Israel Gaza Situation, Appeal, and Prayer
‘We are on the side of life’: UK Religious Leaders – Muslim, Jewish, and Christian – condemn violence
In London, the Archbishop of Canterbury has brought together Muslim and Jewish community leaders in a bid to discourage “any form of hatred or violence” in the UK.
Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Imam Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra, and Rabi Jonathan Wittenberg give a press conference in front of microphones at a lecturn
Here’s what Sheikh Ibrahim Mogra, a scholar and imam from Leicester, had to say:
“British Muslims and Jews have much in common – and there are many personal ties between us. We have, and will sometimes, be on opposite sides – but we live together as neighbours in peace and harmony… without resorting to hate or violence.
It is deplorable and wrong that our Jewish community here has been the target of hate crimes… I pray for an end to this war and all wars – and for the innocent caught up in this chaos.”
He was followed by Jonathan Wittenberg, a senior rabbi of Masorti Judaism who was described by Mogra as a “dear friend”. Wittenberg added:
“The Jewish community… has long condemned, and continues to condemn, all forms of racism directed against Muslims, from whatever source.”
As leaders in the British Jewish and Muslim communities, we affirm the importance of maintaining our relationships even, and especially, in troubled times. It is essential that we live together, across the UK, as neighbours and fellow citizens in peace and in respect.
My prayers too are with all the innocent people caught up in this horror. We are both on the side of life… and pray for a better future for all.”
Full transcript and statements here: Israel-Gaza Conflict – UK faith leaders condemn antisemitism and call for solidarity between faith communities | The Archbishop of Canterbury (17.10.23)
Archbiship’s statement here: Archbishop of Canterbury statement on Israel and Gaza | The Archbishop of Canterbury (13.10.23)
Please pray for the people of Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank. Pray for the future of the Holy Land. Pray for those who will weep, and fear, and die tonight: Lord God, we pray, by your great mercy, defend your children from all perils and dangers of this night.
You may wish to use the prayer made available by the CofE, found here on Facebook in video format or the prayers being offered daily currently by our Cathedral church:
Heavenly Father,
We look with horror upon the conflict in Israel and Gaza;
upon acts of terrorism; destruction; and death.
Hear the lamentations of all who suffer.
Heal the fear that begets violence.
Bind up wounds which are so deep
that peace seems unimaginable
except through your merciful intervention.
Grant peace. Grant justice. Grant hope.
We ask this for Jesus Christ’s sake
and in the power of his Holy Spirit;
Amen.
If you are able, please support the JMECA (Anglican Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem) appeal for the Ahli Arab Hospital to continue providing life-saving medical care: www.jmeca.org.uk/get-involved/donate/current-appeals-0/al-ahli-hospital-gaza-appeal
We hold the situation in our prayers as we gather each day for Morning Prayer and you are very welcome to join us.
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