Dear Brothers, Sisters, and Friends of Salem,
On Oct. 7, Hamas fighters launched a surprise attack in southern Israel from the air with missiles and from the ground by malicious militants. As I write (10/10/2023, 10:30 a.m. EST), CBS reports that the attacks have resulted in more than 1,600 deaths since Hamas began the attacks. At least 900 Israelis were killed, and more than 2,500 were injured. Another 765 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip by Israel’s counterattacks in response to the invasion. Some 140 Palestinian children and more than 3,720 adults have been wounded. More than 120,000 Palestinians have been displaced in Gaza because of Israel’s retaliation.
While Hamas perpetrated this injustice against God’s beloved, citizens of Israel and Palestine are suffering the consequences of Hamas’s inhumane actions. God has no side other than the spaces where love with justice abide for all of God’s creation.
In Isaiah 56:6-8 we read that Yahweh yearns for the salvation of Israel and foreigners.
“And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, to minister to him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be his servants, all who keep the Sabbath and do not profane it and hold fast my covenant—these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar, for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all people. ”
As airstrikes continue to parade across the skies in Israel and Palestine, I ask that you join me in prayer for peace—Shalom—which is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of cooperation between all parties.
With gratitude for your faithfulness,
Rev. Crockett, pastor
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