US citizens on Holy Land visit denied entry by Israeli government
2 min read
Curtis Blankinship: Kairos is an ancient Greek word meaning the exact, critical or opportune moment for action. An interfaith tour group comprised entirely of U.S. citizens and led by a United Methodist clergy couple has been denied entry to Palestine / Israel by the Israeli government.
Israel fought for years to be admitted to the U.S. visa waiver program so their citizens could have easy entry when visiting the United States. It is a reciprocal commitment. U.S. citizens must have the same rights when traveling to Palestine / Israel.
The Reverend Sarah Webb Phillips, a member of the United Methodists for Response Steering Committee, and her husband, The Reverend Dr. Ed Phillips, are the couple leading this group. Both are United Methodist clergy.
This group traveled to the Holy Land to visit holy sites, engage with local communities, learn about the region’s religious and historical significance, and explore Palestinian liberation theology and its perspectives on faith, justice, peace, reconciliation, and nonviolence.
Our friends report that some of their group were easily given entry while others were held back. There were clear policies of discrimination on display.
This group tour was organized in cooperation with Sabeel, the Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center in Jerusalem.
A prophetic voice for Palestinian Christians in the Holy Land, Sabeel calls to the worldwide Christian community for liberating action, and that may have illegally and unjustly influenced Israel’s decisions, along with individuals’ religious and ethnic identities.
Israel must comply with its commitment under the visa waiver program to treat all U.S. citizens equally, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or personal views expressed peacefully.
We are calling for an investigation of Israel’s compliance with the waiver program and accountability for its treatment of U.S. citizens for this group and all others who should have entry to Palestine / Israel. For more information, go to KairosResponse.org.
