Peta Jones Pellach and Riman Barakat at last night’s peace discussion at Synod 2025.
It is more important than ever that the voice for peace in the Middle East rings out loud and clear, Uniting Church members were told last night.
Members at the final session on day one of Synod 2025 had the privilege of hearing from two peace advocates, who continue to work tirelessly for an end to conflict in the Middle East.
Senior Social Justice Advocate Dr Mark Zirnsak introduced Palestinian and Israeli speakers, Riman Barakat and Peta Jones Pellach, about their ongoing work advocating for peace.
As part of peace groups FeelBeit and Women Wage Peace, Riman and Peta are on the ground promoting the message that Palestinians and Israelis can share a future built around a lasting peace.
During last night’s discussion, Uniting Church members were told that they too had a part to play in advocacy.
Peta told the audience that in the midst of so much despair, it was her faith that gave her hope.
“I believe in the word of the prophets and I believe that peace will come,” she said.
“I also believe, though, that if this peace is worth praying for, it’s also worth working for.
“We have to work for it and make it happen, and to see the strength of my Israeli and Palestinian colleagues (gives me hope).
“Faith is hope and faith is a belief that peace will happen.”
The Uniting Church can, Peta said, add a strong voice to that message of peace.
“Spread the word that Israelis and Palestinians believe in peace, and that there are people doing work in this space,” she said.
“Women Wage Peace is Israel’s largest peace organisation and has 80,000 members, and so the next time someone tells you that Israelis and Palestinians hate each other or are killing each other, tell them ‘not all of them are and we have met some who aren’t’.
“As Uniting Church members, be our spokespeople, please.”
Like Peta, Riman said it was important that people were told that many Israeli and Palestinian people wanted peace.
“Whether you are Muslim, Jewish or Christian and you see all of this horror on the news in the Middle East, it’s very easy to get angry,” Riman said.
“It’s important to remember, though, that (peace activists) are there and we want a better future for our families and children for generations to come.
“We can’t fuel conflict or support one side over the other because that is not particularly helpful.
“It’s not easy work, but please support us and imagine a better future.”
The full discussion from last night’s final session can be found on the Synod 2025 YouTube page (within session 4) at the link below:
