Wisconsin Christians for Justice in Palestine (comprised of clergy, retired clergy, and lay persons; along with 13 main line Christian denominations and Unitarian Universalists) calls for people of good conscience to join in objecting to the largely unreflective American support – in words and taxpayer dollars – for the Israeli Defense Force’s prosecution of a war without regard for the lives of children and innocent human beings.
We call for an immediate ceasefire so as to provide the following:
· Immediate flow of aid to Gaza for humanitarian relief, especially for the children.
· Release of all hostages and political prisoners on both sides
· Coordination of a permanent ceasefire between Hamas and Israel brokered by the United Nations
In light of the deepening tragedy, we call upon Senator Tammy Baldwin, Representative Gwen Moore, and our other elected officials to change their stance from “pause” to “ceasefire.”
The plight of the children is dire. As Janan Najeeb, President of the Muslim Milwaukee Women’s Coalition, reports: “People in Gaza have run out of water. People are even sharing their last 8 ounces a day ration with animals in the street because even they are suffering. Babies have no formula. In a place where they wash diapers, they have no water. There is no longer fuel to support the incubators in the remaining hospitals. The situation is critical. People will start dying quickly, beginning with babies.”
In the words of Rev. Dr. Lisa Bates-Froiland of Redeemer Lutheran Church, “Three of the four Christian gospels record Jesus taking special care to emphasize the inherent value of children: ‘let the children come to me and do not hinder them.’ The number of civilians dead—over 4,000 of them children—is reprehensible beyond words and cannot be considered ‘defense’. The killing must stop: Ceasefire now!”
Rev. Karen Hagen, PCUSA, adds: “Jesus clarifies for Christians the greatest commandment is to ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’. We must now come together to love all of our neighbors as ourselves, to stop the genocide and all atrocities, and call for an immediate cease fire between Hamas and Israel. This is the most faithful way to find our way through this time, together.”
People attending are invited to bring children’s shoes to honor the children who have lost their lives and care for those in need. There will be a “Litany of Concern” including representative voices of the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim faith communities. A “Call To Action” will ensue.
