Arab, Palestinian in Libya

Introduction / History

Have you ever heard of the phrase "jumping out of the frying pan into the fire?" In 1948 and 1967 many Palestinians fled the turmoil and violence in Palestine looking for a peaceful place to work in and to raise their families. Some came to the north African nation of Libya. For many years Libya was a relatively prosperous and stable under the control of dictator Muammar Gaddafi. In 2011 Gaddafi was overthrown and since then a civil war has raged in Libya. Oil revenues that once provided money to boost the economy have declined by 90%. Libya broke into various areas controlled by militias, some of which kidnap and torture migrants trying to make their way to Europe.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Before 2011, Libya was a decent place to live for Palestinians so long as they stayed out of national politics. Educated Palestinians held leadership positions in the oil industry, schools, journalism, entertainment and tourism. All that changed with the death of Gaddafi in 2011. For the past decade Palestinians, like other people in Libya, have experienced poverty, violence and insecurity. Some Palestinians have joined one of the many factions, some have tried to stay neutral, and others have left the country.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Palestinians living in Libya are Sunni, the largest branch of Islam. They try to obey the teachings of the Koran and the prophet Mohammed. Sunnis believe that by following the Five Pillars of Islam that they will attain heaven when they die. However, Allah, the supreme God of the universe, determines who enters paradise. Sunnis pray five times a day facing Mecca. They fast the month of Ramadan. They attend mosque services on Friday. If a Muslim has the means, he or she will make a pilgrimage to Mecca once in his or her lifetime. Muslims are also prohibited from drinking alcohol, eating pork, gambling, stealing, using deceit, slandering and making idols.

The two main holidays for Sunni Muslims are Eid al Fitr, the breaking of the monthly fast and Eid al Adha, the celebration of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son to Allah.

What Are Their Needs?

All the residents of Libya including the Palestinians need peace and a stable, just government. The many factions of the civil war need to put down their weapons and work together. The Palestinians living in Libya may never hear a clear presentation of the gospel. Isa or Jesus is much more than the human prophet that he is deemed to be in Islam. The Palestinians working in Libya would benefit by medical teams of believers coming to help them and showing them the love of Christ. Business experts could come and help reestablish Libyan businesses with loans and advice.

Prayer Points

Pray for a peaceful and just settlement to the Libyan civil war. Ask the Lord to raise up Palestinian disciples who will disciple others. Pray the Holy Spirit produces a deep hunger for spiritual things among Palestinians in Libya. Pray that Palestinians would tune into Christian TV and radio programs and be open to the message of hope.

Text Source:   Joshua Project