Israel and Gaza conflict: pro-peace 

Being pro peace means living in tension with the complexities of the religious politics, writes Israel Olofinjana

In our intercession we cry out for the miraculous work of God, pleading for His kingdom to break through and peace to reign in the region

As the war rages on in Israel and Palestine, one question I keep being asked is, “whose side am I on?” Like many of you I’m sure, this question is deeply personal for me, as I see my friends, both Jewish and Palestinian, profoundly impacted by this conflict.

But as I listen to a vast range of  public voices from all sides of the conflict, I am struck by the stereotypes I hear repeatedly employed, that to be pro-Israel is to espouse some extreme form of Zionistic dispensational theology.

Or to be pro-Palestine is to ignore the heinous acts of brutality enacted by terrorists.

The binaries of the debate can limit our ability to seek out nuance and they ultimately hinder our ability to stand in the gap, acknowledge the tensions and be pro-peace.

But what does being pro-peace look like practically?

Being pro-peace firstly means we come to an understanding that the conflict in Israel and Palestine is complex, that soundbites and snipes can distort and distract us from the pursuit of justice  peace and unity.

Secondly, being pro-peace means that we are on the side of the vulnerable people suffering wherever they are located, that the devastation of lives and futures is being felt terribly, irrespective of which side of the conflict one is found. The loss of life, of children of the weak and of the vulnerable should cause us all to weep and lament profoundly.

Lastly, being pro-peace means coming to an understanding that God does not take sides, therefore our intercession is offered for both sides crying out for the miraculous work of God to be seen in the region, that as we pray to the one who is able to do more than we dare dream or imagine, we stand with the rest of God’s people, Jewish Christians as well as Palestinian Christians, pleading for God’s kingdom to break through and peace to reign.

Being pro-peace is not an easy or comfortable position to occupy. But it is one that offers a mediatory role that is hopeful. It means living in tension with the complexities of the religious politics of the geo-political context of the Middle East, while asking for the perspective of Jesus, the prince of peace on whose shoulders rest the government of the entire world.

Below is my prayer for the conflict in Israel and Palestine.


Prayer for Israel and Palestine

God of mercy, love and hope, forgive humanity for dangerous ideologies that lead to terror and trauma.
For we are all created in your image, therefore each of us is your image-bearer.
Forgive us when we do not recognise this in ourselves or in others.

We need your wisdom, grace and peace in the complex situation in Israel and Palestine.
Comfort those who are bereaved and hurting and provide practical help to those who are feeling hopeless in this crisis.

We long for your justice!
 

Image | A dove in Gaza | Unsplash

The Revd Dr Israel Oluwole Olofinjana is a Baptist minister and Director of the One People Commission at the Evangelical Alliance.

This reflection originally appeared in the One People Commission newsletter, and is republished with permission

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