The South Australian Council of Christians and Jews shares the exultation and deep joy of the Israeli families who have welcomed home loved ones long held in captivity.
We rejoice with mother and fathers brothers, sisters and friends of those who have been held in misery and in fear of their lives.
We celebrate their joy and commiserate with their two years of torture.
We rejoice also with the families in Gaza who have embraced the return of their sons and daughters, some of whom were never convicted of any crime, after difficult years of incarceration and separation.
In this fragile moment of reunion, we remember the suffering of the ordinary people of Gaza who must now mourn their loved ones, rebuild their homes, communities and lives which are devastated.
We reflect also on the suffering of the Israeli communities who have lost loved ones and those who have been internally displaced.
The courage both people will require in the face of suffering calls each of us to renew our own commitment to peace and human dignity.
As we give thanks for families restored, we also acknowledge the long and painful road ahead for all who live in Israel/Palestine. We hope that joy may not be followed by vengeance, that compassion may overcome bitterness, and that neither side will ever again seek to wound the other. That this war between siblings fighting over the land to which each of them has a deep and historic claim will cease.
May the God who breathes life into all creation grant healing to every family, comfort to the grieving and wisdom to those who hold power. May peace – true and lasting peace – take root where hatred and anger and pain and division now rule.
Dr Ron Hoenig
Jewish Co-Chair, Council of Christians and Jews (SA) Inc
Rev Dr Michael Trainor, Christian Co-Chair, Council of Christians and Jews (SA) inc
