I am so saddened by the escalating violence between Israel and the Palestinian territory in Gaza. It seems that whenever there is the slightest hope that there might be some resolution to that troubled situation violence and aggression overtakes it.
Having been to that Holy Land three times I can easily picture the sites that are visited by tourists and pilgrims. I can recall the sounds and smells of the crowded streets in Jerusalem and see the olive orchards stretching through the countryside. It breaks my heart to think of bombs breaking through the air to destroy such meaningful history. More importantly, it is to consider the lives lost in the battles.
When we were last in Israel, our tour guide, Johnny, told us his story. He is a Palestinian Christian living in Jerusalem. His family has lived there for generations. He is raising his children there. He told us how his family has been treated. What the restrictions mean for them. Then he said, “This is my story. Everyone has a story. Both sides have made mistakes.” I thought that was a brave and a just thing to say in the face of such a situation. He was not bitter but he was realistic.
As with any war I can’t help but think there are bigger political powers at sway and the poor citizens whose lives are being destroyed on each side are just seen as collateral damage in a big expensive game. According to the most recent report 680 Palestinians (including 140 children) and 34 Israelis have been killed in this battle. Everyone has the right to live in peace. Everyone has the right to a scrap of land. Everyone has the right to education and food and medicine. The grim reality of the battles being waged cause me such grief I must turn off the television, I can’t take the news.
