Sumud

Sumud is the ELCA’s response to occupation and injustice in Palestine and Israel, which operates under the Middle East North Africa (MENA) Desk. Sumud, Arabic for “steadfastness,” is used by Palestinian theologians to describe nonviolent resistance to occupation through advocacy, education, social work and faith-rooted presence. We practice accompaniment with Arabic-speaking communities of faithful Lutherans, whom we rely on as our primary lens for understanding the realities in Palestine and Israel. We are all Sumud, accompanying our Palestinian partners and following their lead as we bear witness to the truth that only when justice prevails can there be lasting peace for all Palestinians and Israelis.