Israel - Palestine Conflict Discussion Thread

[Woolfsmck 2,763]

I hope everything cools down and Hamas dusappears

Hamas hurts the Palestinians just as much as Israel.

[darkwolf 590]

On topic, many Jewish organizations are funding life-savings surgeries for not only Palestinians, but other people from different countries as well. I still haven't heard about any Arab organization doing the same.

I'm sure they do, found this link for example http://www.micad.gov.ae/ResourcesGuidelines/UAE%20Foreign%20Aid%20Report%202012.pdf

You only see what your eyes want to see, you're frozen when your heart is not open :reductive:

[Dolev 867]

but i don't see what you're saying. what has size and age got to do with it? it's easier to create a fixed concept of a nation because of the small size and because of biblical or ancestral ties to a certain area (which cannot possibly apply any more because of the concept of conversion) - so it deserves one? still sounds totally fictional and bogus and not useful to me. that's not an argument at all. that doesn't explain to me at all any more how it is a nation than any other kind of people who have some common thread. listen, if you can convince me the creation of israel was entirely legitimate and their quarrel with the palestinians is not their fault at all then i'll be the biggest supporter of israel you know. but no one seems to have any arguments that actually hold their own. 

 

but why did they have to accept it? because of colonialism and threats? they have no choice but to accept it. so how can you blame them? no matter what they do it's israel's way or the highway but no credible reason to say so except "accept something you are not actually obligated to accept or things are going to be much worse for you". threats. 

Convincing you in something you don't ideological-wise fine with is kinda impossible. Funny how it's only wrong for you when it's about Israel.

So Dolev, are you gonna ignore the fact that you got caught up in a lie?

That's the first time you have quoted me with those. Sorry Madam, your posts are usually not worthy of my time, don't expect me to follow them that closely.

 

 

So far we’ve been talking about destroying enemy power installations. This is permitted. A fortiori, simply not giving the enemy from one’s own power stations would not even be a question. But Israel’s action would be even one step away from that. The Palestinians have not been paying for the power they are consuming. Their electrical bill is due. Bombing enemy power plants is ok; not selling them power is a fortiori ok; and thus not letting them take it for free is, for lack of a better term, a double a fortiori.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2014/08/01/does-israel-have-to-give-free-power-to-gaza/

Palestinians are not paying for the electricity Israel is supplying them for years now because they simply cannot afford it. Israel is still giving them the power and takes some of money to cover up the costs and it has every right to do so. There you have it.  :)

Are you kidding with this coin?

 

Did anyone deny here existence of the Jews in that area? No. But you were always in minority, and this does not prove that it's ''your own'' land nor that what you are doing is not an occupation. It's 21st century, you know?

 

Is this your way of justifying Israel's recent land grab of almost 1,000 acres from West Bank? Destroying 5 Palestinian villages for more illegal settlers?

 

http://mondoweiss.net/2014/09/palestinian-settlement-abduction.html

 

http://time.com/3244667/israel-claims-almost-1000-acres-of-west-bank-for-new-settlement/

 

http://online.wsj.com/articles/land-move-by-israel-draws-criticism-1409610335

 

http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/us-considers-action-against-israel-after-announcement-west-bank-land-grab-1893441846

 

Even your ally USA doesn't seem happy about it.

I do not support any illegal settelments. That's have nothing to do with some people here doubting Jewish claim over the land of Israel.

I'm sure they do, found this link for example http://www.micad.gov.ae/ResourcesGuidelines/UAE%20Foreign%20Aid%20Report%202012.pdf

You only see what your eyes want to see, you're frozen when your heart is not open :reductive:

Wow. Some sheikhs throwing money for "development"   You might use the Qatar receipt next, they've been funding Hamas' "civilian" plans for the recent years.

[lego 44,165]

Document signed by 14 largest Christian denominations demands end of Israeli persecution against Christians. http://www.kairospalestine.ps/sites/default/Documents/English.pdf

His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox His Beatitude Patriarch Fouad Twal, Latin Church

His Beatitude Patriarch Torkom Manougian, Armenian Orthodox Very Revd Father Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Custody of the Holy Land H.E. Archbishop Dr Anba Abraham, Coptic

H.E. Archbishop Mar Swerios Malki Murad, Syrian Orthodox H.E. Archbishop Paul Nabil Sayah, Maronite H.E. Archbishop Abba Mathaious, Ethiopian H.E. Archbishop Joseph-Jules Zerey, Greek Catholic Bishop Gregor Peter Malki, Syrian Catholic Bishop Munib A. Younan, Lutheran Bishop Suheil Dawani, Anglican Bishop Raphael Minassian, Armenian Catholic

This document is the Christian Palestinians’ word to the world about what is happening in Palestine. It is written at this time when we wanted to see the Glory of the grace of God in this land and in the sufferings of its people. In this spirit the document requests the international community to stand by the Palestinian people who have faced oppression, displacement, suffering and clear apartheid for more than six decades. The suffering continues while the international community silently looks on at the occupying State, Israel. Our word is a cry of hope, with love, prayer and faith in God. We address it first of all to ourselves and then to all the churches and Christians in the world, asking them to stand against injustice and apartheid, urging them to work for a just peace in our region, calling on them to revisit theologies that justify crimes perpetrated against our people and the dispossession of the land.

In this historic document, we Palestinian Christians declare that the military occupation of our land is a sin against God and humanity, and that any theology that legitimizes the occupation is far from Christian teachings because true Christian theology is a theology of love and solidarity with the oppressed, a call to justice and equality among people.

[lego 44,165]

Israel accused of war crimes (UK Parliament)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=AJWNE83j__k

Highlights from a UK parliamentary debate in which MPs variously accused Israel of war crimes, disproportionate violence, ruining peace negotiations by building illegal settlements, running the worlds largest outdoor prison, collective punishment, and attacking water supplies, hospitals, supply centres and all manner of other civilian targets.

The debate took place on the 14th of July 2014

[Melech 9,900]

I love how Israeli Christians don't involve in that conflict at all

[lego 44,165]

I love how Israeli Christians don't involve in that conflict at all

What about Palestinian Christians? Do you care what they have to say?

[Melech 9,900]

What about Palestinian Christians? Do you care what they have to say?

My mum ( a Christian from Israel) says that Christians ,especially in Gaza, suffer under the extremist islamic rule of Gaza.

[lego 44,165]

My mum ( a Christian from Israel) says that Christians ,especially in Gaza, suffer under the extremist islamic rule of Gaza.

Oh really?

http://www.ifamericansknew.org/history/rel-christians.html

Is that why Christians and Muslims have good relations and Muslims were taken to churches to pray(after mosques were destroyed) and take refuge? And even those churches were later damaged by Israeli bombing?

[Melech 9,900]

Oh really?

http://www.ifamericansknew.org/history/rel-christians.html

Is that why Christians and Muslims have good relations and Muslims were taken to churches to pray(after mosques were destroyed) and take refuge? And even those churches were later damaged by Israeli bombing?

 

 

In 2007, about 3,000 Gazans were Christian, out of the total population of 1.5 million.[35] In 2011 The Christian population of Gaza Strip was less than 1,400. Attacks on Christians and their property are rare,[36] with the notable exception of those on The Teacher's Bookshop. A member of the Catholic faith told The Guardian he was stopped by a Hamas official and told to remove a wooden crucifix he was wearing.[37]

The Islamization of Gaza has put increasing pressure on the tiny Christian minority.[38] Following the Hamas takeover of Gaza in 2007, Abu Saqer, leader of Jihadia Salafiya, a rival group to Hamas,[39] announced the opening of a "military wing" to enforce Muslim law in Gaza. "I expect our Christian neighbors to understand the new Hamas rule means real changes. They must be ready for Islamic rule if they want to live in peace in Gaza." [40] Sheik Saqer has asserted that there is "no need" for Christians in Gaza to maintain Christian institutions and demanded that Hamas "must work to impose an Islamic rule or it will lose the authority it has and the will of the people."[41]

In October 2007, Rami Khader Ayyad, owner of Gaza's only Christian bookstore, was abducted, beaten and murdered, after his bookstore was firebombed by an unidentified group attacking targets associated with Western influence. According to Ayyad's family and neighbors, he had regularly received anonymous death threats from people angered by his missionary work. Ismail Haniyeh, leader of Hamas in Gaza, condemned Ayyad's killing and said Hamas "would not allow anyone to sabotage Muslim-Christian relations." Hamas officials made visits to Christian community, and its spokesman promised to bring those responsible to justice. No group claimed responsibility for the murder.[35][42][43][44]

Ayyad's funeral was attended by 300 Muslims and Christians. The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights stated "This ugly act has no support by any religious group here."[36]

In 2012, a public protest was organized by dozens of Christians who claimed that two Christians were forcibly converted to Islam and were being held against their will. According to two mediators, the two Christians embraced Islam of their own free will. The conversions have the minority Christian population worried, and Huda Al-Amash, the mother of one of the converts, Ramez, stated, "If things remain like this, there'll be no Christians left in Gaza." Gaza's Archbishop Alexious said that the converts should be returned to their families.[45][46]

from wikipedia 

[Jjang 2,262]

*This war in particular is causing racism and hate crimes all over Israel, its not pretty.

 

[lego 44,165]

from wikipedia 

 

 

Ok...and? Did you miss these parts too?

 

 

Attacks on Christians and their property are rare,[36]

Ismail Haniyeh, leader of Hamas in Gaza, condemned Ayyad's killing and said Hamas "would not allow anyone to sabotage Muslim-Christian relations." Hamas officials made visits to Christian community, and its spokesman promised to bring those responsible to justice.

 

Ayyad's funeral was attended by 300 Muslims and Christians. The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights stated "This ugly act has no support by any religious group here.

 

According to two mediators, the two Christians embraced Islam of their own free will.

 

 

You should read this

 

 

How Gaza’s Christians View the Hamas-Israeli Conflict

Baptist pastor Hanna Massad speaks openly about what he sees happening as he helps to shelter Gaza’s Christians and others during the current conflict.

 

The summer of violence in Gaza and Israel on Tuesday entered its fifth week after rockets, fired from inside Gaza, broke the latest ceasefire. After the attack, Israel recalled its negotiators from peace talks in Cairo, and Israeli forces launched new airstrikes.

 

Since the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) launched Operation Protective Edge on July 8, the IDF has completed 1,300 air strikes, and ground troops have destroyed more than 30 cross-border tunnels. Since January, combatants inside Gaza have fired about 3,000 rockets into Israel. It is the deadliest conflict between Palestinians and Israelis since the Second Intifada, which ended in 2005. As of mid-August, more than 2,000 have died in the current conflict, including 1,975 Gazans (combatants included), 64 Israeli soldiers, and two Israeli civilians.

 

The Christian minority inside Gaza has not been spared fatalities. But it has also offered shelter, food, education, and medical care to hundreds of Gazans. Hanna Massad, former pastor of the Gaza Baptist Church, has been coordinating Christian aid efforts from his current pastorate in Amman, Jordan. Massad is a graduate of Bethlehem Bible College and earned a doctorate in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary. There have been Christians in Gaza since the third century.

 

Timothy C. Morgan, senior editor, global journalism, and journalist Deann Alford interviewed Massad recently by phone and email as the conflict continued. CT is pursuing a similar interview from the perspective of Christians inside Israel on the latest conflict.

 

 

What are Christians inside Gaza telling you?

 

I was happy to hear about the ceasefire. This morning the news was that, unfortunately, the fighting has continued. Several times daily I communicate with Gaza by phone or Skype. Water supplies are very low in Gaza. There’s little or no electricity. I’ve spoken with my Muslim neighbors and Christians. All are waiting and anxious about what will happen next.

 

Are Gazans being sheltered in churches?

 

Gaza Baptist Church hasn’t been damaged, but it's next door to Gaza’s main police station, which is a target. The bombs have made it too dangerous for Baptist church members to meet. But thousands of Muslims have found refuge in other churches that have opened their doors to refugees. My neighbor called to ask if he and his family could move into my family home in Gaza. Now there’s almost 100 people living in my house. People throughout Gaza are taking care of each other.

Eastern Gaza is very dangerous. Most of north Gaza borders Israel. Through the Christian Mission to Gaza that I founded in 1999 and in partnership with Bethlehem Bible Society and Gaza Baptist Church, we’ve supplied food relief to hundreds of Muslim and Christians. Our goal is to help 1,000 families.

 

How many Christians remain in Gaza?

Four hundred families. Two months ago there were 1,333 individualsâ€â€mostly Greek Orthodox, Catholics, and Baptists.

 

How should Christians understand this conflict?

A Jew killing a Palestinian or Palestinian killing a Jew are symptoms of the problem. The root of the problem is the Israeli occupation of Gaza. As Christians we know there won’t be any peace in peoples’ lives without the Prince of Peace. But as long as this occupation continues, there will not really be a solution.

Even before the war, Gaza suffered more than 40 percent unemployment, while 80 percent of Gazans have been going to charities for food. We as Christians provide relief to both Christians and Muslims through the Christian Mission to Gaza, which reflects God’s love in a practical way. I teach in the Bethlehem Bible College extension campus in Gaza. We hope and pray that through these ministries we reflect Christ’s love in Gaza.

 

This suffering afflicts both Christian and Muslims. The Lighthouse School experienced the death of two students (brothers) in their home. Israel bombed the home of Christian Jalila Ayyad, killing her. Her son, Jeries, lost his legs and an arm. Jeries used to attend Baptist youth meetings.

 

Does Israel have a right to exist, and should Palestinians say so?

Absolutely, yes, and Palestinian leaders need to say so.

 

What do you say to American Christians who support Israel?

As Christians in Palestine, we love the Jewish people. When the Lord changed our hearts, he gave us love for all people. I hope my brothers and sisters in the West also have enough room in their hearts not just for Israel but also for the Palestinians.

See the other side of the coin. In 1948, the state of Israel was founded, and more than 700,000 Palestinians became refugees, and 50,000 to 55,000 of them were Christian. They scattered around the world, some to Gaza and the West Bank. They went to Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. Many still live in very difficult circumstances.

Sometimes my brothers in the West say, “This land is promised to the Jewish people; get over it.†But I would say, what would you do for the people who lost their homes and land in 1948? We have official documents to prove our ownership of the 17 acres my father’s family lost. If we talk about a God of justice and love, how to explain this to the Palestinians who lost their homes and land to Israel?

Amos 5:24 says, “But let justice roll down like river and righteousness like a never-failing stream.†And Micah 6:8: “He has showed you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord required of you to act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?â€

How should you extend this love to these Palestinians Muslims and Christians who lost their land? You cannot just say that God gave the land to the Jewish people. To love the Palestinians, you must understand their struggle. I see people go too far to support the Jewish people; others go too far to support the Palestinians.

Extend love not just to one side, but to both.

What I say to the church in West is this: There are churches and believers on both sides. Let us focus on the Kingdom of God among the Palestinians and the Kingdom of God among Jewish believers. All of us Christians in the East and the West belong to one body: the body of Christ. Bless the body of Christ in this region.

We can be a blessing to each other and learn from each other and enrich each other’s lives. May we have enough space in our hearts for the Palestinians, the Christians, and the Jewish people. For the bigger circle, we do what we can to help people stop killing each other and to live side-by-side with love and respect.

 

What should Christians be calling for?

 

Usually, war and military might will not solve problems. The best way is to sit and find a balanced solution. But as a Palestinian Christian, I go to Gaza and see the siege that Gazans live under from the sky, land, and sea.

I have never been in prison, but I lived in one when I was in Gaza. Gaza has become a huge prison. Life there has been very difficult. Fishermen can go only three miles into the water. Unemployment is oppressive. Gaza is 30 miles long, 7 miles wide, with 1.8 million people. People die because they can’t get the medical treatment they need because of the siege and they’re not able to leave. They also have been affected by the problems between Egypt and Hamas. The people of

Unless we deal with the conflict, this problem will continue for a long, long time. Continuing this siege contributes to raising young people who will use violence because they have little to lose. They’ve already lost almost everything.

For example, here’s how many people in Gaza view their experience:

We’re not able to live our lives, so what will we lose if we continue this fight? So let us continue this fight until we’re able to improve our lives.

At least, let’s open the borders so Gazans have freedom to walk in and out. The siege must be lifted.

Of the more than 1,900 Gazans killed in this war, according to the United Nations, 72 percent are civilians, and many are children. Some in the West say Hamas is using civilians as human shields. The UN is investigating this. Others say Israel knew civilians were in UN schools and still hit it. It’s terrible all the civilians being killed.

 

Some Christians inside Israel have influence. How should they speak out?

 

It’s hard for me to think like somebody who launches missiles from Gaza toward civilians in Israel. It’s hard to imagine. Of course, we as Christians are against this. But I would ask my brothers, the Jews, when you see how many people are killed, do you think it’s worth it? Couldn’t you find another way to solve this horrible conflict?

The power on each side is not equal. For us as Christians, for me, one person killed is too many, either Palestinian or Jew, because each of us is created in the image of God. We can see God in each other.

How we can respect and protect the dignity of humanity regardless of ethnicity is really important. I hope my Jewish brothers will able to look at it from this point of view. And again, for all of us to be honest with ourselves and try to dig even deeper to address the root of this conflict.

How far back in history we should go to try to solve this conflict? I mean, do you want to go to the time of Abraham where he had Isaac and Ishmael?

We have problems we need to solve.

To paraphrase Father Elias Chacour, we need to stand with the weak, with the victim, with the oppressed, without demonizing the oppressor and still love the oppressor. Of course, the weak here is the Palestinian. Palestinians and Jews alike hurt one another. Nobody is winning.

 

Are you calling for a deeper sense of empathy with both sides?

Christian believers here in the Middle East need the encouragement of their brothers and sisters in the West.

Let us try not to take sides, but to have bigger heart, to love both and pray for both and encourage both, to focus on the Kingdom of God on both sides. When there’s injustice or something wrong, don’t hesitate to speak with love.

If we unconditionally support Israel, if we don’t speak out when there’s injustice, it’s not very good for the Jewish people. That’s because in the long run, if Israel continues with this, in the long run it will destroy its people for generations to come and create more and more enemies who in the future will stand against them.

 

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2014/august-web-only/hamas-israel-conflict-gaza-christians.html?start=3

[Melech 9,900]

Ok...and? Did you miss these parts too?

 

 

You should read this

 

 

How Gaza’s Christians View the Hamas-Israeli Conflict

Baptist pastor Hanna Massad speaks openly about what he sees happening as he helps to shelter Gaza’s Christians and others during the current conflict.

 

The summer of violence in Gaza and Israel on Tuesday entered its fifth week after rockets, fired from inside Gaza, broke the latest ceasefire. After the attack, Israel recalled its negotiators from peace talks in Cairo, and Israeli forces launched new airstrikes.

 

Since the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) launched Operation Protective Edge on July 8, the IDF has completed 1,300 air strikes, and ground troops have destroyed more than 30 cross-border tunnels. Since January, combatants inside Gaza have fired about 3,000 rockets into Israel. It is the deadliest conflict between Palestinians and Israelis since the Second Intifada, which ended in 2005. As of mid-August, more than 2,000 have died in the current conflict, including 1,975 Gazans (combatants included), 64 Israeli soldiers, and two Israeli civilians.

 

The Christian minority inside Gaza has not been spared fatalities. But it has also offered shelter, food, education, and medical care to hundreds of Gazans. Hanna Massad, former pastor of the Gaza Baptist Church, has been coordinating Christian aid efforts from his current pastorate in Amman, Jordan. Massad is a graduate of Bethlehem Bible College and earned a doctorate in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary. There have been Christians in Gaza since the third century.

 

Timothy C. Morgan, senior editor, global journalism, and journalist Deann Alford interviewed Massad recently by phone and email as the conflict continued. CT is pursuing a similar interview from the perspective of Christians inside Israel on the latest conflict.

 

 

What are Christians inside Gaza telling you?

 

I was happy to hear about the ceasefire. This morning the news was that, unfortunately, the fighting has continued. Several times daily I communicate with Gaza by phone or Skype. Water supplies are very low in Gaza. There’s little or no electricity. I’ve spoken with my Muslim neighbors and Christians. All are waiting and anxious about what will happen next.

 

Are Gazans being sheltered in churches?

 

Gaza Baptist Church hasn’t been damaged, but it's next door to Gaza’s main police station, which is a target. The bombs have made it too dangerous for Baptist church members to meet. But thousands of Muslims have found refuge in other churches that have opened their doors to refugees. My neighbor called to ask if he and his family could move into my family home in Gaza. Now there’s almost 100 people living in my house. People throughout Gaza are taking care of each other.

Eastern Gaza is very dangerous. Most of north Gaza borders Israel. Through the Christian Mission to Gaza that I founded in 1999 and in partnership with Bethlehem Bible Society and Gaza Baptist Church, we’ve supplied food relief to hundreds of Muslim and Christians. Our goal is to help 1,000 families.

 

How many Christians remain in Gaza?

Four hundred families. Two months ago there were 1,333 individualsâ€â€mostly Greek Orthodox, Catholics, and Baptists.

 

How should Christians understand this conflict?

A Jew killing a Palestinian or Palestinian killing a Jew are symptoms of the problem. The root of the problem is the Israeli occupation of Gaza. As Christians we know there won’t be any peace in peoples’ lives without the Prince of Peace. But as long as this occupation continues, there will not really be a solution.

Even before the war, Gaza suffered more than 40 percent unemployment, while 80 percent of Gazans have been going to charities for food. We as Christians provide relief to both Christians and Muslims through the Christian Mission to Gaza, which reflects God’s love in a practical way. I teach in the Bethlehem Bible College extension campus in Gaza. We hope and pray that through these ministries we reflect Christ’s love in Gaza.

 

This suffering afflicts both Christian and Muslims. The Lighthouse School experienced the death of two students (brothers) in their home. Israel bombed the home of Christian Jalila Ayyad, killing her. Her son, Jeries, lost his legs and an arm. Jeries used to attend Baptist youth meetings.

 

Does Israel have a right to exist, and should Palestinians say so?

Absolutely, yes, and Palestinian leaders need to say so.

 

What do you say to American Christians who support Israel?

As Christians in Palestine, we love the Jewish people. When the Lord changed our hearts, he gave us love for all people. I hope my brothers and sisters in the West also have enough room in their hearts not just for Israel but also for the Palestinians.

See the other side of the coin. In 1948, the state of Israel was founded, and more than 700,000 Palestinians became refugees, and 50,000 to 55,000 of them were Christian. They scattered around the world, some to Gaza and the West Bank. They went to Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. Many still live in very difficult circumstances.

Sometimes my brothers in the West say, “This land is promised to the Jewish people; get over it.†But I would say, what would you do for the people who lost their homes and land in 1948? We have official documents to prove our ownership of the 17 acres my father’s family lost. If we talk about a God of justice and love, how to explain this to the Palestinians who lost their homes and land to Israel?

Amos 5:24 says, “But let justice roll down like river and righteousness like a never-failing stream.†And Micah 6:8: “He has showed you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord required of you to act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?â€

How should you extend this love to these Palestinians Muslims and Christians who lost their land? You cannot just say that God gave the land to the Jewish people. To love the Palestinians, you must understand their struggle. I see people go too far to support the Jewish people; others go too far to support the Palestinians.

Extend love not just to one side, but to both.

What I say to the church in West is this: There are churches and believers on both sides. Let us focus on the Kingdom of God among the Palestinians and the Kingdom of God among Jewish believers. All of us Christians in the East and the West belong to one body: the body of Christ. Bless the body of Christ in this region.

We can be a blessing to each other and learn from each other and enrich each other’s lives. May we have enough space in our hearts for the Palestinians, the Christians, and the Jewish people. For the bigger circle, we do what we can to help people stop killing each other and to live side-by-side with love and respect.

 

What should Christians be calling for?

 

Usually, war and military might will not solve problems. The best way is to sit and find a balanced solution. But as a Palestinian Christian, I go to Gaza and see the siege that Gazans live under from the sky, land, and sea.

I have never been in prison, but I lived in one when I was in Gaza. Gaza has become a huge prison. Life there has been very difficult. Fishermen can go only three miles into the water. Unemployment is oppressive. Gaza is 30 miles long, 7 miles wide, with 1.8 million people. People die because they can’t get the medical treatment they need because of the siege and they’re not able to leave. They also have been affected by the problems between Egypt and Hamas. The people of

Unless we deal with the conflict, this problem will continue for a long, long time. Continuing this siege contributes to raising young people who will use violence because they have little to lose. They’ve already lost almost everything.

For example, here’s how many people in Gaza view their experience:

We’re not able to live our lives, so what will we lose if we continue this fight? So let us continue this fight until we’re able to improve our lives.

At least, let’s open the borders so Gazans have freedom to walk in and out. The siege must be lifted.

Of the more than 1,900 Gazans killed in this war, according to the United Nations, 72 percent are civilians, and many are children. Some in the West say Hamas is using civilians as human shields. The UN is investigating this. Others say Israel knew civilians were in UN schools and still hit it. It’s terrible all the civilians being killed.

 

Some Christians inside Israel have influence. How should they speak out?

 

It’s hard for me to think like somebody who launches missiles from Gaza toward civilians in Israel. It’s hard to imagine. Of course, we as Christians are against this. But I would ask my brothers, the Jews, when you see how many people are killed, do you think it’s worth it? Couldn’t you find another way to solve this horrible conflict?

The power on each side is not equal. For us as Christians, for me, one person killed is too many, either Palestinian or Jew, because each of us is created in the image of God. We can see God in each other.

How we can respect and protect the dignity of humanity regardless of ethnicity is really important. I hope my Jewish brothers will able to look at it from this point of view. And again, for all of us to be honest with ourselves and try to dig even deeper to address the root of this conflict.

How far back in history we should go to try to solve this conflict? I mean, do you want to go to the time of Abraham where he had Isaac and Ishmael?

We have problems we need to solve.

To paraphrase Father Elias Chacour, we need to stand with the weak, with the victim, with the oppressed, without demonizing the oppressor and still love the oppressor. Of course, the weak here is the Palestinian. Palestinians and Jews alike hurt one another. Nobody is winning.

 

Are you calling for a deeper sense of empathy with both sides?

Christian believers here in the Middle East need the encouragement of their brothers and sisters in the West.

Let us try not to take sides, but to have bigger heart, to love both and pray for both and encourage both, to focus on the Kingdom of God on both sides. When there’s injustice or something wrong, don’t hesitate to speak with love.

If we unconditionally support Israel, if we don’t speak out when there’s injustice, it’s not very good for the Jewish people. That’s because in the long run, if Israel continues with this, in the long run it will destroy its people for generations to come and create more and more enemies who in the future will stand against them.

 

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2014/august-web-only/hamas-israel-conflict-gaza-christians.html?start=3

I don't think that the opinion of one Christian there is the general opinion there. That Gaza lost so many Christians makes me doubt. 

[lego 44,165]

I don't think that the opinion of one Christian there is the general opinion there. That Gaza lost so many Christians makes me doubt.

You answered so fast, I have my doubts that you even read what he said. and it's not one person.

I just posted above you

Document signed by 14 largest Christian denominations demands end of Israeli persecution against Christians.

http://www.kairospalestine.ps/sites/default/Documents/English.pdf

but nice that you ignore it.

Actually, from what you posted before, I believe you and your family are from Christian sect of evangelists who do a lot of missionary work and supports Israel no matter what, cause you believe they're "chosen nation", and it's their "promissed land by God" and that Jesus will show up there. Am I right?

So there is no point in discussing this further, as you won't believe any Christian who doesn't agree with you.

And this pastor already explained why there are less Christians in Palestine

In 1948, the state of Israel was founded, and more than 700,000 Palestinians became refugees, and 50,000 to 55,000 of them were Christian. They scattered around the world, some to Gaza and the West Bank. They went to Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. Many still live in very difficult circumstances.

Sometimes my brothers in the West say, “This land is promised to the Jewish people; get over it.†But I would say, what would you do for the people who lost their homes and land in 1948? We have official documents to prove our ownership of the 17 acres my father’s family lost. If we talk about a God of justice and love, how to explain this to the Palestinians who lost their homes and land to Israel?

[Melech 9,900]

You answered so fast, I have my doubts that you even read what he said. and it's not one person.

I just posted above you

Document signed by 14 largest Christian denominations demands end of Israeli persecution against Christians.

http://www.kairospalestine.ps/sites/default/Documents/English.pdf

but nice that you ignore it.

Actually, from what you posted before, I believe you and your family are from Christian sect of evangelists who do a lot of missionary work and supports Israel no matter what, cause you believe they're "chosen nation", and it's their "promissed land by God" and that Jesus will show up there. Am I right?

So there is no point in discussing this further, as you won't believe any Christian who doesn't agree with you.

No reason to get personal now?!