Voices of Conscience: Jesuit Declaration on Gaza - A Call for Justice, Peace, and Fraternity
By
Midhun J Francis, Sj, New Age Islam
2 April
2024
Introduction: Speaking Truth To Power
The Declaration Of The Jesuits, Titled "We
Cannot Be Silent!", Echoes The Collective Outcry Of The Jesuit Community
And Many Others Globally Regarding The Ongoing Conflict In Gaza. Approved By Arturo Sosa Abascal, The General Of The Society
Of Jesus, This Statement Underscores The Imperative Of Moral Responsibility In
The Face Of Human Suffering And Injustice. As The Guns Persist In Their Deadly
Symphony, The Jesuits, Alongside Numerous Individuals Of Diverse Faiths And
Beliefs, Assert Their Commitment To Vocal Opposition Against The Death And
Destruction That Continue To Afflict Gaza And Its Neighbouring Regions.
A Palestinian family outside of a destroyed house after an Israeli air
strike, in the city of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip, on October 12, 2023.
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Bearing
Witness to Tragedy
In the wake
of the devastating attacks on southern Israel in October 2023 and the
subsequent Israeli bombardments of Gaza, followed by a ground offensive leaving
swathes of the region in ruins, the Jesuits bear witness to the unfolding
tragedy. The toll of the conflict is staggering, with tens of thousands of
lives lost, countless more injured, displaced, and now facing famine and
disease. The declaration mourns the loss of nearly 1,800 Israelis and over
32,000 Palestinians, highlighting the profound human cost of the protracted
conflict.
Unveiling
the Horrors: A Call to Action
The
declaration unveils the grim realities of the Gaza conflict, lamenting the
relentless violence and devastation that have persisted for almost six months.
It vividly portrays the dire humanitarian crisis resulting from Israeli
bombardments, ground offensives, and the ensuing famine and disease outbreaks.
The staggering toll on human lives, with thousands dead and countless others
wounded, displaced, and destitute, serves as a stark indictment of the failure
to uphold fundamental principles of human dignity and rights.
Rejecting
Silence: The Jesuit Commitment
In resolute
defiance of indifference and complacency, the Jesuits affirm their steadfast
commitment to break the silence surrounding the Gaza crisis. They denounce the
inaction and impunity that have allowed the conflict to perpetuate, emphasizing
the moral imperative to speak out against injustice and advocate for peace. By
amplifying their voices in prayer, protest, and solidarity, the Jesuits
epitomize the conscientious dissent against the normalization of violence and
suffering.
Championing
Alternatives: A Vision of Hope
Central to
the declaration is the articulation of alternative pathways to peace and reconciliation.
Rejecting the false dichotomy between violence and dialogue, vengeance and
reconciliation, the Jesuits espouse the prophetic vision of a future
characterized by harmony, justice, and non-violence. Drawing inspiration from
sacred scriptures, they envision a transformative paradigm shift where swords
are transformed into plowshares, and nations forsake the path of war for the
pursuit of collective well-being. The declaration laments the absence of
accountability for the perpetrators of violence and the perpetuation of
conflict in a region sacred to multiple faiths. Through their engagement with
Middle Eastern communities over decades, the Jesuits emphasize the imperative
of choosing reconciliation over vengeance, justice over wrongdoing, and dialogue
over violence.
Echoes
of Solidarity: Aligning with Papal Advocacy
The Jesuits
align their stance with the unequivocal denunciation of war by Pope Francis,
emphasizing the moral imperative to view armed conflict as an unequivocal
failure. By echoing the Pope's calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of
hostages, and inclusive negotiations, the Jesuits reinforce the urgency of
concerted diplomatic efforts aimed at securing lasting peace and justice in the
Middle East.
Conclusion:
A Call to Conscience
In
conclusion, the Declaration of the Society of Jesus on Gaza serves as a
poignant reminder of the ethical imperative to confront injustice and advocate
for peace in the face of human suffering. By refusing to remain silent and
amplifying their voices of conscience, the Jesuits exemplify the transformative
power of moral courage and solidarity. As the world grapples with the enduring spectre
of conflict and division, the message of hope and reconciliation articulated in
this declaration resonates as a beacon of light amidst the darkness of despair.
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An
occasional columnist for New Age Islam, Midhun J Francis Kochukallan SJ is a
Jesuit priest from Kerala in India.
New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic
Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism