Friends of Sabeel UK (FOSUK) is the network of Sabeel supporters in the UK.
Sabeel is a Christian theology outfit based in Jerusalem, and its founder Naim Ateek says things like this at Easter:
In this season of Lent, it seems to many of us that Jesus is on the cross again with thousands of crucified Palestinians around him. It only takes people of insight to see the hundreds of thousands of crosses throughout the land, Palestinian men, women, and children being crucified. Palestine has become one huge golgotha. The Israeli government crucifixion system is operating daily. Palestine has become the place of the skull.”
And this at Christmas:
“At this Christmas time, when we remember the message of peace and love that came down from God to earth in the birth of Jesus Christ, our celebrations are marred by the destructive powers of the modern day “Herods” who are represented in the Israeli government.”
Delightful.
One of Friends of Sabeel UK’s patrons is Ibrahim Hewitt, who FOSUK describe as:
coordinator of the Palestine relief organisation Interpal
Hewitt is an extremist and a promoter of antisemitism, and his charity supports Hamas. In his role with Interpal, he has met with Ismail Haniyeh in Gaza.
Another patron listed is Manuel Hassassian. Hassassian has also defended the firing of rockets into Israeli civilian areas, supported Taleban rule in Afghanistan, and has praised Hezbollah as saviours of Arabs – this in spite of Sabeel’s repeated commitment to non-violence.
Another FOSUK patron is Jenny Tonge, who pushed the lie about Israelis harvesting organs in Haiti.
On the contact page for Friends of Sabeel UK, we now read:
Coordinator: Anne Clayton
Office: CMS
Watlington Road
Oxford
OX4 6BZPhone:(+44)1865 787419
(+44)1865 787420
FOSUK have previously invited Hamas supporter David Halpin to address their meeting. Halpin has claimed that Hamas is being literally crucified by Israel.
Anne Clayton is the coordinator of Friends of Sabeel UK.
This is what she says about Naim Ateek, and her time living in Jerusalem:
“We were fortunate to work with and to know Naim Ateek and his wife Maha, among other great people there. Their example of Godly leadership and commitment to justice with peace was a challenge that inspired us and helped us to keep our focus”
She is speaking alongside Stephen Sizer at the Quaker House, in Plymouth, next month. Sizer is the former Vice Chair of Friends of Sabeel UK.
Anne Clayton’s office is at the Church Mission Society (CMS), which is the mission wing of the Church of England. Archbishop Rowan Williams is a patron of CMS.
According to the Amos Trust (an outfit to which Rev Sizer also belongs), CMS also supports Ben White’s project A Just Peace for Palestine, which wants to launch a global boycott of an Israeli telecommunications company.
As CMS has now provided FOSUK with an office, it looks like antisemitism has made its nest in the Church of England.
Update: CMS is also promoting the Christ at the Checkpoint conference, which is organised by supporters of the violent and racist IHH flotilla to Gaza.
