You wouldn’t expect to meet a retired Black Panther in Palestine but we did. Today we were privileged to hear the stories of a warrior as he shared with us the parallels between the struggle of the Palestinians and that of African Americans in the United States. He inspired in me a renewed spirit of activism that doesn’t quit. While we take a stand against Empire we will have our victories and defeats but we must continue the struggle. Those who advocate on the part of just causes will win. God is on the side of the oppressed and by the power of God we struggle. We must also remember we don’t struggle alone. We are united symbolically and literally with our brothers and sisters in struggle around the globe. Traveling to this part of the world has reignited my understanding of my faith tradition as one that is on the side of Justice. I can literally see Jesus walking these dusty road of Palestine / Israel saying to the powers that be, “I have come that they may have life.” “I have come to set the captives free!” As Jesus ascended into heaven he gave us the mandate to stand with the oppressed and fight against injustice. We are to be about establishing God’s Justice on earth. Are you with us or against us?
