The February edition of the NW NJPN JUSTICE AND PEACE E-BULLETIN leads with news of the ceasefire in Gaza. We join with Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger’s prayer (page 2) for a true and lasting peace to bring reconciliation, justice and hope for all. A group from Justice and Peace Scotland are currently visiting the Holy Land – you can read their reflections on page 3 and catch up with the next stage of their pilgrimage via their Facebook page. Heather Kiernan has sent an update from the Hands up Project which connects young people from Palestine to the rest of the world by sharing stories, poetry and drama. HUP’s Trustees are keen to recruit more Youth Ambassadors (so far there are only 6) to establish new links with schools in the UK to Gaza and also strengthen existing partnerships – read more on pages 5-7.

On pages 8-9 Ian Linden gives a comprehensive – and fascinating – overview of Russia’s & China’s scramble for Africa. This Friday, 24 January, Catholic Schools are joining together to celebrate the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope Launch Day for Schools, as children and young people embark on a journey as “pilgrims of hope” (report on page 9).  On page 10 Ellen Teague of The Columbans describes 3 “Jubilee” years that she has prepared for and reminds readers that the deadline for the current Columban competition, “Jubilee: Pilgrims of Hope,” for 13-18 year olds closes in three weeks’ time, on 7 February. 

There are links to the most recent podcasts in Theresa Alessandro’s series All Kinds of Catholic (page 11) which cover a broad range of topics. Christian Aid warns of the cost of climate change, both financially and to the planet.  A Rocha UK is supporting the Climate and Nature (CAN) Bill as it progresses through Parliament and nears a crucial stage, its second reading, on Friday 24 January – do please urge your MP to add their backing – follow the links on page 12.

Finally, page 13 has a very full diary of local, regional and national events.  Don’t forget to send news from your area for the next issue.

Best wishes

Anne O’Connor

NW NJPN Justice and Peace E Bulletin February 2025