Trying to Understand the Israel–Palestine Conflict
Three weeks ago, on the Feast of the Most Holy Rosary, tensions and violence erupted into warfare between Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist group, in Gaza. Once again, war has captured the Holy Land.
To really understand the Israel–Palestine conflict, you have to look back in history. For the last few thousand years, the area known today as Israel has been of significant interest to most of the major civilizations.
Israel and the surrounding area are in a key geographical location. This area is the gateway between Africa, Asia, and Europe and has been conquered many times by those wanting to take advantage of its strategic position.
The Jewish faith came into being when God established his covenant with Abraham around 1800 BCE in the region known as Canaan, part of now modern-day Israel. Since then, there has almost always been a Jewish presence in the area, but Jews have frequently been in conflict with the ruling powers. The Jewish people have been exiled several times, with some managing to return. Jewish migration back to Israel has usually peaked when persecution against Jews increases in other countries.
Several times during the last 4,000 years, Jews have tried to form their own state but it wasn't until 1948 that Israel was officially established apart from Palestine. This partition of Palestine sparked unrest between the Jewish and Arab communities that has lasted up to this day.
In the land the Prince of Peace called home, violence is rampant. It's hard to imagine living in an area where conflict has exploded and taken too many lives. How do we live in solidarity with and support our Jewish, Muslim, and Christian brothers and sisters living in daily fear?
Your Church of the Home can consider the following:
Learn more about the history of relations between Israel and Palestine from respected news sources
Contact our congressional delegation (congress.gov) to ensure that our nation’s relationship with Israel ensures the well-being of the Palestinians
Donate to Catholic Relief Services (CRS), which carries out the commitment of the U.S. bishops to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas, at https://support.crs.org/donate/holy-land-conflict
Practice the work of peace in our own communities and churches. Think globally, act locally. We can’t break the cycle of violence elsewhere in the world until we extinguish it here at home. It is time for us to reach out to the person whose motives we question or whose position is opposite of ours.
Pray for Peace
"I have decided to declare Friday, 27 October, a day of fasting, penance and prayer for peace. I invite the various Christian confessions, members of other religious, and all who hold the cause of peace in the world at heart to participate."
Pope Francis
Lord, there is so much pain and conflict across the Middle East.
We pray for leaders throughout the region and ask you to turn their hearts towards peace.
As our leaders and those around the world consider how to respond, please grant them wisdom and insight.
Lord Jesus, you are the Prince of Peace.
We pray for an end to the violence and bloodshed, and ask you to bring a new dawn of peace across the Middle East.
News segment about Catholic Church sheltering hundreds in Gaza
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READINGS FOR THIS WEEKEND’S MASSES
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Everybody likes an honest and true compliment. What would be the greatest compliment you could receive? We should all strive towards receiving the compliment of being called a person of integrity and truth. Join Marla as she reflects on this weekend's scripture readings.
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Ruby and Res
Earlier this month, Ruby celebrated with the wonderful servites and spade brigade crew who keep Resurrection's grounds beautiful. Unfortunately, she didn't show her most beautiful side for the group picture.
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