When addressing the ongoing war in Gaza, Christians here in America find themselves in a difficult place because we have fostered friendly ties with both the Jewish and Muslim communities – both of which view the recent lead up and explosion of violence in the Middle East very differently. There is also the difficult aspect that we are dealing with two religious groups that are also represented in the two national bodies now at war.
Statements must be clear that while we all condemn the heinous crimes of terrorism that were inflicted Oct. 7 upon innocent citizens of Israel, including the taking of hostages, we are also heartsick by the suffering and death of so many innocent civilians in Gaza by the Israeli military and government.
Christians’ views on the war differ from siding with one side or the other, to opinions that attempt to objectively address the conflict. Some Evangelical leaders, particularly those with a more end-time trajectory, see the violence as a sign of the conflict that must take place before the Second Coming of Christ, and they side with Israel uncritically. Others, such as the African Methodist Episcopal Church, issued a statement that says American financial assistance to help Israel fight its war in Gaza supports “mass genocide.” However, most Christians tread lightly when calling for a cessation of violence on all sides, to not take sides and give support to all those suffering. Most Christian leaders emphasize unity, peace and the value of every human life amid the conflict.
Pope Francis, amid so many differing views, has tried to acknowledge the suffering on both sides of the conflict. “This is not war. This is terrorism,” he has said, trying to emphasize the impact of violence on civilians on both sides. He has consistently called for peace and humanitarian aid for those suffering. The pope has called for a ceasefire in the region, the return of all hostages, and a two-state solution for lasting peace in both Israel and Palestine. Pope Francis has called upon all Christians to pray for peace, to take the side of peace, and has announced a day of penance to implore God for peace in the Middle East and throughout the world.
On the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple, Pope Francis released a letter to “Jewish brothers and sisters in Israel.” It was a personal letter to a Jewish Israeli professor. In this letter, he attempts to make his position as clear as possible.
A response to the letter came from Rabbi Guy Alaluf, an Orthodox Israeli rabbi and teacher. In his response, Rabbi Alaluf said, “Pope Francis, in this letter, makes his position clear: He negates all discriminatory attitudes toward Jews. Contrary to them, he recognizes and underlines the unique relationship between Judaism, the Jewish people and the Catholic Church. His criticism of the State of Israel does not stem from anti-Jewish attitudes but from completely different motives, consistent with his attitude toward all conflicts in the world. One might criticize this attitude, but it should not be confused with the question of the Catholic Church’s relationship with the Jewish people. The pope asks us, as Jews and Israelis, to differentiate between the religious, theological and spiritual dimensions of our relationship and the political, worldly and diplomatic dimensions. I am not sure whether Israeli society wants to do this or is even capable of doing it. However, at the very least, we should allow him to make such a separation himself. It may not currently meet the immediate interests of the State of Israel, but it certainly does serve the long-term interests of the Jewish people.”
Palestinian officials and commentators have viewed the pope’s efforts for peace and an end to violence positively. They believe his many statements aimed at ending violence of all kinds and the eventual recognition of Palestinian rights as a signal of support for peace and justice in the region. The pope’s call for an end to violence and his efforts to engage with both Israeli and Palestinian families affected by the conflict have been appreciated by most Palestinians.
Locally, we should work and pray toward an end to all suffering, the release of all hostages, peace in the Holy Land, dialogue and humanitarian aid to families caught in the crosshairs. Let us do our part to promote collaboration, solidarity and peace between Jews, Christians and Muslims. Let us condemn anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, as we advocate peace and reconciliation in the Holy Land!
Father Joseph D. Wallace is diocesan director of Ecumenical and Inter-religious Affairs and pastor of Christ the Redeemer Parish, Atco.
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