Anti-Semitism is pure evil, and as Christians we must fight and denounce it. However, contrary to widespread misconceptions in the Church and the media, the Israeli-Palestinian struggle is not a religious conflict but a complex political conflict rooted in human rights violations and decades of injustice. I believe in Israel’s right to exist and live in security, and I certainly support our Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and a viable state. But we must reject violence, bloodshed and acts of terrorism from anywhere.
For these reasons, it is imperative that Christians wholeheartedly denounce all forms of injustice, including the Israeli occupation. Taking a principled stand against oppression and discrimination is at the heart of biblical teachings and the Christian message.
Under Israeli occupation, I experienced many difficulties and pains as a Palestinian. My mother was shot dead in front of our house in Beit Sahour while trying to bring us to safety as Israeli soldiers approached the area in which we lived. My father, who believed in non-violence and refused to pay taxes as part of the “no tax” movement. without representation” during the first Intifada, we ended up in prison and the Israeli army confiscated all our property. My childhood friend Salam Musleh was shot and killed by an Israeli settler when he was 14 years old. But, despite all the hostilities my family has endured, we have chosen to answer Christ’s call to forgive those who have trespassed against us.
