The Abingdon Peace Group held their usual vigil by the war memorial early this Monday Morning. The vigils began at the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and continues during the Gaza crisis.
The Gaza Crisis Appeal is prominent in the Oxfam window in Abingdon.
In Bethlehem, Christmas is muted this year. There are few tourists and pilgrims. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has made it difficult for people to travel and celebrate. In solidarity with Gaza, church leaders in Jerusalem and the Bethlehem city council have decided to cancel or scale back Christmas celebrations. This has left many businesses in Bethlehem struggling, as they rely on the holiday season for a large portion of their income.
(ref https://www.rte.ie/news/world/2023/1217/1422481-bethlehem-christmas/)
Ah yes the peace group. Its good that so many world leaders read this blog and this prompts them to reconsider their actions!
I agree – what on earth do they think they are going to achieve? Shouldn’t they be more pro-active, like collecting to help those suffering?
Difficult to see why this group seems to get singled out for negative comments every time backstreeter posts about them. Nothing wrong with people spending their time as they see fit providing they’re not doing any harm to others, and who are we to say whether it will make any difference.
Absolutely agree with you Iain!
I wondered how long it would take for some unnecessary negative comments to appear on the Blog. It took a few days but I was “not disappointed.”
I particularly agree with your statement regarding why this group is so often singled out for cynicism. I could speculate but my comments could be rather rude to those criticising those who stand up for peace.
Perhaps we should remember, especially at this time of the year, Jesus’ comments: “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
1) Jesus is a fictional character so his “advice” is baseless no matter the good intention
2) the peace group are singled out because their actions have absolutely no impact on their intended cause. At least other groups in Abingdon actually contribute in some tangible way whether you agree with them or not!
…as opposed to commenting on social media
…says your mom!
Happy Christmas and agree to disagree
@Iain the “I know I am but what are you” defence never worked in the schoolyard never mind adult society