Faith leaders react to war and deadly attack in Israel
Religious leaders are amplifying global prayers for peace after the militant group Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, taking hundreds of hostages and igniting a new war that so far has killed thousands of people in the region.
Reactions from U.S. faith leaders:
“This was an unprovoked attack specifically targeting civilians showing the true face of Hamas. There is power in our unity and in our solidarity, gathering here we give strength to each other and send a powerful message to the people of Israel.” –David Wren, the president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford
“We cannot let extremists hijack defame the word of God in the name of hate and atrocity.” –Anila Ali, president of The American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council
“We are devastated by the recent eruption of violence and loss of life in the Middle East. Violence of this nature is abhorrent to us and is not in harmony with the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is a gospel of peace. At such times, our hearts ache for all victims of this atrocity. As servants of God, we affirm that He calls upon all of us to love our neighbors as ourselves, and we pray for a peaceful resolution of all conflicts.” –The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
“We particularly think of and pray for, the innocent people who are caught up in the conflict – sometimes experiencing injury or even losing their lives. As the Psalmist says, ‘Let there be peace on the mountains and goodness on the hills for the people.’ (Psalm 72:3 NCV)” –General Lyndon Buckingham, The Salvation Army International
“With our fellow Christians around the world, we are praying for justice and peace,” said the Rev. Dave Pivonka, TOR, president of the university. “But with too many universities preaching tolerance but practicing prejudice, we feel compelled to do more. We are witnessing a very troubling spike in antisemitism and serious threats against Jewish students. We want to offer them the chance to transfer immediately to Franciscan.” –Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, president of Franciscan University of Steubenville
“In Deuteronomy 7:6, God refers to the Jewish people when he says, ‘For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.’” –Judge Phil Ginn, president of Southern Evangelical Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina
“In addition to Judaism being a religious faith, the Jewish people around the world are a family, who experience triumph and tragedy as one. With Jews under attack anywhere in the world, Jews around the world feel pained and even personally more at risk. The horrific news stories coming out of Israel this past weekend are some of the darkest moments in recent Jewish history.” –Rabbi Pinchas Taylor of Plantation, Florida
“Our main problem is the dehumanization of the issue. I feel the hurt other parents have when their children get hurt, as long as I imagine these are my kids—whether they’re on the Israeli side or Palestinian side.” –Anwar Khan, Islamic Relief USA
“Whenever war breaks out, it is the innocent, the vulnerable who pay the highest price. The impact of conflict reaches far beyond militaries and governments. It disrupts transportation, access to food, water, shelter, protection, and education. So today, we pray for peace and an end to conflict. Our hearts go out to the children and families living in fear as their lives are upended by war. Heavenly Father, please bring peace.” –Jimmy Mellado, CEO of Compassion International
“Faith without action is absolutely useless, and action without faith is misguided. And so when we speak about an internal response to how it is that we internalize everything that’s happened, one of the key things that I hope for my community to step away from the sermon with is understanding that there is pain on both sides.” –Imam Mohamed Herbert, Islamic Center of Johnson County, Kansas
“After the atrocities in Israel on Simhat Torah, among the worst in Jewish history, we must remember the healing power of community, and the importance of compassion, solidarity and showing up.” –Rabbi Sharon Brous, IKAR Los Angeles, California
While the path to peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict may be challenging, faith leaders around the world continue to work together to promote interfaith dialogue and provide humanitarian assistance.
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