Tag: israel and hamas war

Last weekend when I woke up and checked my phone it didn’t feel like a normal Saturday. A hole was created in my chest. When I saw Israel was attacked by Hamas, my heart sank deep in my chest. And it has hit me hard. Way harder than I expected.

Even though I appreciate how the Israelis have “made the desert bloom,” it has come at a great price for the local Palestinians.

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.

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

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.