Dr Lamma Mansour offers a vital historical lens through which to understand the ongoing crisis in Palestine— beyond the headlines of October 7.

Instead Dr Mansour urges us to look back to 1948 and the Nakba, the Arabic word for “catastrophe,” which marks the mass displacement and dispossession of over 750,000 Palestinians during the establishment of the state of Israel. She explains how the Nakba is not a closed chapter in history but a living process that continues to shape the lives of Palestinians today.

From the destruction of villages like Deir Yassin and Safuriyya to the ongoing demolitions in refugee camps in Jenin and Tulkarm, the systemic removal of Palestinians from their land is a pattern that has persisted for decades. We hear stories of families who still hold the keys to homes they were forced to leave, of villages that were turned into national parks, and of legal manoeuvres like the Absentee Property Law and the Law of Return that institutionalised displacement and discrimination.

Parallels are also made between the Palestinian experience and colonial histories in places like New Zealand, referencing the peaceful resistance at Parihaka and the reoccupation efforts at Ihumātao.

The conversation touches on the international community’s response—or lack thereof—to these injustices. Despite UN resolutions affirming the right of return for Palestinian refugees, there has been little meaningful action.

Mansour highlights how Western governments often acknowledge the illegality of settlements under international law, yet fail to intervene in any substantive way. One particularly haunting story is that of the Christian village of Iqrit, whose residents were promised a temporary evacuation in 1948, only to have their village demolished on Christmas Eve in 1950. Today, only the church remains, and the descendants of Iqrit are allowed to return only in death—to be buried in the village cemetery.

This video is a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the deeper historical context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It challenges viewers to move beyond simplistic narratives and to confront the uncomfortable truths of colonialism, displacement, and international complicity.

For group discussion in your parish setting, we’ve created a conversation guide. Download it here.

Hear from Lamma Mansour reflecting on the Nakba—not just as a historical event in 1948, but as an ongoing experience of displacement and loss. Over 750,000 Palestinians were expelled from their homes during the war of establishment, known in Israel as the War of Independence. For Palestinians, this marked the beginning of a continuing catastrophe. As part of our commitment to truth, reconciliation, and justice, we invite you to listen deeply, reflect prayerfully, and engage respectfully.

In this first episode of our three-part series, Bishop Justin Duckworth sits down with Dr Lamma Mansour — a Palestinian Christian, academic, and social scientist from Nazareth — to explore the lived realities of a Palestinian citizen of Israel.

Dr Mansour shares her personal journey growing up in Nazareth, navigating complex layers of identity as a Palestinian, a Christian, and an Israeli citizen. She offers deep insight into the systemic inequalities faced by Palestinians, the fragmentation of identity across Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel, and the challenges of belonging in a segregated society.

Her research focuses on the experiences of Palestinian youth in higher education, where many encounter Jewish Israelis for the first time in meaningful ways — revealing stark divisions and a lack of representation.

This conversation invites us to listen to voices we seldom hear and how it might shape our understanding of the historical context of Israel and Palestine.

Christ at the Checkpoint video here

Download the discussion starter resource here

In this teaser for our second interview we hear a personal account of life after 1948 from Palestinian Israeli, Dr Lamma Mansour. After the war of 1948, her grandparents remained in Israel and were placed under military rule. Their story reflects the lived reality of many Palestinians who received citizenship but faced decades of restricted movement and military oversight.

Bishop Justin talks with Dr Salim J Munayer, who shares his personal story, theological insights, and an invitation to Christians to respond faithfully to the suffering in Gaza and the broader Israeli actions.

Rooted in the justice and compassion of Jesus, this video explores:

- The rich and diverse heritage of Palestinian Christianity

- The theological and ethical concerns surrounding Christian Zionism

- A call to active discipleship through love, justice, and reconciliation

Download questions to guide group discussion here.

Learn more about reconciliation efforts at https://musalaha.org

“The test of our Christianity is whether our enemies are blessed.”

In this second conversation, Bishop Justin speaks with Palestinian Christian Dr Salim J Munayer, whose life has been shaped by decades of reconciliation work between Palestinians and Israelis.

Download the question guide here

This video explores:
- The historical roots beyond October 7
- The realities of life in Gaza and the West Bank
- The spiritual and political implications of Western narratives
- The role of Christian Zionism and Western complicity
- A prophetic call to recognize injustice and pursue peace

As followers of Jesus, we are invited to listen deeply, lament injustice, and stand in solidarity with those who suffer.

Dr Salim J Munayer is the founder and director of Musalaha - a faith-based organisation that teaches, trains and facilitates reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians.

See https://musalaha.org

Bishop Justin and Dr Munayer discuss Salim's background and work in reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians.

Dr Munayer, a Palestinian Christian from Lydda, recounts his family's history and the city's destruction in 1948. He describes his journey from Orthodox Christianity to founding Musalaha, an organisation promoting reconciliation.

In this first video, Dr Munayer shares his personal story, the history of his people, and the journey of reconciliation through Musalaha, a ministry he founded to bring healing between communities in deep conflict.

Here is a link to discussion questions to support deeper engagement, whether in small groups, Sunday gatherings, or personal reflection.

Bishop Justin introduces a video series aimed at Christians concerned about the Israel-Palestine conflict, featuring a series of interviews with Palestinian Christian Salim J Munayer. Justin holds a desire for God's guidance for decision-makers and individuals and stresses the importance of listening to voices from the affected context.

The series is designed to help parishes enter meaningful conversation and prayerful reflection. It may be especially helpful for communities looking to engage with what’s happening in Palestine in a way that is grounded in faith, compassion, and solidarity.

Each Friday, starting this week, we’ll share a new video along with discussion questions to support deeper engagement, whether it’s in small groups, Sunday gatherings, or personal reflection.

Let us be open to what the Spirit might be saying through engaging with open hearts and with the courage to hear what God may be calling us to as peacemakers and followers of Christ.