Statements and Actions on Israel/Palestine Violence

Once again, our hearts break at the eruption of violence afflicting Israel/Palestine and Gaza.  At the heart of the conflict is Jerusalem, a city sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims.  Injustice on the level of home confiscation and restriction of assembly and worship for Palestinians have given rise to the latest round of violence, with missiles killing large numbers in Gaza, killing smaller numbers in Israel but nonetheless spreading terror and trauma.  Extremist elements among Jewish and Arab Israelis are engaging in rioting and personal combat that could tragically set back the goal of shared society for a very long time.

As people of faith, we know that violence begets more violence and hatred begets more hatred.  We pray that the power of love and justice will somehow prevail over the precious Holy Land, healing the long-standing wounds of injustice, hatred, and war.

We call for an immediate halt to hostilities—on the part of individuals, nationalistic groups, and governments.  More combat will only engender more trauma and hatred in populations long battered by war and injustice.

Our prayers are with all those in the region, and all of our neighbors, family, and friends who are deeply connected to Israel and Palestine.  May God’s peace and justice soon conquer the forces of violence and oppression.

Recommended Actions:
1. Sign this "Urgent US Leadership is Needed on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict" statement from J Street
2. Call or write your members of Congress, demanding U.S. action to pressure both sides to adopt a halt to hostilities.

For fuller statements from a variety of multifaith organizations and partners, click "read more" below.

We lift up the following multifaith statements on the situation:

• Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom, a national organization of Jewish and Muslim women
• A Muslim and Jewish Call for Shalom, Salaam, Peace in Jerusalem, Israel and Palestine This statement was initiated by Daisy Kahn, executive secretary of Women's Islamic Initiative in Spirituality and Equality (WISE), Adem Carroll (active Muslim member of several interfaith organizations) and Rabbi Arthur Waskow (Shalom Center).
• Parliament of the World’s Religions
• Patriarchs and Heads of Churches of Jerusalem
• Truah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights
• World Council of Churches
• American Friends Service Committee (Quaker)