Calls for hope, reconciliation in the Middle East

Dec 13, 2024

JERUSALEM: As the Advent season unfolds, the Middle East remains embroiled in deadly conflicts, with violence spreading across Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. Peace is a distant hope for many, and the spirit of joy, which marks this time of year, feels increasingly absent. Yet, amidst the devastation, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa pic, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, has called on Christians to hold on to hope and work toward reconciliation.

In a recent interview with Renardo Schlegelmilch, editor-in-chief of Germany-based Domradio.De, Cardinal Pizzaballa reflected on the ongoing challenges facing the region, particularly during Advent. “It is a very painful situation, very distressing,” the Cardinal stated. “We must be resilient. We cannot give in to this situation. Advent is a time for us as Christians to live in the expectation that Jesus Christ is not just a word but a force for good in our real lives.”

The cardinal has lived at the heart of the Middle East for over three decades, witnessing the cyclical nature of violence in the region. Though not the first war in his tenure, he noted that this conflict has a unique emotional and psychological toll on both Israelis and Palestinians. “The emotional impact on both sides is enormous,” he explained. “The war creates mistrust and hatred, and while the destroyed infrastructure can be rebuilt, the relationships will take a long time to heal.”

Though many view the ongoing conflict through a religious lens, Cardinal Pizzaballa emphasised that the situation is far more complex. He firmly believes that religions have the potential to drive reconciliation and healing, provided that religious leaders embrace their roles as agents of peace. “Religion can become a promoter of encounter and life if we do not isolate ourselves and pay more attention to others,” he said.

One of the cardinal’s most striking gestures occurred at the outset of the Gaza war when he offered himself as a hostage to Hamas. This self-sacrificial act, which made headlines globally, was motivated by his desire to counter the prevailing rhetoric of violence and fear. “I have no family,” he explained. “My life is important, but my way of living also involves giving life.”

While political solutions may seem elusive in the current climate, Cardinal Pizzaballa believes that hope can still thrive. “Hope comes from within,” he reflected. “It is an attitude to life. We see its signs in the selfless actions of people, even in the most difficult of circumstances.”

For the cardinal, Advent remains a time of reflection and renewal. Despite the chaos around him, he remains convinced that the spirit of hope, grounded in faith and acts of kindness, can transcend the darkness. “Everywhere, even in war zones, there are wonderful people who give up part of their lives for others. That gives us hope.” --Agencies