As we love mercy and seek to be worthy of receiving it, so we extend our prayers and consolation to the afflicted and the bereaved. We commend the churches who have extended acts of mercy and practical assistance to Palestinian families and communities who face danger, privation, loss, and suffering through isolation under closure and attack by heavy weapons and helicopters. We plead for an end to the cycle of violence that threatens to spin completely out of control. We have heard the fears from both sides and ask each side to hear the other. We reach out with concern to our sisters and brothers in the Israeli Jewish community to caution them that their government's disproportionate use of violence further deteriorates hopes for their aspirations for peace with security.
Oppression breeds terrorism.
Therefore we make an urgent plea that all parties heed the moral imperative to do justice. To that end, we urge the community of nations and all people who love mercy to recognize and condemn this new apartheid that oppresses the Palestinian people. We call upon our U.S. President and Congress to encourage such an end to the occupation of Palestinian lands and neighborhoods. A peace accord that implements U.N.S.C. 242 and 338, and all other pertinent resolutions including U.N.S.C. 194 affirming the right of return for Palestinian refugees, would open the way to Israel's long-term security and acceptance by Arab nations in the region. Finally, we affirm our affection and love for both Israelis and Palestinians.