Marshall Allen
GLENDALE -- Shells barraged the Palestinian town of Beit Jala for six
hours one night in late July, while 14 members of Christian Peacemaker
Teams huddled in Palestinian homes to show what members called their
solidarity with the oppressed.
Members of the delegation, formed by the historic peace churches --
the Mennonite Church, Church of the Brethren and Quaker denominations --
were hoping their presence as human shields would make the Israeli
military "think twice" before shelling the Palestinians, said Bert
Newton. Newton, 36, is a member of the group and an associate pastor at
Pasadena Mennonite Church.
Newton will speak about his experience in Palestine at noon Sunday,
Sept. 16, at the Church of the Brethren of Glendale, 626 N. Pacific Ave.
Christian Peacemaker Teams work closely with Israeliand Palestinian
peace groups like Rabbis for Human Rights and the Palestinian Center for
Human Rights to document alleged human rights abuses and engage in
nonviolent action to end Israel's occupation of land Palestinians claim
as their own.
"This isn't a pro-Palestinian movement," said Tom Longenecker, pastor
of Church of the Brethren of Glendale. "It's anti-violence."
The group has identified Palestinians as oppressed and has a permanent
presence there to be in solidarity with them, Newton said. Christian
Peacemaker Teams also has a permanent presence in other locations, such
as Columbia and Chiapas, Mexico.
Members of the Church of the Brethren denomination base their
commitment to nonviolence on the example of Jesus, Longenecker said.
"His dealings with the various authorities who eventually killed him
is a testimony to the truth that the power of love can break the cycle of
violence and domination," Longenecker said.
"While nonviolence isn't the only part of Jesus we want to emulate, we
certainly think it's intrinsic with being a Christian."
Newton's motivation for his activism is based on his feeling that his
country, and his religion have given "uncritical support to the Israelis
against the Muslims and Palestine," he said.
"I'm trying to counteract what my own faith group and country has
done," Newton said. "I feel implicated in these human rights abuses."
Members of Christian Peacemaker Teams can't be positive if their
presence made a difference in Palestine, Newton said. But the day after
they survived six hours of shelling, an international press conference
was held about their role in the peacemaking process. Later that day,
Israelis assassinated Palestinian opposition leaders, killing two
children in the process, and Palestinians in Beit Jala returned fire on
the Israelis.
Tensions ran high that night, but the Israelis didn't return fire.
"The Palestinians said this was the first time they hadn't responded,"
Newton said.
IF YOU GO:
What: Salad Luncheon at Church of the Brethren of Glendale, 626 N.
Pacific Ave, featuring Pastor Bert Newton, speaking about his recent trip
with Christian Peacemaker Teams.
When: Noon, Sept. 16.
Who: Members of of the public are invited. For more information, call
242-6848.
