A message from Kairos West Michigan Board of Directors
Why An Israel-Hamas Ceasefire?
We abhor all violence. Wherever it originates and on whomever it is visited.
Over the past 75 years, cycles of violence perpetrated by both sides have resulted neither in Israelis living in peace and security within their own borders, or Palestinians attaining their legitimate human rights, including self-determination, an independent state and the right of return for refugees. When a state commits violence against innocent humanity we call it, “the occupation, or apartheid, or the right to self-defense.” When an oppressed people commit the same, we refer to it as “terrorism.” Where have the past 75 years of such practices brought us?
About 50% of the 2.2 million Gazans are 18 years old or younger. The violent bombing, the killing of more than 27,000 of them and counting (60% of which have been women and children) is only radicalizing another generation. This violence will lead only to more violence. The Pentagon estimates that after 120 days of war Hamas has lost only about 25% of its militants. But Hamas is more than a militant terrorist group; it is a movement, an ideology. Even if Hamas lost every one of its fighters, the brutality of Israel’s military operation is serving to fertilize its continued growth.
Let’s stop the violence. We call for equal human rights for everyone in Israel and Palestine. We are for Israel, because we believe the cessation of violence and the recognition of the equal human rights between the Israeli and Palestinian people are the only paths to Israel living in peace and security within its borders. We are for Palestine, because we believe the recognition of the equal human rights of the Israeli people is the only way Palestinians will achieve their legitimate aspirations and independence.
Neither Hamas nor the current Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyahu espouse equal human rights for everyone in Israel-Palestine. It is time for us as Americans to hold both Hamas and Israel accountable to this essential, fundamental American value, fought and died for by generations of Americans.
Our Reformed, Christian tradition calls us to look forward to the day when Christ restores all things broken by sin and evil. In the meantime, however, we work tirelessly and proactively toward the ultimate goal of shalom, wholeness, and peace. As followers of Jesus, we call for a ceasefire and the resumption of aid to UNWRA, the lifeline for refugees in Gaza and the Middle East. We cannot imagine that the Prince of Peace would advocate for the continuation of this brutal assault!
Darell Dalman
Bart Den Boer
John Hubers
John Kleinheksel
Shelly Millen
Grace Newhouse
Marlin Vis
Kairos West Michigan Board of Directors