On Saturday I participated in a conference held at Tooting Islamic Centre on Palestine and the Gaza Crisis. The schedule for the day was changed at the last minute, without my knowing (!), and so I arrived at 6:00pm to find the conference winding down. I nevertheless gave a short presentation to a remnant of participants on the historical context for the conflict in Gaza, to put it within the context of the wider tensions in the Middle East. I explained how in the early 20th Century, Britain’s strategic interest in Palestine had been concerned with maintaining control of its Empire. This led to the sponsoring of the Zionist movement and the British Mandate. As the USA took over from Britain in the second half of the 20th Century, I shared how the Christian Zionist movement in the United States emerged as a dominant and influential force lobbying on behalf of Israel.
The appalling suffering and tragedy of Gaza transcends religion and politics and so I was pleased to participate recognising that inevitably, given such a diverse group of a contributors, we might disagree on the solution. I believe it is important to seek common cause with others committed to peacemaking and to challenge those who still believe the ends justify the means. Jesus said “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
I wanted to give a Christian perspective and to encourage participants to find peaceful, non-violent and constructive ways to express their anger and frustration at the appalling suffering in Gaza during the recent attacks. I urged them not to seek revenge or retaliation as this will only play into the hands of extremists on both sides. Violence breeds violence. Jesus said “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.” (Matthew 26:52)
Seven Initiatives
I recommend seven peaceful and proactive initiatives through which we can contribute to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, working alongside like minded Israelis and Palestinians. I recognize that you are likely already active in one or more of those initiatives.
Read the rest of the article over on my website. The photo is taken from a 2004 collection
