Interfaith peacemakers cannot remain neutral on Gaza

Feb 23, 2024

By Mohammed Abu-Nimer
The ongoing conflict in Gaza is approaching its fifth month, marked by relentless and devastating bombardment. By late January, the toll of this destructive campaign stood at over 25,000 lives lost, with two-thirds of the casualties being women and children. Tens of thousands of homes lay in ruins, forcing over 1.5 million Palestinians into overcrowded conditions in Gaza’s southern region. On the Israeli side, the October 7 attack by Hamas claimed 1,139 lives, prompting over 125,000 Israelis to flee their homes, seeking refuge in hotels or temporary shelters.

This conflict has plunged the Israeli-Palestinian relationship back to its 1948 roots, reigniting deep-seated animosities and patterns of displacement, particularly evident in the dehumanisation of Palestinians within Israeli and Western political discourse. Moreover, there has been a troubling rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia globally. Notably, the International Court of Justice, at South Africa’s behest, has initiated deliberations on whether Israel’s military and government actions constitute genocide against Palestinians, a historic first in this longstanding conflict.

Neither Israelis nor Palestinians stand to achieve a clear victory from this conflict. Instead, it has inflicted profound suffering on all involved, tarnishing the reputations of European and North American governments for their perceived double standards and political hypocrisy. The handling of this conflict has undermined the credibility and efficacy of international and multilateral institutions, such as the United Nations, the European Union, and the Arab League, as defenders of human rights and democratic values.

Moreover, the conflict has fuelled a global polarisation, with some advocating for solidarity with the Palestinian cause and recognition of their dignity and freedom, while others staunchly support Israel’s military campaign against Gazans and West Bank Palestinians.

Religious leaders find themselves entangled in this polarisation, with many criticised for their perceived failure to take a clear moral stance against the war in Gaza. To be effective peacemakers, they must confront the reality that many Muslims view Israel’s actions as ethnic cleansing and genocide. Any peacemaking efforts must earnestly address the moral tragedy experienced by Palestinians and the Muslim communities in solidarity with them, unequivocally condemning the deliberate targeting of civilians, the blockade of essential supplies, ethnic cleansing, and the genocidal campaign in Gaza.

Efforts toward interfaith dialogue in the Middle East and beyond have faced scepticism and derision, deemed futile and manipulative in the absence of meaningful action to halt the violence in Gaza.

Across different faith traditions, including Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism, religious leaders and their respective communities can collaborate on various initiatives aimed at promoting peace and justice.

A Unified Call for Peace: Religious leaders hold a prophetic role in advocating for peace and justice. They can draw upon the sacredness of human life within their faith traditions to denounce violence and conflict. In the context of Israel-Palestine, they can unite in urging for a ceasefire, including an interfaith plea to halt all attacks on civilians, particularly the tragic loss of life in Gaza. Additionally, they can jointly demand the release of hostages on both sides, grounded in the belief in the sanctity of all lives. Through coordinated campaigns, these leaders can mobilise their communities towards peace.

Bearing Witness to Truth: Interreligious delegations can undertake trips to Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel, serving as impartial witnesses to the realities on the ground. By sharing firsthand experiences and stories from both Palestinian and Israeli perspectives, they can provide a platform for their followers to engage with and respond to these truths.

Humanitarian Aid and Relief: The conflict in Gaza has led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Interfaith efforts can focus on delivering vital aid and relief to those in need. Religious leaders can leverage their congregations to support Gazan children and women, emphasising the humanitarian imperative above political divisions. By depoliticising humanitarian assistance, they can help bridge divides in communities that have been further polarised by the conflict.

Facilitating Healing: Throughout history, religious leaders have served as spiritual healers in times of war-induced trauma.

In the wake of the conflict in Gaza, millions of Palestinians and Israelis are in need of healing. Muslim, Jewish, and Christian leaders can collaborate to provide a platform for healing and reconciliation, pooling the resources of their communities to support all victims, especially women and children, in their journey towards recovery.

Through collaborative action grounded in shared values of compassion, justice, and peace, religious leaders and their communities can serve as powerful agents of positive change in promoting dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation amidst conflict and suffering. -- America Magazine

(Mohammed Abu-Nimer is the Abdul Aziz Chair for Peace and Conflict Resolution at American University and president of the Salam Institute for Peace and Justice.)

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