Dear friends,
I know like me many of you have been distressed over the violence in Israel and Gaza. We grieve for the lives of Israeli civilians killed by Hamas. We stand with our Jewish friends and neighbors in a time of increasing antisemitism. At the same time, we are watching unspeakable action taken against the people of Gaza in retaliation by the state of Israel. In the midst of this all, I find myself distressed at the dehumanizing rhetoric used by so many online and in our own community. Our faith compels us to oppose injustice and evil, while never sacrificing compassion for all who suffer.
The Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East has called on its siblings in the global Anglican communion to hold Tuesday, October 17 as a day of fasting and prayer for peace. I will be holding a brief silent vigil in the chapel Tuesday from 12:15-12:45pm for all those who wish to join in a time of prayer and solidarity. While peace may not seem possible in our human understanding, we pray in hope to the God who can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.
As prayer is best coupled with action, I encourage you to contribute to Episcopal Relief and Development, partnering with Al Ahli Hospital to provide emergency support in Gaza following the outbreak of war in the region.
