The Uncritical Support of Israel MUST STOP! -A Young Pastor’s Lamentation
Good Morning Pastor Johnny Golden, Pastor Jonathan Weaver, Bishop Douglas Miles, Pastor Andrew Foster Connors, and Dr.Iva Carruthers,
It is 1:42AM and I should be in bed by now. But late last night I watched the United Nations Security Council finally pass a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution (Number 1860), though watered-down to appease some, was still not supported by the United States. Dr. Condoleezza Rice abstained from voting.
I, like all of you, have been focused intensely on the violence in the Gaza Strip…it struck me that two days after the Holy Day of Christmas, such atrocities could break out in the Holy Land. As I type this, the death toll of Palestinians has risen up somewhere around 700 dead and 3,000 or so injured. A handful of Israelis have also lost their lives and/or been injured. While I view all human life as sacred and denounce all acts of violence, the disproportionate carnage being rained down on the 1.5 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip is staggering. Even before the first bomb dropped or the first rocket was launched, Israel had imposed a blockade around the Gaza Strip restricting free movement and access to food, water, and medicines.
I’ve been studying the situation in the Middle East now for some years and I must admit that at this point, I have become consumed with the issue of peace there. (I’m even looking to make a trip to Palestine-Israel this year.) I’ve concluded that the military occupation of the Palestinian people will prevent a peaceful solution. Where there is no justice there can be no true and lasting peace.
Last week, I attended a Rally for Solidarity with the innocent Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. I was arm in arm with Jews, Muslims, Peace Activists, and others. It was an International Day of Action where millions of people from around the world gathered to “speak for those who could not speak for themselves.”
Sadly, while millions of people around the world recognize that the conditions in Gaza are akin to a concentration camp – parallel in so many ways to the South African Apartheid, our elected officials continue to stand on an imbalanced platform of unyielding support for Israel with no accountability. Much like U.S. and British Corporations were fueling the racist government in South Africa during apartheid, today the United States and by extension the American Taxpayer is supporting the murder of innocent Human Beings in Gaza because it is our government that has supplied billions of dollars and military equipment to the Israeli Military. The bombs that are dropping on the heads of women, children, and men in Gaza were “made in the U.S.A.”
I guess that’s why I can’t sleep tonight. In a few moments, I’ll cuddle up in a warm bed with my wife, and 4-month-old son, but I can’t help, but imagine what children, mothers, and fathers who have watched their loved ones die under the full onslaught of the Israeli Military are feeling right now. In watching raw, uncensored video from Gaza, I’ve seen men lying dead in piles under buildings, women screaming in the middle of what used to be their neighborhood, and infants with their heads blown completely off. Their blood is on our hands.
True to form, yesterday the United States Senate passed a resolution unanimously supporting Israel while saying nothing of the immorality of collective punishment upon innocent Palestinians. The lives of the dead Palestinians weren’t even worthy of mention. Today, the House of Representatives will vote on an identical resolution.
I’ve cc’d staffers from the offices of Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Congressman Elijah Cummings (D-MD) on this email. They are said to represent me in Washington, DC, but on this issue none of them do. Mikulski and Cardin have already voted in favor of the resolution which ignores Palestinian suffering. Cummings is scheduled to vote today. I’m going to call his office in a minute to leave a message, but to be honest, when talking to them about the Middle East it’s almost like talking to a brick wall. They have their talking points and they stick to them. I bring out the “I’m one of your constituents” line. It doesn’t matter. I roll out my title and say “I’m PASTOR heber brown.” Nope. Who cares. I tell them I will vote in 2010 based on this issue. That’s nice, kid – are you done?
So I’ve cc’d you. A few of the most influential religious leaders that I know. Perhaps your elected officials will listen to you and provide more balance to United States Foreign Policy toward the Middle East. This is an exciting and historic season of change in the White House, but even President-Elect Obama has been largely silent dusting off his old “there can only be one president at a time” line. (I wonder if he would say the same if his daughters were in Gaza?)
The House is scheduled to vote today on the resolution. Your senator already voted in favor of the one-sided resolution. To urge your elected officials to vote against this unjust resolution please visit the website of Jewish Voices for Peace: http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/301/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=26397
I’m going to try and go to bed now. I’ll squeeze my baby and my wife while praying for those in Israel and Palestine who can’t do the same tonight.
Thanks for “listening.”
Pastor Heber Brown, III
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Heber, You’re quite a soldier. I’m proud of you.
I’m proud of you, Angie and it was my distinct pleasure to vote for your blog at the 2008 Weblog Awards site. You’ve already won in my book. (smile)
Pastor
Thank you for this. I am surprised at the unstinting one-sided support for Israel in this issue; it seems to have made many people blind to the issue of justice in the Arab-Israeli conflict. That said, Hamas’ continual firing of rockets does absolutely nothing to advance their cause and puts those sympathetic with the Palestinian cause in a very difficult position.
I like that you used the word ‘uncritical.’ We all know that the basis of friendship is honesty. If we are truly friends with Israel, then we must also be honest and being honest means telling them when they are quite simply wrong. The action carried out by the state of Israel is wrong. It has no justification in morality, in ethics and history always tells us that violence never solves any conflict. Period.
So, our child of God, continue your acts of prophecy.
When his disciples James and John observed this rejection, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them, as Elijah did?” Rev. Brown, do you suppose that the nation of Israel consulted with God, before making the decision to destroy the lives of innocent individuals in Gaza, men, women and children? The spirit that was in Jesus’ disciples James and John, can be found in too many so called believers today. Of course, the disciples did not possess Hellfire missiles, or the sophisticated delivery systems that are used today, however, they had the same motivations and used the same rationale as many individuals do today, particularly those who claim to be the chosen of God.
Many years ago I stopped in to listen to then United StatesAmbassdor Andrew Young. He was the keynote speaker at an event held at Kent State University in northern Ohio. Ambssador Young said that we have to get to the place that we select options, other than killing people simply because we do not agree with them. Israel is doing to the Palestinian people, what the dominant culture in the USA once did, unabashedly, to black Americans. And when we responded to their venal subjugation tactics, they turned the dogs on us in the same manner that Israel is turning the dogs on the Palestinians!
I will still give him a chance, however, I am anxious to see how our new President will deal with Israeli hegemony in the future!
When his disciples James and John observed this rejection, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them, as Elijah did?” Rev. Brown, do you suppose that the nation of Israel consulted with God, before making the decision to destroy the lives of innocent individuals in Gaza, men, women and children? The spirit that was in Jesus’ disciples James and John, can be found in too many so called believers today. Of course, the disciples did not possess Hellfire missiles, or the sophisticated delivery systems that are used today, however, they had the same motivations and used the same rationale as many individuals do today, particularly those who claim to be the chosen of God.
Many years ago I stopped in to listen to then United States Ambassdor Andrew Young. He was the keynote speaker at an event held at Kent State University in northern Ohio. Ambssador Young said that we have to get to the place that we select options, other than killing people simply because we do not agree with them. Israel is doing to the Palestinian people, what the dominant culture in the USA once did, unabashedly, to black Americans. And when we responded to their venal subjugation tactics, they turned the dogs on us in the same manner that Israel is turning the dogs on the Palestinians!
I will still give him a chance, however, I am anxious to see how our new President will deal with Israeli hegemony in the future!
I stood with my Palestinian brothers and sisters here in Chicago on Friday. Like you, I am beyond distressed, watching Israel carry out its full scale assault on Palestinians in Gaza, taking out schools, civil buildings, homes and causing the loss of countless civilians. What is worse, seeing the unconditional support our government, Representatives, Senators, have given to AIPAC and its demand for unconditional support of Israel. I have almost lost faith in our government’s response, but have been leaning on the writings of Dr. King, particularly letter from a Birmingham jail. I believe we have to have faith and offer hope of freedom to the Palestinian people; in my visit there last year, the most incredible thing – the amount of non-violent resistance on both sides of the Green Line.
Wanted to write, to say thank you for being a pastor – willing to hold the space. One day, Israel and Palestine will both be free of this inhumane occupation.
Thanks Pastor Brown! Proud of me? Ah, that’s nice.
Thanks for voting. I lost my grossly embarrassing numbers… But I still feel like a winner. I thank God that I don’t require the validation of others to confirm my identity and value.
BTW: I joined church last week. I’m not sure if you knew it, but I’ve been in transition for most of the time that we’ve been connected through these blogs. and I have to admit to you that your blog has been encouragement to me to reunite with the community of faith as a servant and as a disciple. Thanks Heber. You really have been a blessing to me.
Peace to you and your beautiful family. I’ll be in touch.
Blessings and light,
Angie
I have a former co-worker that works for a local gospel radio station in Atlanta. She posted on her Facebook page that she was going to be interviewing Bishop Noel Jones on her radio show and wanted people to listen. I asked her would she ask him during the interview what his position on the Israeli-Hamas conflict is and what should the church be doing, in addition to prayer. Her response was very dismissive and convoluted. It’s amazing that we can know everything else about “the mand or womand of gawd” (what car they drive or tailors they have) except the things that really matter. We spend millions of dollars on church conferences, boat cruises or special VIP passes to have a continental breakfast with our favorite pulpiteers, but we know nothing about how they view the world with socio-political lens. We know where people like Rod Parsely, James Dobson or John Hagee stand, but if someone asked me how Jakes, Long or even Dollar viewed what is currently happening in our world, you would hear crickets. We are living in unprecedented times of financial crisis, war, famine and disease, but we can’t get the “masters of our soul” to speak on life application of God’s word. I thank God everyday for this site and at least one Pastor that has a voice for the “least of these”.
Hey Nat – what you’ve described is sadly what I have experienced as well. While I disagree vehemently with many of the social positions of Parsely, Dobson, and Hagee, you’re right – there is no question where they stand and at least for that much, I give them a measure of respect. I wish to God that Jakes, Long, Dollar, and others who have large platforms in African American Religious Thought, would speak! Cry out on these issues! How does one allow themselves to become so detached from the prophetic tradition that they won’t part their lips to speak out on what King called the triple evils: poverty, racism, and war? The “mand and womand of gawd” must do better in 2009.
I am too concerned about the conflict between Israel and Hamas, however, I really need to speak to the defense of fundamental theological thought. I know that my being a black minister with this kind of social-political stance is not popular. However, it is a point of view that I appreciate being considered. QUESTION – What does the only struggling democracy in the Middle East do when thousands of bombs are lobbed into Israel? Stand by and let it happen? Would we as men, husbands, fathers, etc, stand by and allow our homes and families to be threatened and then try to “negotiate diplomatically”? I doubt it. Further, whatever happened to God’s warning about those who would not stand in support of Israel? They are God’s chosen people, like it or not. Ishmael was filled with jealous envy over it then and still is. However, they have and continue to be God’s choice. While I am interested in sharing “constructive” criticism of Israeli actions, we must remember that our opinions that stem from primarily our philosophical thought, social positions, etc. are secondary to the thoughts of an Almighty God. I am afraid, when I look around, that we have allowed our thoughts to supercede what He has already stated in His Word. I trust Israel, as it always has, will be dealt with by God for their actions. However, our criticism and judgment of the People of God should be handled and meeted out with an abundance of caution. I love you, my brother. Congrats on the ministry and I am praying for you.
Ron, you have confused the biblical Israel with the present-day Zionist government which occupies the former Palestinian land which was given to them as a result of WWII. This present day Zionist government is in no way related to the biblical Israel. Zionism is an international political movement that originally supported the reestablishment of a homeland for the Jewish People in the historic Land of Israel (Hebrew: Eretz Yisra’el, “the Land of Israel”), later on called Palestine, and continues primarily as support for the modern state of Israel.
I am pleased to hear that believers are beginning to wake up about the dangerous and self-serving American-Israeli coalition.
Dear Pastor,
As you are aware, I serve on he National Board for Veterans For Peace and we have recently sent a delegation to both Israel and Gaza. It is apparent that Prime Minister Netanyahu has clearly rejected the latest United Nations Report alleging Israeli war crimes in its Gaza War. Veterans For Peace because of its uniqe position within the anti-war movement has passed two major resolutions : (1) In that the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a major flashpoint in international affairs, we have called for the United States government to cancel the dangerous August 2007 Memorandum of Understanding and stop the additional $30 billion in military aid to israel. (2) In that Israel has launched massive, brutal and dispropriate violence and infrastructure destruction against a largely helpless population of Gaza as collective punishment, violating the Fourth Geneva Convention and missing American-supplied weapons in violation of the Arms Export Control Act, we recommended that all military aid be withheld from Israel under the Arms Export Control Act and that all other foreign aid be conditional upon Israel's compliance with international law. At the next BOD meeting in Maine next month, several U.S. House members will provide us with stategies and tactics to further our work. I look forward to sharing these discussions with you. It is exciting to see you engaged in this effort.
Peace,
Rev. Pierre Williams
It is vitally important that pastors and ministers have a clear understanding of scripture texts, historical interpretation, social and cultural contexts, and a clear sense of theological pursuit. Without these elements and others, the people of God who sit in our congregations are cheated. Literal interpretation of scripture without sound application and praxis is dangerous.
Peace,
Rev. Pierre Williams
And with regard to this matter, Obama is dancing, and now he has Hillary dancing too: And as a result- the more things change, the more they stay the same. Netanyahu, is telling Obama what to do – Obama is already a neutered President!
The people will have to go outside of the political process in order to get America's most recent problems solved, healthcare reform, AIPAC, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the economy, job creation, dealing with Third World Nations – neither of the two parties will ever do what needs to be done!
Kweflo stopped preaching at one of the Mega's recently, in Alviso/San Jose California. He advised all everyone in the building to take out currency and to wave in the air and at the same to shout in unison, "The money is coming".
There used to be a time when Christian churches were 'waiting for Jesus to comeback". Jesus must have taken too long for Kweflo – oops!!