Suffering in Gaza

I would be remiss if I didn't write something about a series of events that threaten peace in our world - the invasion of Gaza by Israeli forces.

Four years ago I visited Palestine and Israel since a friend was volunteering with the Lutheran Church Center in Bethlehem. It was an eye-opening experience. And so I feel called to write a little - though the devastation appears overwhelming.

Violence breeds violence. An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind, said Gandhi. The attacks of Hamas should be condemned, but the brutal retaliation of Israel must be condemned - not just the current bombings and invasions, but the history of a blockade that devastated Gaza.

I am also appalled by the failure of the US government to speak out truthfully, blaming all this on Hamas.

A friend sent me this article from The Guardian by Avi Shlaim, an Israeli academician at Oxford. It bears reading since it sets the current events in context.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jan/07/gaza-israel-palestine

In the meantime, let us pray for the people of Gaza - for peace with justice. And let us pray for all those inPalestine and Israel. May God give them peace and may we not block the peace which God wants with guns and walls.