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Recommended readings on Israel-Palestine

This curated reading list, prepared by the Canadian Companions of the Diocese of Jerusalem, is intended for those preparing for pilgrimage to the Holy Land. It offers context for understanding both the ancient sites and the contemporary realities of Israel-Palestine, helping pilgrims engage more deeply with the land, its peoples and its faith communities.

Key themes

  • Historical and contemporary context of Israel-Palestine
  • Lived experiences of Israeli and Palestinian communities
  • Theological and biblical perspectives on the land and its peoples
  • Interfaith insights and the role of Judaism, Christianity and Islam
  • Pathways toward peace, reconciliation and responsible pilgrimage

Best suited for: pilgrims, parish leaders, theological educators and anyone preparing to travel to or learn more about the Holy Land and its complex history, faith and communities.

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Acknowledging the land and God’s creation

This acknowledgement is crafted in light of the Principles of Reconciliation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, as we seek to live faithfully in Christ and in right relationship with all. 

We give thanks to the Creator for this land, its waters, forests and all living beings, and for the abiding presence of Christ among us. From coast to coast to coast, these have been cared for and nurtured by First Nations, Inuit and Métis through countless generations. 

We honour the enduring relationship Indigenous Peoples have cultivated with these lands and waters, and the treaties and agreements that reflect these sacred bonds. We acknowledge the harms caused by colonial expansion, through frameworks like the Doctrine of Discovery and structures like the residential school system. We recognize our past failures as a Church, including disruption of connections to the land and suppression of Indigenous spiritualities. 

Guided by the gospel of Jesus Christ, we confess our need for healing. We commit ourselves to seeking truth, pursuing reconciliation and nurturing harmony with all creation. We place our trust in Christ, through whom all things are reconciled to God. 

May God strengthen us to live faithfully as stewards of the Earth. Let us walk in love, justice and reconciliation, joining in God’s work to restore all creation.