For peace in the Middle East [letter]

This letter is submitted by the Akron Mennonite Church, following a careful discernment process of the congregation.

Humanity stands in the midst of catastrophic moral and physical disasters. During our current worship series on the prophets of Israel, we at Akron Mennonite Church have been moved more deeply to lamentation and grief over the Israel-Hamas war. We believe that humanity must begin to act if our children are to have a future. We wish to offer a vision of healing and hope for the Middle East by compassion, cooperation, creativity and courage for transformation.

Deeply troubled by the relentless attacks by Israel on Gaza and Palestinians in response to the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, we call on the United States to stop all military aid to Israel and intensify its diplomatic efforts.

We also urge Israel to end its assault on the lives of Palestinians, and on the life-sustaining infrastructure of homes, food and health care in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

This can only happen by declaring a permanent cease-fire, releasing hostages and ending the occupation. We expect those parties that have the most wealth and power to change course and show a better way.

We also urge Hamas to release its hostages, quit imitating the worst violent behaviors of its oppressors and turn toward peaceful means of compassion, justice and transformation.

We invite all churches and people of goodwill to speak out for nonviolent rather than violent action for peace by all involved parties and to redirect taxes from war to peace.

Elaine Brubaker

Chair of the congregational council of Akron Mennonite Church