Praying for the Mideast
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers.” —Psalm 122:6
It’s not possible to say anything about Israel and Palestine without offending someone. American Jews are offended when American Christians criticize Israel for its treatment of the Palestinian people; for Israel’s continuing construction of settlements on land needed for a future Palestinian state; for civilian casualties that occur when Israel is pursuing militants who are carrying out rocket attacks that target Israeli civilians; for what seems to be a lack of commitment to any process that might result in an independent Palestinian state.
American Christians are offended when Jewish neighbors imply and sometimes charge that any criticism of Israel is anti-Semitic. Christians remember how Jews and Christians stood shoulder to shoulder during the civil rights movement, challenging unjust laws and practices in this country, and wonder why so few Jewish voices and organizations are criticizing Israel’s construction of settlements.
