I am not an antisemite.
I want that to be clear. In today’s climate, it seems that anyone who suggests that Israel should do something or stop doing something is called an antisemite. I am calling on Israel to do something, but I’m speaking in the same spirit as I would to a beloved brother. The nation of Israel is a valuable ally, and they hold a special place in my heart.
I am not pro-Hamas. What they did in attacking Israel and taking hostages was evil and Israel has every right to defend themselves and to demand the immediate release of all hostages.
I am not against President Trump, for he is our president. I am calling him to take what I believe is the right action, but I’m speaking in the same spirit that a man might use in speaking to his father, with full respect.
Still, though, I feel strongly that I need to speak to President Trump, the American people, and to the nation of Israel: DO SOMETHING ON A VERY DEEP LEVEL TO HELP THE HURTING PEOPLE OF GAZA.
Hunger there is widespread and it’s getting worse. There is not enough food to keep people alive. People, especially children, are dying of malnutrition. Homelessness is rampant, and the people have few—if any—places of safety where they can feel safe. Aid stations and hospitals have been turned into war zones. Churches, hospitals, apartment buildings, and schools have been destroyed. People are being shifted from one region to another trying to find peace, safety, food, and fresh water.
It is often said that “war is hell;” the people of Gaza can now testify to that.
Israel, I ask you to allow food, water, medicines, and medical care to cross the border freely and in complete safety and in quantities large enough to meet the needs. Some announcements have already been made; it’s not enough. If helping the people get back on their feet and find food in safety requires a ceasefire, then do it. And do it now.
America, our compassion for hurting people should override any political differences about military aid to Israel and about foreign aid in general. People are dying. Children are hungry. Medical help is insufficient. We need to demand that Israel allow us to provide help. We need to work with our allies so that we—or the United Nations, or non-profits, or a neutral country, or SOMEONE—provide sufficient help for the 2 million people of Gaza. And it must be more than a token amount.
It will require immediate action from both Congress and our President. It will require our leaders to work across the aisle and make this a humanitarian—and not a political—action. It will require great cooperation. It will cost money.
It doesn’t matter who gets the credit. It needs to be done.
I implore our nation and the nation of Isreal to do something. And to do something Immediately.
We can’t pretend to be a great nation, a good nation, or even a compassionate nation if we just stand back and watch.
By Pastor Jack Marslender ·