Israel-Hamas War

As Israel readies a massive military response to Hamas’ attack from the Gaza Strip, Jewish, Muslim and Christian religious leaders and faith-based activist groups are mounting a campaign calling for a cease-fire.

This has been a long week with frustrating and frightening news that is both far away and close to home. Last Sunday, we prayed for the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East and also for our mission partners at Odyssey Youth Movement.

Regional refugee-support organizations aren’t expecting people fleeing the Israel-Hamas war to resettle in the Spokane area.

I fear that we, as a society, have become callous to news that doesn’t affect us directly. 

A pro-Israel rally was hosted on Sunday afternoon at Riverfront Park to condemn the Hamas surprise attacks last weekend that led to the abduction and killing of over a thousand Israeli civilians.

Amid the multiple analyses emerging of the latest major development in the now 150-plus-year-old Palestinian-Israeli conflict, one matter being largely passed over is any mention of how an international youth music festival played a central role in the planned Hamas assault.

On Monday the Spokane City Council voted unanimously to condemn the attacks on Israel after Councilman Jonathan Bingle, who introduced the resolution, said he spoke with local Jews. Not all agree that it was the right move.