Israel-Hamas War

The University of Southern California's decision to bar their Muslim valedictorian Asna Tabassum from speaking at graduation shows academic institutions are failing to protect students equally.

Every year Ramadan and Eid returns, so does the suffering of the people of Palestine return. The people of Gaza have been amidst famine throughout the holiest month of Ramadan. Meanwhile I and many fellow Muslims around the globe will be celebrating the end of Ramadan with gifts, families, friends and feasts.

As Christians approach Easter, Baptists sheltered in the remnants of Gaza Baptist Church are so worn out they “no longer have the energy to suffer,” a leader there told the Christian Mission to Gaza (CM2G).

On March 30, Christians, Jews, Muslims and people from multiple faiths in Spokane and the surrounding area will embark on a 25-mile pilgrimage in solidarity and prayer for a ceasefire in Gaza and Israel.

Around the globe, Muslims, including myself, will be fasting for 29-30 days (depending on the sight of the moon), connecting with our Creator and finding solace at home or with our congregation. Ramadan gives us an opportunity to take a break from our fast-paced, hectic routines.

Would a person of such decency respond to the atrocities in Gaza by declaring that the Lord is coming soon? Of course not! It’s insensitive as well as biblically flawed. We should be deeply concerned about the murders of thousands of Palestinian civilians. We should not exploit these horrors as an opportunity to declare that Jesus is on his way.

The Very Rev. Heather VanDeventer, the Dean of St. John's Cathedral, writes about her reaction to the loss of life and the destruction in the Holy Land of both Israelis and Palestinians and what Episcopalians and others can do to help give hope.