Published on February 8, 2024, 1:03 am

Around 1,000 black pastors across the country have reportedly urged President Joe Biden to intervene and ensure a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Many of these religious leaders express deep concern and unease, parallel to what was felt in the times of the civil rights movement.

Some pastoral voices liken the experience of Palestinians to their own – acknowledging them as fellow oppressed individuals. A Gallup poll carried out last November revealed a notable racial divide in public sentiment. Approximately 61% of white adults supported Israeli military actions taken in Gaza; however, this approval rate falls sharply to just 30% among people of color.

Regrettably, it seems that many African American opinions on this matter are not based on real news but rather biased or misunderstood information. To draw a parallel for context, let’s cast our minds back to September 11, 2001, as well as the war that followed in Afghanistan. When one considers those events from a numerical perspective alongside the recently reported deaths due to Hamas’ terrorist assaults against Israel, some stark realities come into focus.

Though relative casualty rates were far lower for us during 9/11 compared to Israelis now suffering under missile attacks from Hamas terrorists, our reaction was swift involvement overseas which resulted in numerous casualties – many more than initially suffered at home. The death toll attributed directly to Hamas’ actions now stands above 27,000. It is important to remember how deeply tragic each of these lives lost represents; an unfortunate reality when dealing with organizations like Hamas who intentionally shield their operations behind civilian populations.

The right for a sovereign nation defending itself against daily threats shouldn’t be questioned – much like no one disputed America’s right then to go after culprits behind homeland attacks sooner rather than later. One must wonder whether these black pastors who claim solidarity with Palestinians exactly comprehend the historical nuances surrounding this conflict.

Typically speaking, oppression implies an enforced state devoid of choice – certainly not what a decision to live in squalor due to evasion of personal responsibility represents. Established by Jewish immigrants following myriad years of persecution and oppression, most horrifically culminating in the Holocaust, Israel stands as a testament to resilience and determination. Despite enduring continuous Arab backlash since its founding, Israel has succeeded in creating a prosperous nation with GDP per capita surpassing many European countries.

The choice of Palestinians to reject peaceful coexistence in favor of hostility isn’t synonymous with oppression but rather indicates unwise judgment and irresponsibility – something these pastors should consider while forming their opinions. After the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza Strip in 2005, Palestinians gained increased autonomy towards building infrastructures that could have potentially transformed living standards. Instead, elected leaders from Hamas have used resources for endless attacks against Israel – a supreme misuse of international aid intended to ensure sustainable progress and development within Gaza.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir once noted: “Peace will come when the Arabs love their children more than they hate us.” A dose of this wisdom may well offer an enlightening perspective for those staring down this complex situation through a misguided lens based on perceived similarities between African Americans’ historical struggles for civil rights and today’s political situation involving Israelis and Palestinians.

This trusted news offered here is expected to help drive thoughtful discussions surrounding current events from a Christian worldview. Be it among readers themselves or between clergy members across communities – everyone must strive for responsible awareness rooted firmly within both history and reality.