There's a church in Gaza? A report from an IOCC relief worker.

[knitter4democracy]

I highly recommend clicking on the link for his pictures of life in Gaza.
http://ioccingaza.blogspot.com/

Here's the paragraph that got to me:
"This is followed by a visit to the Orthodox School and a discussion with the dedicated directors, teachers and students of the school. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate School of Gaza serves more than 500 Christian and Muslim students from grades K-9. Built in 2000, the school is regarded as one of the best in Gaza, and is also one of the very few schools that integrates male and female students. As I have never developed my own ability at languages, I am humbled by the fact that Arabic, French and English are part of the curriculum for students starting at the Kindergarten level. The school hopes to raise the necessary funds to construct a third floor, which will allow them to accept more students and also provide quality education for the higher grades of 10-12. As we depart, we pass through a modern science laboratory which is completely prepared for students, but cannot be utilized until science teaching equipment and materials are allowed to enter Gaza."

They can't even learn science the way it was meant to be learned--in a lab doing the experiments for themselves. Surely what is being done to the people in Gaza is a sin. I understand why Israel would want to do all that it's doing, but these are their neighbors, and they are suffering just because of where they live and which faith they follow. That is wrong.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

1. There are also Anglicans in Gaza (diocese of Jerusalem)

My church raised money for an Anglican hospital that was severely damaged during the Israeli attacks.

[JerseygirlCT]

3. Did you see that video that has been making the rounds, too?

Very compelling.

[Meshuga]

2. I agree that they are suffering because of where they live

But I disagree it is because of the faith they follow. Religion is a component used by the crazies on both sides in this conflict but the problem, as I see, is mainly political. And in this political struggle there are two sides that share the blame. And the people pay for it.

[JerseygirlCT]

4. As usual, I agree with you! nt

[knitter4democracy]

5. The personal is political in a lot of ways, though.

The right-wing religious on both sides have a lot of political power--the politicians are in their back pockets in many ways. So, yes, their religion is a factor. If everyone in Gaza were Jewish, there would be no conflict.

[Meshuga]

6. I agree that religion is a factor and that is obvious

It is unfortunate that the religious crazies have influence. And there is not going to be any peace until the crazies are taken out of the picture, IMO. But I don't understand what you mean by the "If everyone in Gaza were Jewish, there would be no conflict" comment. I mean, I don't think the conflict can be reduced to that. I don't want to misrepresent your position but are you suggesting that the reason that we still have a conflict is due to the fact that the other side is not Jewish?

[knitter4democracy]

7. I just think it's too simplistic to say that religion's not a factor.

Of course it's a factor. Heck, the Christians and Muslims living in Israel proper go through a lot of crap themselves, just because of what religion/ethnic group they are.

Let's say, for argument, that everyone in Gaza decided to convert to Judaism, do you think the conflict would continue, or would the Israelis lay down their guns and welcome their new brethren?

[TZ]

8. Would you provide proof of bias in Israel of non Jews please

I have Palestinian friends who live in there and they aren't maltreated

[knitter4democracy]

10. I've heard from Palestinian friends in the church how hard they've had it.

I really hope things are better now.

[Meshuga]

9. No one would need to convert to Judaism

While I hold that Israel is no saint and has to make its own concessions, Kassams attacks and suicide attacks need to end and recognition Israel's existence by Hamas. Conversion is not necessary and not even remotely considered.

As far as Christians and Muslims in Israel proper, they have equal rights under the law, they can vote for whoever they want, they can worship freely, they are entitled to the full same state education as all other Israelis, they participate in government, and run for office. Although the system is not perfect as there are issues that Muslims and Christians face for being minorities, these groups are free to worship and have their own places of worship.

Actually, Muslims and Christians have full autonomy in dealing with their own religious matters in contrast to us non-orthodox Jews who have to deal with orthodox monopoly on Jewish issues.

I know haredim harass Christian missionaries and Muslims but they also attack Reform and Conservative Jewish communities.

[knitter4democracy]

11. I entirely agree about the attacks.

I really think the only way to tackle this situation is through non-violent protest and getting the news out. The rocket attacks and all, in addition to refusing to acknowledge Israel and even training the next generation not to, are hurting everyone in the long run. I would never be okay with violence on either side.

I didn't realize that the ultra-conservatives were harrassing their own as well. That's sad and wrong on many levels. I just don't understand that kind of thinking.

[davidinalameda]

12. would the newly converted welcome the Israelis?

probably so; don't hear about too many Jews strapping bombs on and blowing themselves up on buses or in the middle of crowded shopping areas