The Gaza war has exposed a painful truth: the silence and complicity of many Western Christian leaders and churches in the face of atrocities against the Palestinian people. This silence shakes the very foundations of our faith and values, forcing us to confront a troubling question: How can those who claim to follow Christ turn a blind eye to the suffering of his people in the land where he walked?
Jack Nassar
A disheartening trend is evident in the prayer calls from the Evangelical Alliances of Germany, Switzerland and Austria. While expressing concern exclusively for Jewish people and Hamas hostages, there was a notable absence of any prayer for the Palestinian people, including Palestinian Christians. The prayer call added: “Never again is now! Let your light shine!” Yet, without mentioning Israel’s indiscriminate attacks and the tens of thousands of civilians killed and injured, the phrase “never again” seems to exclude the Palestinians.
In a striking commentary, Andi Bachmann-Roth, co-secretary general of the Swiss Evangelical Alliance, stated, “Hatred of Israel even seems to have developed into the actual identifying feature of the Palestinians.” This reductionist portrayal reduces an entire people to a single hostile identity, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and fostering violence — a stark contradiction to Christ’s teachings of love and compassion.
Christian leaders who prioritize nationalism over Christ’s teachings often endorse Israeli policies that violate human rights, perpetuate occupation and obstruct peace. By conflating ancient biblical promises with modern political agendas, they overlook the root causes of the conflict and undermine the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians.
“Christian leaders who prioritize nationalism over Christ’s teachings often endorse Israeli policies that violate human rights.”
Entities like The Gospel Coalition, Samaritan’s Purse, CBN, GOD TV, Christianity Today, and The Christian Post often oversimplify Palestinian realities, equating biblical Israel with the modern state. This narrative disregards the lived experiences of Palestinians, misrepresenting their diverse identities — Samaritans, Christians, Muslims, Bahai, Druze, agnostics, atheists and others. It portrays them solely as anti-Israel forces, perpetuating one-sided perspectives that distort Jesus’ message, misrepresent Christianity and dehumanize Palestinians.
An editorial by The Gospel Coalition asserts that “Amalek is the anti-Israel, a people whose way of life, values and military tactics are set in direct opposition to Yahweh’s purposes for humanity.” This framing of Palestinians as modern-day Amalekites is not only theologically flawed but also morally reprehensible. How can such assertions be made while tens of thousands of Palestinians face indiscriminate bombardment, displacement and starvation?
A call for redemption
The endorsement of Israeli actions as a “just war” by many Christian leaders highlights a troubling disconnect from Palestinian reality, Christ’s teachings, international law and basic humanity. Dismissing well-documented evidence of atrocities since 1948 is deeply concerning. Acts as egregious as Israel’s bombing of the Baptist hospital and the killing of Israeli hostages waving white flags should not be brushed aside. To do so perpetuates a climate of impunity.
Moreover, the targeted bombing of Christian hospitals, schools, cultural centers, homes and businesses in Gaza, along with the alarming rate of Palestinian Christian killings, exacerbates these dire issues. The targeting and damage to every single church in Gaza is particularly distressing, compounding the already dire situation.
In a broader context marred by dehumanization, demonization and justifications for ethnic cleansing, evangelical support for Israel aligns with oppression rather than Christian principles. What’s more alarming is the involvement of notable Christian figures like Russell Moore, David French and Franklin Graham — known for their emphasis on civility, truthfulness and empathy in U.S. domestic politics — who perpetuate fabricated narratives, disseminate fake news and propagate political propaganda about Palestinians, assuming authority over their cause. Their detached perspective fails to grasp the profound global ramifications of Palestine’s daily struggle.
“An Arab Christian attending a U.S. church heard a pastor refer to Palestinians as ‘the enemy’ and advocate their displacement to Jordan.”
A recent incident where an Arab Christian attending a U.S. church heard a pastor refer to Palestinians as “the enemy” and advocate their displacement to Jordan is deeply troubling. Being seen as replaceable — Palestinians, Jordanians, Lebanese, Egyptians — is dehumanizing. While Arab Christian leaders actively confront this dehumanization, their Western counterparts often remain silent or contribute to harmful narratives. The impact of such rhetoric extends beyond Christians to encompass all non-Christians, particularly Muslims, shaping their perception of Christianity and undermining its global credibility.
Reclaiming the true Christian mandate
Arab Christian leaders visiting U.S. churches have extensively addressed the perpetuation of dehumanization, highlighting false prophecies involving figures like Abdel Nasser, the Soviet Union and Yasser Arafat, along with contemporary concerns regarding Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah. Their neglect of Palestinian experiences and evidence of atrocities before October 7 demonstrates a clear lack of empathy and critical analysis.
While the prevailing silence and complicity of many Christian leaders are alarming, we also must recognize that some churches and leaders within the West are shining examples of courage and compassion. These voices, often drowned out by louder, more politically motivated narratives, speak out for justice, peace and the well-being of the Palestinian people. They are committed to correcting misconceptions and standing against oppression. In doing so, they challenge the distortions propagated by some within the Christian community, offering a powerful reminder that true Christian values are rooted in love, dignity and the fight for human rights.
“Does their unwavering endorsement of Israel amount to tacit acceptance of injustice?”
In the midst of this tumult, a piercing inquiry arises: How can leaders professing allegiance to Jesus Christ, the epitome of justice and compassion, support the oppression of those he commanded to be cherished, safeguarded and uplifted? Does their unwavering endorsement of Israel amount to tacit acceptance of injustice? Or have they forsaken moral integrity for political gain, wealth and unwavering allegiance?
Dangers of a distorted gospel
This inquiry unveils profound truths about the motivations and influences guiding Christian leaders. Whom do they truly serve, and which interpretation of the Bible informs their actions? Are they swayed by governments, politicians, think tanks, lobbies, media or the arms industry? Or are we witnessing an era plagued by manipulation, deception and the distortion of truth? Palestinians yearn for justice and compassion within Christian circles. Will these leaders emerge as fearless advocates for justice, or will they persist as silent enablers of Palestinian suffering?
Their decision will etch their legacy and Christian history, marking them as either champions of righteousness or complicit partners in oppression, starvation and genocide. The answer to what Jesus would do remains unmistakably clear.
“Their decision will etch their legacy and Christian history.”
Christians are called to embody Micah 6:8: “Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly.” This mandate requires engaging in dialogue rooted in Christ’s teachings, advocating for justice, reconciliation and peace. It demands active participation in peacemaking initiatives addressing root causes, drawing on biblical injunctions to “weep with those who weep” and pursue peace.
Proverbs 31:8-9 urges believers to speak for the voiceless and defend the marginalized. Christian leaders must deeply contemplate Jesus’ teachings, opposing oppression, advancing peace, acknowledging Palestinian grievances and working for a fair resolution.
Reflecting on Jeremiah’s call to champion the rights of the fatherless and needy demands rejecting false prophecies and self-serving leadership. Jesus’ teachings compel us to be peacemakers, advocating for a critical yet compassionate approach to Palestinians and Israelis. In navigating geopolitics, insights from scholars like Gary Saul Morson caution against allowing victimhood to serve as an excuse for perpetuating evil.
It is deeply disheartening that many leaders and churches have not only stayed silent on the urgent need for a cease-fire but have even opposed it. Instead of condemning the bloodshed, they’ve chosen to justify, promote and support it. As followers of Christ, we should not settle for temporary pauses in violence; we must demand an immediate end to the war and the dismantling of the oppressive occupation and apartheid system. Anything less is not just complicity but an outright endorsement of genocide and colonization.
Embedded within the fabric of ancient wisdom lies a profound Arabic saying: “Anyone who does not speak the truth is a silent devil.” These words, echoing through generations, serve as a stark reminder of the moral imperative to uphold truth and justice. Let us remember the powerful words of Jesus in Matthew 25:40, where he teaches us, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” This profound statement underscores the imperative of truth-telling and compassionate action, reminding us that our treatment of the marginalized reflects our treatment of the divine.
“Anyone who does not speak the truth is a silent devil.”
It is imperative to recognize that Jesus, a Palestinian Jew, speaking in the local Palestinian dialect of Aramaic, was born into a context of occupation and oppression. His teachings, steeped in compassion, humility and justice, serve as a lighthouse guiding our actions today. His call to love our enemies, champion peace and advocate for the welfare of all, irrespective of nationality or ethnicity, echoes through the ages, demanding our unwavering commitment.
Throughout his earthly ministry, Jesus stood in solidarity with the downtrodden — the Samaritans, the Canaanites, the sinners — while fearlessly confronting the entrenched powers of his era. In the face of Pharisees, religious leaders and the established order, he embodied courage and integrity, challenging the status quo with unwavering resolve. Crucially, Jesus never sought to establish political dominion or endorse militaristic or political agendas. Instead, he envisioned a kingdom founded upon the pillars of love and equity, seeking not the conquest of territories, but the liberation of souls.
In Jenin, in the northern West Bank, a Catholic priest shared in an interview that Israeli forces destroyed more than 180 Palestinian homes, including those of two Christian families. Not a single word of condemnation came from conservative Christian leaders. In Jerusalem, a Jewish woman was attacked in her home by an Israeli Jewish terrorist wielding an axe — simply because he thought she was a Christian. Meanwhile, Christian properties in Jerusalem, particularly those of the Armenian Church, are being targeted, attacked and confiscated.
What is even more appalling is Paula White’s interview, in which she hosted and whitewashed a global terrorist and criminal — Prime Minister Netanyahu — a man responsible for the brutal deaths of more than 50,000 innocent souls. While I agree we should pray for him and for all sides, regardless of the blood on their hands, I cannot fathom how she could show such disregard for the 4% of her fellow Christians in Gaza who were brutally killed, or for the churches, schools, hospitals and homes that were deliberately targeted and destroyed.
These are just a few examples of what Palestinian Christians endure — often with the blessing, justification and financing of their so-called “fellow” conservative and Zionist Christians.
I never have heard them praying for peace, justice, equality and dignity for both Palestinians and Israelis to live side by side in two independent states with full security and freedom for both. The question remains: Why do they hate us? Do they truly know the truth and reality, and have they chosen to stand against us? Or are they misinformed, misguided and brainwashed? Even if that were the case, what happened to their humanity? I never would accept or justify such actions, even toward animals.
Jack Nassar is a Palestinian Christian based in Ramallah. He holds a master of arts degree in political communications from Goldsmiths, University of London, and possesses expertise across sectors, driving positive change.
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