FINLAND & PALESTINE Proceedings of a Joint Workshop

DevelopmentofOIurdl Relations
relations, via the internet, are of great improvement, but they
can never be the same as meeting face-to-face. Traveling restrictions,
and other complications, still prevent many Palestinians
from visiting abroad. For Finns, traveling is possible and
thousands visit the Middle East annually. Only a fraction of
them have any contact to local Christians. I know that Bishop
Younan has, on many occasions, appealed to Finnish Christians
not to forget them, and invited them to visit Lutheran churches.
Some of FELM missionaries do the same, but still, few Finns dare
to make it. There is too much fear, too much unknown, too
much prejudges. There is also some intentional misinformation,
and one-sided attitudes against Arabs, in general, and
Palestinians, particularly.
One must also say that those who organize tours take their
responsibility seriously. If there is a real risk - and there certainly
have been such times and situations - they will not endanger
the well-being of their customers, and losing their business,
and good name.
When we speak of relations between ELCJHL and ELCF, we
need to remember that it is not realistic to involve the majority
of Finnish Christians to be active in advocacy for their Christian
sisters and brothers in here. We need and we have, but we
need more of those who know and understand the complicated
and delicate situation in which Palestinians live. We need
people who are ready to pray with them, and lovingly accompany
them, and truthfully advocate for them.
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