Time to mourn the thousands killed and reject division

The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Graham Usher, reflects on an unimaginable year of horror in the Middle East and calls on us all to reject division in our communities

A year ago today I was in Gaza. The Mediterranean sparkled, the streets were busy and the shops seemed well stocked. Although there were many signs of poverty, it was a lively place full of different sounds and the smell of spices.

I sat down with my friend Archbishop Hosam, the Anglican archbishop in Jerusalem, and senior medical staff at Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City for a delicious lunch that included the freshest dates.

The hospital is an Anglican institution that cared for Gaza's poorest people at the time, pioneered breast cancer prevention and treatment, and specialized in children's health.

None of us sitting at that table knew that less than three days later, Hamas would launch a horrific and brutal attack on Israel with a wave of torture and murder.

It was the greatest loss of Jewish life in one day since the atrocity of the Nazi Holocaust. The evidence that has emerged since then is truly unimaginable.

It encompasses the worst dehumanizing crimes there are.

When I was in Gaza, I was given a priest's stole that had been embroidered by a Palestinian Christian woman.

I didn't know that the red embroidery would symbolize so much bloodshed for me.

I was back in Jerusalem on October 7th and over the next few days took shelter in a bomb shelter as incoming Hamas rockets were fired.

The early warning system warned me on my phone for 90 seconds.

Since then, I have followed with increasing concern the horrific events unfolding in Israel, Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon.

The extent of human suffering is unimaginable. The rockets, bombings, killings and escalation of war simply must stop.

War is not the answer. The future can only be found in a just peace for all people of these countries, including the right of both Israelis and Palestinians to live a peaceful, safe and secure life within the framework of UN agreements.

In the spring, I met with a group of family members of the hostages held in Gaza.

Their turmoil and the psychological trauma they endure daily is indescribable. The pain was literally written on their faces. Hamas and its partners must immediately rescue these hostages from the darkness of their fearful tunnel existence back into the loving arms of their families.

(Image: Diocese of Norwich) At the same time, I listened to the Palestinians concerned. Al-Ahli Hospital was bombed by both Israel and a misfired Hamas rocket.

Employees were rounded up by the Israeli army and held for weeks.

Miraculously, the hospital continues to function, supported by donations from abroad, including from parishes in the Diocese of Norwich.

It is now the only functioning hospital in Gaza City and just a few days ago received a shipment of urgently needed equipment.

Meanwhile, the situation in the West Bank is deteriorating. Near the birthplace of Jesus, in places similar to the places where the shepherds heard the angels' message, the war in Gaza is being used as a cover for violent land grabs by Israeli settlers from Palestinian families.

Earlier this summer, the International Court of Justice ruled in its opinion that the Israeli government's occupation and policies are illegal under international law and violate the rights of the Palestinian people.

Some of them are Christian families, the “living stones” of the Holy Land.

They are a fragile community, just like their relatives in Gaza, where fewer than a thousand Christians live.

At a time when the international order is under such pressure and when the commitment to a rules-based system is being questioned, it is essential that governments around the world reaffirm their unwavering commitment to all decisions of the International Court of Justice, regardless of it the situation. Israel cannot pretend to be above the law.

On our own streets the debate is polarized. No doubt I will be criticized by those who take sides for not sufficiently supporting their cause in this article.

However, this misses my calling as a bridge builder and seeker of peace and justice.

Long ago, the prophet Isaiah offered the world a compelling vision of peace:

They will beat their swords into plowshares

and their spears became pruning knives;

Nation will not lift up sword against nation;

They won't learn war anymore either.

This ancient prophet's message of hope remains the only true way forward in our fearful and violent world. Isaiah refused to be a peace pessimist.

Enemies can become allies. Light can emerge from darkness.

I long for a table of delicious local dishes like the one I sat at in Gaza a year ago today, but around it sit Jews, Muslims and Christians sharing, crying, laughing and enjoying the gift of life.

The rise of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in this country and around the world is instead leading to segregated, fear-filled tables behind walls. It is the exact opposite of Isaiah's vision of a peaceful future.

My friend, Archbishop Hosam, said: “We continually pray for justice, reconciliation, peace and an end to hatred and war.” Because we urgently need hearts that love, are merciful and ready to live in unity with others. “

Please use the coming days to mourn with me the thousands of innocent people who were killed. Pray with me for peace in the land held sacred by people of the Abrahamic faith.

And work with me to ensure we do everything we can to reject what threatens to divide us in our own communities.