Date: October 7, 2024
Contact: Heather Cabral, 202-550-6880, hcabral@faithinaction.org
Washington – As the world reflects on the October 7 tragedies last year, leaders from Faith in Action leaned in to important multi-faith dialog as we work to collectively chart a path forward rooted in peace and safety for all people. Birthed out of these conversations, Rev. Deth Im, Director of Faith Leadership shared the following statement:
This statement was crafted by Faith in Action national staff and may not reflect the sentiments of all Faith in Action federations within our larger network. It was written by a multi-faith team with input and approval from the board of directors.
It has been one year since the tragic events of October 7. We acknowledge the pain, unthinkable loss, and division that has occurred in the past year. There are too many lives lost, too many who have been taken hostage and the warring factions have only escalated. This is not the world as it was created to be.
In the aftermath of the deadly attack on October 7 and the ensuing war so many of us continue to experience feelings of loss, fear, isolation and anger. There is a collective uncertainty about the future. Our Jewish, Muslim, Palestinian, Lebanese and many other siblings in the region have suffered an enormous amount of pain and each has been subjected to violence and threats. While there are global and political implications, as a faith-led organization that is deeply committed to being multi-faith in a global context, we also acknowledge that the impact of the war has faith implications. It has caused a rift in our faith communities and tension now exists among allies.
As we go forward as people of faith, we must prioritize humanity above partisanship and peace above war. Multi-faith solidarity requires us to engage in the deep work of building and maintaining relationships. We will draw on our faith practices that require us to be with one another, tend to each other and rely on each other for strength in the midst of these trying times. Indeed we are exhausted, suffering and grieving but in the words of the prophet, Micah, “What does the Creator require of us? To do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with GOD.” The war in the Middle East has illuminated many acts of hate. As people of faith we have an obligation to protect and affirm each other’s humanity and denounce acts of hate and violence so we can embody the tenets of our faith that allow us to work toward our collective liberation to build the world we need.
Therefore, we call for peace among all parties. We call for a ceasefire among all parties. We call for a release of all hostages. We call for all parties to adhere to international treaties and standards for human rights. We ask that people of faith create space for one another to mourn and to build up, to weep and to gather, to pause and to be present.
This is our prayer and commitment.
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