In the face of an escalating crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, an ecumenical group of Christian leaders has issued a passionate plea for justice, urging the world to break its silence.
In a statement shared with the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) communication office, the religious leaders call attention to the suffering of Palestinians and challenge global and religious communities to take a stand.
A Hidden War and Mass Displacement
In the statement co-signed by Fr David Neuhaus, a South African Jesuit and expert in the dialogue with Muslims, Judaism, and Christianity, religious leaders highlight an often-overlooked reality of Israel’s relentless bombardment of Gaza.
According to reports, the latest heavy Israeli bombing on the Gaza Strip has brought the death toll to over 1,100 Palestinians since Israel broke the truce.
“The Israeli army is carrying out the largest displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank from their homes since 1967,” the statement warns.
Quoting Psalm 130:1— “Out of the depths I cry to you”—the signatories underscore the depth of suffering in the region. They liken their call to action to the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan, questioning those who remain indifferent: “What will happen to him if I pass him by?”
On Sunday, March 22, before leaving Gemelli Hospital, where he was receiving treatment for bilateral pneumonia, Pope Francis once again appealed for peace, calling “for an immediate halt to the weapons; and for the courage to resume dialogue, so that all hostages may be released and a final ceasefire reached.”
Three Urgent Appeals
In the April 1 statement, the religious leaders address three key groups: Palestinians, the international community, and Christians and Jews who support the annexation of Palestinian land.
- To Palestinians: A Promise of Solidarity
To those suffering in Gaza, Khan Younis, Rafah, and the West Bank, the religious leaders offer both prayer and advocacy. “We refuse to simply pass you by. We not only do not forget you but commit ourselves to solidarity with you. We carry you in our prayers. We cry with you.” They stress their dedication to amplifying Palestinian voices in a world that often turns away.
- To the International Community: A Call to Speak Out
Addressing those who remain silent, the religious leaders acknowledge the fear of speaking up but insist that silence is complicity. “Perhaps you still hope, in your silence, that someone else along the way will stop to help. It should be apparent by now that no one is stopping.” They raise urgent concerns about the possible annexation of Palestinian territories, pointing to an upcoming announcement from U.S. President Donald Trump as a potential turning point.
They also criticize the increasing use of biblical terminology to justify territorial claims, stating, “The use of names like ‘Judea and Samaria’ instead of ‘the occupied West Bank’ manifests a desire to wipe Palestine and the Palestinians off the map, claiming we do not exist.”
- To Christians and Jews Who Support Annexation: A Theological Challenge
The signatories firmly reject religious justifications for Israeli territorial expansion. “We want to state clearly that you have been misguided,” they write, emphasizing that all people—Palestinians and Israelis alike—are created in the image of God. They remind the people of God of the biblical commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:39).
“To expel the Palestinians from their homeland is not only an act of violence; it is sacrilege,” they declare, making it clear that faith must not be weaponized to justify oppression.
A Message of Hope Amid Darkness
As Easter approaches, the religious leaders conclude with a message of faith and resilience. Citing John 1:3-5, they affirm their belief that justice will ultimately prevail: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.”
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