Just when the political situation in Israel seemed like it might be getting better, matters have taken a radical turn for the worse. For insightful analyses, go here and here.
Last week I reached out to Lutheran pastors I know from that region. One of these friends wrote back, “The situation is very critical. Several of our students were detained and injured, and some in Gaza have lost their homes.”
Another long-time Lutheran pastor, theologian, and leader in that region, whose son is a graduate of Valpo, told me last week:
“It is truly a very difficult time. We are watching war erupting. But worse than that, the long years of incitement have caused hatred, discrimination, and racism. It is very worrying to watch that. Thank you for praying for us, our safety, and for justice in Palestine and Israel. This means we, as Palestinian Christians, have a holy task to swim against this wave of incitement and teach to see the image of God in the other. Certainly, the USA has a responsibility to end the occupation and to work for the two-states solution. We want you to promote the role of Christians in that [effort] and to teach that the longer the occupation, the longer the hatred. Freedom and justice are the need of this country.”
In addition to praying for a just and peaceful resolution to this situation of injustice and violence, I encourage you to support Bright Stars of Bethlehem, a non-profit organization that promotes peace and justice in Palestine through Dar al-Kalima University of Arts & Culture "and its initiatives for youth, families, and older adults, as well as public advocacy for basic human rights."
The co-founder of that organization, Dr. Mitri Raheb, is a Lutheran pastor and theologian in Bethlehem. He is a friend who has also spoken on our campus several times. He and the people he serves need our prayers and support!
To learn more about Bright Stars of Bethlehem, go here.
