On the violence in Israel and Palestine

Brendan Murphy on October 10, 2023

Dear Beloved of El Camino Real,

These past few days our news and social media have borne witness to the horror of the war between Israel and Palestine. While some will have strong leanings toward one side or the other, we know that the situation is complex, as it has been throughout the history of that area. Many of us who have had the privilege to travel through the Holy Land know of the layers of centuries of violence visible in the ruins and present in the holy sites. The international community, also aware of the complexities of the area, has mixed views. We are all deeply concerned.

Please pray for our brothers and sisters in the Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East. Archbishop Hosam Naoum is a colleague and dear friend of many, and he and his family and leaders work very hard to be a reconciling and peace-keeping presence in Israel and Palestine.

A Prayer by Archbishop Naoum
O God of all justice and peace, we cry out to you in the midst of the pain and trauma of violence and fear which prevails in the Holy Land.
Be with those who need you in these days of suffering; we pray for people of all faiths – Jews, Muslims and Christians and for all people of the land.
While we pray to you, O Lord, for an end to violence and the establishment of peace, we also call for you to bring justice and equity to the peoples. Guide us into your kingdom where all people are treated with dignity and honour as your children, for, to all of us, you are our Heavenly Father.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

With faith and hope,

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Photo: The residence of Dr. Maher Ayyad, Medical Director of Ahli Hospital, was destroyed in an airstrike on a residential neighborhood in Gaza.