ELCA Sumud

08/08/2026

download: https://bit.ly/4fNjLGPHow do Palestinian Christians tell...

08/06/2026

Our first video of our 5-part “Stolen Stories” series is LIVE! Watch via the link below!

How do Palestinian Christians tell their story? In “Stolen Stories”, a 5-part educational video series by ELCA Sumud, listen to the voices of Palestinian Christians as they recount their historical narrative from pre-1948 to present day. This series highlights the important perspectives of our Palestinian siblings in Christ and lifts up the lived experiences of Palestinians— especially the indigenous Christians of Palestine and Israel— in their own words. In “Stolen Stories”, Palestinian Christian pastors, bishops, and scholars offer important contextual, historical, and theological framework that continues to shape life in Palestine and Israel today.

download: https://bit.ly/4fNjLGPHow do Palestinian Christians tell...

08/01/2026

07/29/2026

The ELCA is hiring a Program Director for ELCA Sumud! Apply using the link below:

https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/4332338

07/29/2026

ELCA Middle East North Africa (MENA) Regional Associate Ms. Shadin Nassar is in the US speaking to ELCA congregations and synods about the accompaniment work of the MENA Desk in the region. We are so lucky to have her stateside to hear about her important work with the ELCA MENA Desk and to inform our own accompaniment, advocacy, and awareness raising.

07/25/2026

Distressing Update from Bishop Dr. Imad Haddad on Natalie Abudayyeh: 22 July

Dear partners,

Today we received very disturbing news about Natalie Abudayyeh, the 21-year-old university student and ELCJHL youth who has now been held in Israeli prison for nearly two months. Though we thank each of you who have advocated for Natalie over the last several weeks, we are both devastated and outraged to share that our voices, and the voices of all others who have called for her release, have not been heard.

Today Natalie had an appearance in Israeli military court. During this hearing, the judge ordered that she remain in prison until the 23rd of September, when she will make another court appearance. Israeli authorities have denied all the family’s requests to have Natalie released on bail for the duration of the proceedings and have refused to allow them to visit or contact Natalie in any way. They are exhausted, troubled, and losing hope that the church, local or global, will be able to help bring Natalie home.

For Natalie to spend another two months minimum in Israeli prison is incomprehensible. She is still being held at Damon Prison, where prisoners have reported terrible conditions and repeated human rights violations.

We are incredibly grieved by this news and deeply worried about her safety. Within this grief, we hold fear and uncertainty for the future of all our youth. This pattern of systemic attacks by Israel on Palestinian universities is just one more element of an occupation that suffocates Palestinian life and drives our young people to consider leaving their home. I ask you to consider how it would feel to be Natalie’s parent, sibling, pastor, or friend. Our community is angry and hurting.

As a church, we continue to cry out for justice and for Natalie’s freedom. At the minimum, we call for her family and a church representative to be able to visit her. We ask that the family’s request for Natalie to be released temporarily on bail be reconsidered. We continue to pray without ceasing, and we ask you to continue to pray and advocate as well, both for Natalie and for all our youth.

“He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.” Luke 4:18b

Bishop Dr. Imad Haddad
Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land

07/17/2026

Natalie Abudayyeh, a Lutheran young adult, has spent one month in Israeli detention without being charged with any offenses. Visit the Action Center or go to the Action Alert linked in the comment below to advocate for release of her and her classmates.
ELCA Sumud

07/06/2026

Update from Bishop Dr. Imad Haddad on Natalie Abudayyeh: 6 July

Dear friends and partners,

Our thanks goes out to each of you who have advocated for the release of Natalie Abudayyeh since her detainment on the 2nd of June. Distressingly, Natalie has now been imprisoned for over a month. We are grateful to all those who continue to pray for her safety and freedom.

Yesterday Natalie had a virtual appearance in Israeli military court. Unfortunately, the judge denied the Abudayyeh family’s request that she be released on bail for the remaining duration of court proceedings. After traveling to court hoping to be able to return home with Natalie, her family members are exhausted, frustrated, and anxious.

Natalie’s family has not been allowed to visit her or have any face-to-face contact since her detainment. Her lawyer has had limited access to speak with her via video call, but no family member has been allowed to see or talk to her.

Natalie is currently being held at Damon Prison where, according to a statement by the Palestinian Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs last week, Palestinian women are subjected to very harsh conditions and are deprived of basic human rights guaranteed by international law. Israel continues to deny her in-person access to her lawyer. We are deeply concerned for her safety and well-being. Her next court date has been set for 22 July.

Though the other women detained with her also remain in prison, we do not have significant information regarding their status as their cases have now been separated from Natalie’s and each other’s.

On behalf of the ELCJHL, I join Natalie’s family in continuing to call for her immediate and unconditional release. In the interim, we also ask that someone from Natalie’s family or the church be permitted to visit her, in order to provide essential support and care.

We call on you, our friends and partners around the world, to keep advocating to any officials in your networks on Natalie's behalf, demanding access for her family and lawyer, fair and open legal processes, and the end of this unjust detainment.

Please continue to pray and work for justice, following Christ’s footsteps.

Bishop Dr. Imad Haddad
Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land

07/03/2026

Join us to catch up on what's happening in Congress regarding U.S. policies that affect Israel, Palestine, and the wider Middle East. Along with sharing the latest developments and things to be on the lookout for, our speakers will share ways to get involved and helpful tips on reaching out to your congressional representatives about important legislative issues.

https://cmep.org/cmep-events/faithful-advocacy-urgent-times/ (link in bio)