“Our hearts are broken as we witness the escalation of hostilities in Gaza and southern Israel,” said Victor Kalisher, Director of the Bible Society in Israel, in a joint message issued by the Bible Societies of Israel and the occupied Palestinian Territories.
“Israelis and Palestinians are at war; we are not. Through our single identity in Christ and his lordship we experience his peace, practice his love, and hold on to him as our hope.
“We are committed to serving our communities with the gospel of peace and forgiveness. We will sweat for that which Christ bled for, and labour for that which Christ died for,” Victor added.
Bible Society ran a bookshop in Gaza City until 2007 when it was destroyed in a bomb attack. After re-launching its work in the city last year, it now focuses on building relationships with key leaders as a way of demonstrating the Bible’s message of hope.
Bible Societies in the region are now working to bring humanitarian aid to people in Gaza and comfort those in need of hope by sharing the Bible’s message through a new scriptural initiative.
Labib Madanat, development director at United Bible Societies, said, “As a result of ten years’ work building relationships and trust with both Hamas and Israeli political leaders, Bible Society has access to people in need.”
Ian McKay, Bible Society’s International Director, added, “We are committed to bringing the Bible’s life changing message to the region. With love, care and compassion staff in Gaza and Israel are living out the Bible’s message of hope.”
The Bible Societies are asking Christians to pray for a “speedy end” to the war and respect for the sanctity of human life, as well as for Bible Society staff in the Holy Land as they continue to reach out to communities with the Word and practical aid.
