MWR : MCC in Gaza

Last updated November 24.

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Feb. 9, 2009 issue

MCC in Gaza

By Mennonite Congregation of Boston

We write to ask your support of Mennonite Central Committee in its relief efforts in Gaza and to speak out publicly for the plight of the Palestinian people, who have lost more than 1,300 lives, more than 20,000 homes damaged or destroyed, basic infrastructure of roads, water, etc. destroyed, and more than 100,000 individuals left homeless due to the recent onslaught by Israeli forces.

We urge you to visit the MCC Web site for current reports by Daryl Byler and other MCC representatives or affiliates in the region. Donate your material resources toward helping MCC and other relief agencies in their efforts to address the tremendous war-created need. Lift your voice calling for immediate and unhindered access to Gaza so that food, water, medicines and supplies for rebuilding can be brought into the area.

Comments

Here is another article that points an accusing finger at Israel as they take action to respond to Hamas rocket launches. This is a reminder that the cornerstone of Hamas is to destroy Israel. How is it that all kinds of weapons readily gain entrance into Gaza but not food, water, medicines and supplies? Hamas weapons are stored in civilian areas for protection. Hamas weapons are fired from the same civilian locations. Hamas takes pictures of children who were killed in the Israel's military action to take out these weapon storage and rocket launching places and distribute these pictures to influence the world against Israel. Where in this article do we read that Israel had three hour cease fire periods to enable organizations to transport food, water, medicine, supplies to civilians in Gaza? Articles from MCC, such as this, frequently display a disdain against Israel. When will we see MCC provide balanced reports that recognizes Israel's right to exist and defend itself? It is one thing to write articles condemning Israel from a safe place in the U.S. but another thing to write the same critical article as an Israeli citizen with the constant rocket attacks from Hamas in nearby Gaza. Hamas is skilled in manipulating world opinion with deception that contributes to destruction of Israel.

- A. Dale Welty (feb 6 at 3:39 p.m.)
Thank you, Mennonite Congregation of Boston! In speaking out publicly (and in writing) concerning the plight of the Palestinian people, I have wondered why it is that some people think it is important for Israel to defend itself and Gazans are to just let themselves be killed and not defend themselves. Where in the Bible do we read that either one has a right to defend itself? Instead of following political rhetoric, maybe we should apply the teachings of Jesus. Jesus said, "Follow me." Where did Jesus go? What did Jesus do?

- Carl L. Smeltzer (feb 6 at 7:42 p.m.)
It appears Mr. Smeltzer did not read my comments on this subject. He makes it sound as if things became dull and boring in Israel and to liven things up, Israel decided to test its weapons and army skills and invasion tactics on innocent civilians in Gaza. I believe I am correct in my thinking, Hamas was shooting hundreds of rockets into Israel for several weeks or months ignoring Israel's protests. Thus Hamas sowed violence and they reaped violence. I am thinking Mr. Smeltzer would also protest quite loudly and demand government action if rocket shells would be lobbed in his vicinity on a continual basis for several weeks.

- A. Dale Welty (feb 7 at 11:18 p.m.)
As a Christian, I align myself with the cause of the Israelies.

- Tara (feb 10 at 6:16 p.m.)
The Mennonite Church of Boston asked us to visit the MCC website to get first hand reports about Gaza and the region. The people who have been there or are there know more than we do. I was there many years ago, but the seeds of the present were already evident. I have heard Elias Chacour talk. He is a Christian and has a life long connection with Arabs and Jews. He stated a school that I believe has about 5,000 students. I have talked with people who have talked with the leaders of Iran and others who have recently visited or lived in the region for up to 10 years. We hear from our media the side of Israel because we give $3 billion to them annually plus many loan guarantees. Israel has their side. I think it is time we consider seriously the plight of the Palestinians. Frederic Bush has spent many years studying, corresponding, and has made many trips to the region. I heard him speak and dialog in person. Here are some figures he has given long before the present crisis. All these figures represent people that God loves and people who have human loved ones. I wonder if any of these would be ". . .the least of these brothers of mine. . ." (NIV) that Jesus talked about in Matt. 26:40.
"From Sept. 29, 2000 to Sept. 25, 2006, there were 121 Israeli children killed and 786 Palestinian children killed. 1,084 Israelis killed and 4,171 Palestinians killed. 7,633 Israelis injured, 30,670 Palestinians injured. The U.S. gives $15,139,178 per day to the Israeli government: $232,290 per day to Palestinian NGOs. There is one Israeli prisoner, 9,599 Palestinian prisoners. Zero Israeli houses have been destroyed by the Palestinians, 4,170 Palestinian houses have been destroyed by Israel. 60+ new Jewish-only settlements. Zero cases of Palestinians confiscating Israeli land and buildings. Israel has been targeted by at least 65 UN resolutions.

I say that both sides are wrong. I wish no one was killed. But in the recent war the only "choices" were 13 Israelis killed and about 1,300 Palestinians in Gaza. If I had to make the choice between these two figures, I would choose the 13 rather than the 1,300 if they were my relatives. Now there needs to be rebuilding of the bombed Gaza--one source said the cost would be $2 billion.

- Carl L. Smeltzer (feb 12 at 7:36 p.m.)

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