Question: Many evangelical Christians express unwavering support for Israel. But shouldn’t the starving children in Gaza also be important to us?
Answer: I am glad that you asked such a thoughtful question. Psalm 122, verse 6, instructs us to “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem,” but it does not say to pray only for those of Jewish heritage. Arabs currently make up 21 percent of the population in Israel, so our prayers should certainly include them as well. Evangelicals must also be mindful that the Arab populace of both Israel and Gaza includes Christians as well as Muslims.
Support for Israel does not mean blind acceptance of every decision made by its government. For instance, France, Canada and the United Kingdom recently issued a joint statement that said, in part, “We have always supported Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism, but this escalation is entirely disproportionate.”
The escalation being referenced by this statement includes the denial of humanitarian assistance to Gaza residents, a situation that you mentioned in your question. Since the aid blockade began, at least 57 Palestinian children have died from malnutrition, and if the situation persists the World Health Organization estimates that nearly 71,000 children under 5 years old will be “acutely malnourished” before the end of the year.
Concern for Gazan children is not antisemitic; it is pro-humanity. I believe that Christians should give our full support to the right of Israeli citizens to live in peace, free from the fear of terrorism. But this peace cannot come, and will not come, at the expense of the lives of innocent children.
Thank you again for your concern. Let’s agree to pray together for the good of children and families everywhere.
Dr. Steve Rahter
Pastor, Praise Tabernacle
Egg Harbor Township
