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Dear friends,
Last month, the world witnessed a horrific attack on Israel by the militant group Hamas. Leaders of the United Church of Christ have consistently condemned that act of terrorism and all expressions of hate and violence fueled by antisemitism. We have stood with Israel in calling for Hamas to release all hostages, and we have joined our ecumenical partners in continuing to affirm Israel’s rightful claim to its homeland, respect for its sovereign democracy, and appreciation for our longstanding friendship.
Following the Oct. 7 attack, we expected the Israeli military to retaliate. What we did not expect was an all-out declaration of war on Gaza’s 2 million people. This is deeply troubling.
Leaders of the United Church of Christ initially offered a very measured response, calling for prayers, urging diplomacy, and encouraging people of faith here in the United States to reject the twin evils of Islamophobia and antisemitism.
Commenting last week on the complexity of the conflict in the Middle East, former president Barack Obama said: “No side has clean hands.” Jews, Muslims and Christians – all children of Abraham and Sarah – wonder why the bonds of common spiritual ancestry continue to bring bloody division rather than unity. Sadly, the Holy Land remains so deeply entrenched in conflict that there is little hope for compromise, let alone harmony.
Here in our country, growing divisions about this war stem in part from today’s hyper-partisan politics as well as from our innate need to declare a victim and a villain. It is easier simply to take sides than to sit with the tension that comes with acknowledging the violent histories and vengeful provocations of Israelis and Palestinians alike.
It is important to remember that Hamas does not represent the ideals and peace-loving nature of many Palestinians. Nor do the actions of the Israeli government reflect the ideals and peace-loving nature of many of its citizens.
The bottom line: Innocent Israelis and Palestinians, whose only desire is to live in peace, have died senselessly. In the name of the God who declares “neither shall there be war anymore” we grieve all losses and pray for all death and destruction to end.
But prayer is not enough.
Recent events have prompted a shift from measured responses to an urgent call for a ceasefire in Gaza. More than 11,000 people have lost their lives, including 4,500 children and scores of women and elders. More than 200,000 homes in Gaza have suffered damage, and 1.6 million Gazans have fled their homes. Those who have left Gaza through the Rafah crossing into Egypt may have escaped the bombing but now face shortages of food and water and the likelihood that they will live indefinitely in tent cities in the Sinai Desert. Two major Gaza hospitals are now closed amid airstrikes and heavy fighting around the facilities and dwindling stores of medical supplies, oxygen and fuel.
The government of Israel is conducting an eradication of Gaza -- not a strategic military campaign targeting Hamas. This is an all-out genocide, and as people of faith we must stand up and call upon our leaders to use diplomatic pressure to demand a full ceasefire.
Here is what you can do:
- Contact our two U.S. senators and your member of the U.S. House of Representatives to ask that they call for a ceasefire and a suspension of funding to the Israeli government until the annihilation stops.
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Donate to the UCC's urgent appeal for humanitarian aid. Click to give now.
- Engage in conversations about this conflict with humility, sensitivity and love, acknowledging that there are no easy solutions. Find common ground in the hope for a stable Middle East where all can coexist in a just and sustainable way.
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Pray fervently for God’s shalom, as-salaam alaikum, the peace of Christ.
- Commit to a more intentional practice of peace in your daily life.
Finally, we remember that a different war rages just hours from the Middle East. As Ukraine and Russia prepare for a third bloody winter on the battlefield, hundreds of thousands remain displaced throughout Europe and countless families grieve. We worry about the geopolitical tensions and wonder whether a new world war could erupt.
Meanwhile, here at home we have entered an election cycle that threatens to be as ugly as the last one. All this makes us think about the stability of our world and the sanity of our lives.
As people of faith, we cling to the reassuring words of the psalmist: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble” (46:1). We hold fast to the teachings of Jesus, doubling down on love, and affirming – despite it all – that life is yet good, and God is at work bringing beauty and blessings to a broken and fragile world.
May the love of Christ be with you.
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