I had the chance to connect thoughts and feelings on this matter. In the midst of this, an Orthodox church in Gaza was destroyed by an IDF missile. Moments like these are hard for me to wrap around and many feelings arose. In an effort to keep true to them, I use this space to frame this short piece. God bless us all.
Over the last few months, I have been thinking about the experiences of my Christian brothers and sisters in Palestine. The chaos being experienced in Gaza has brought these thoughts to the forefront. On October 17, al-Ahli al-Arabi Hospital in the northern area of Gaza was blown off the map. With it, 500 people, many of whom children, were sent flying in all directions. This is not the first time my Christian brothers and sisters have suffered. A Google search brought up countless incidents they have been attacked by their Zionist neighbors. But first, some unpacking is necessary.
In an article from the Jewish Virtual Library, David Krusch writes,
Christian Zionism can be defined as Christian support for the Zionist cause — the return of the Jewish people to its biblical homeland in Israel. It is a belief among some Christians that the return of Jews to Israel is in line with a biblical prophecy, and is necessary for Jesus to return to Earth as its king. These Christians are partly motivated by the writings of the Bible and the words of the prophets. However, they are also driven to support Israel because they wish to “repay the debt of gratitude to the Jewish people for providing Christ and the other fundamentals of their faith,” and to support a political ally, according to David Brog, author Standing With Israel: Why Christians Support the Jewish State.
Christian Zionists interpret both the Torah and the New Testament as prophetic texts that describe future events of how the world will one day end with the return of Jesus from Heaven to rule on Earth. Israel and its people are central to their vision. They interpret passages from the books of Ezekiel, Daniel, and Isaiah as foreshadowing the coming Christian era.1
Zionist Christians are the most vocal in all of Christendom in supporting the Israeli state. It seems that they are rushing to the apocalypse and that “Israel and it's people are central to that vision.” What? Are they playing Israel and its people like pawns?
Since 1967 at least, there has been turmoil in the Holy Land. History is clear about the relationship with Jews and Muslims in the modern period at least. In 2018, I met a young Palestinian-Christian woman in Chautauqua, New York. She shared a few stories of her and her community being attacked by the Jewish population there. I was surprised. Growing up in the United States, I always hear about the Judeo-Christian civilization. This young lady's stories caused me to rethink that relationship. Here's my attempt to unpack it further.
April 9, 2023 was Easter Sunday. I noticed some articles in my news app of increasing restrictions for the Christian community. Easter is arguably the most important day in the year because it is for Christians the resurrection of Jesus after the crucifixion. A day like this should be celebrated. Reuters reports that there was a heavy police presence during celebrations. What else has happened?
January 2023
February 2023
March 2023
April 2023
‘Death to Christians’: Violence steps up under new Israeli gov’t
Christians are in danger under Israeli government, says Holy Land patriarch
Israel failing to stop attacks on Christians, Jerusalem churches say
May, 2023
Israel Foreign Ministry to boycott event focused on spitting attacks against Christians
Israel systematically targets and harasses Palestinian Christians
July 2023
August 2023
Concerns grow over rising attacks against Christian sites in Israel
Church Leaders Plead With Israeli Government as Anti-Christian Incidents Increase in Holy Land
October 2023
Jews spitting on the ground beside Christian pilgrims in the Holy Land sparks outrage
Jerusalem churches concerned over escalation of Israeli attacks:
June and September. These are the two months where I was unable to find news or articles about the state of Christians in Palestine. There are thirteen references I found in less than one hour from various outlets. What did 2022 look like? 2021? Going through social media is another journey.
I call out those who still support a country when their brothers and sisters are suffering against said establishment. This year alone has shown where the priorities of Zionist Jewry is in that relationship.
I wonder what the reality of Christendom is when it comes to the international community. I hope someone in the comments can educate me. Is it the same as Muslims and Jews? Are eastern Christians seen as less Christian? The title is intentionally provocative. Hopefully the attention I can attract can bring people down here.
I have a small group of Christian friends whom I love very much. I've prayed next to Andy's Christmas tree. Sam bought me my own Costco pizza during game night because pepperoni is forbidden to consume. Even after moving away, Jorge invited me first to his wedding. Josh helped me better understand Christian theology. My old boss Chris helped me build bridges with him in our disagreements. These and more are my friends, those I hope to keep forever. I hope this short article can be a good conversation piece.
Krusch, David. “Christian Zionism - Jewish Virtual Library.” Christian Zionism, Jewish Virtual Library | A Project of AICE, www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/christian-zionism. Accessed 19 Oct. 2023.