21st May 2026

Far-right Israeli National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, posted a video yesterday showing himself taunting activists kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs. The US, the UK, France, Italy and Canada were among the countries that have condemned Israel's treatment of pro-Palestinian activists who were on board a Gaza-bound aid flotilla intercepted by Israeli naval forces. The video shows Ben-Gvir saying, “"Welcome to Israel, we are the owners of the house.” in English. He appears waving an Israeli flag, mocking and taunting the detainees, including shouting into the face of one man: “The people of Israel live”. “This is how  we welcome supporters of terror," he wrote on X.  Ben-Gvir's actions also drew rare criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said they were "not in line with Israel's values". However, Ben-Gvir has not been sacked from his job and remains in the Israeli cabinet. Three activists were taken to hospital as result of Israeli violence, lawyers representing the group said. They were subsequently discharged. Dozens of others have suspected broken ribs, resulting in breathing problems. Human rights group Adalah said in a statement.  “The team reports systemic violations of due process, and widespread physical and psychological abuse by Israeli authorities".

Loving God, you have taught us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.  You have taught us to treat the foreigner living in our land as one of our native born.  Jesus showed love to the Samaritan woman at a well and to a Roman commander's servant. We know that in the Kingdom there is no Jew or Gentile.  Loving God we pray for Ben Gvir, fill hom with your Holy Spirit that as a leader of the people of Israel he will show all dignity and respect. Help us all to see Christ in the face of others knowing that your fingerprint is within each person. We pray for those who are detained, that they will soon be released. May those who are injured  receive the medical care they need and make a swift recovery.  May no one be abused, or hurt for expressing their opinions. We pray for peace in Palestine and peace in Lebanon that all can live together in unity. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Eliz Sandalls, lives in Ilkley, England.  She has been crocheting blankets for new-born babies at the maternity unit at Bradford Royal Infirmary.  Recently she delivered her 100th “wellbeing blanket”. Each one is about two feet square and takes her nearly three days to make. The staff at the hospital say her colourful creations have become treasured gifts for new mothers and babies. However, Eliz is partially sighted. After losing sight in her right eye in 1987, Eliz later developed serious problems with her remaining vision. In 2023, surgeons at the hospital performed an operation that preserved some of the sight in her left eye, allowing her to continue doing the hobby she loves most. Midwife Sophie Wainman commented that, “Every time we get a donation of crocheted blankets from Eliz we are astonished at the craftsmanship. The mums on our maternity wards are absolutely delighted to receive the blankets as they brighten the babies’ cots, as well as our hospital wards and environment. They bring such a personal touch and we are forever grateful to Eliz for her donations.” “Crocheting gives me something to do as I can’t see to read books and talking books tend to send me to sleep,” Eliz said with a laugh. 

King of glory, King of peace,

I will love Thee;

And, that love may never cease,

I will move Thee.

Thou hast granted my request,

Thou hast heard me;

Thou didst note my working breast,

Thou hast spared me.

Wherefore with my utmost art

I will sing Thee,

And the cream of all my heart

I will bring Thee.

Though my sins against me cried,

Thou didst clear me;

And alone, when they replied,

Thou didst hear me.

Seven whole days, not one in seven,

I will praise thee;

In my heart, though not in heaven,

I can raise thee.

Small it is, in this poor sort

To enrol thee:

E'en eternity's too short

To extol thee.

George Herbert (1593 – 1633) was a Welsh poet,

orator, and priest of the Church of England.