says that, "All we want is the TRUTH to get to the people!"

Thank you for your interest.