As Christians, we seek a just peace, mutual security, and understanding. Sadly, violence in the Holy Land has desecrated churches, mosques and synagogues; houses of worship which should provide a refuge for believers of all faiths regardless of political or ethnic origin.
Less than a week ago, a village mosque north of Ramallah was burned down and believed to have been a settler attack on Palestinian Muslims. On Tuesday, five Israelis were killed, and several others wounded, by two Palestinians armed with a pistol, axes, and knives at a synagogue in West Jerusalem during a time of prayer. World Vision condemns such acts of terror and religious violence, and shares the grief of those who mourn the passing of all who have died in the violence of recent weeks.
We are witnessing a frightening escalation of tension in Jerusalem. The rise in vandalism, bombings, and attacks on Jewish, Christian, and Muslim places of worship undermines their shared values and respect for human life.
Following the devastation of this summers war in Gaza and in the midst of great hostility in Jerusalem, World Vision U.S. condemns all acts of aggression and believes violence deepens the divide between people and serves no constructive purpose. World Vision will continue our mission striving towards a better future for all children of the Holy Land: Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization conducting relief, development, and advocacy activities in its work with children, families, and their communities in nearly 100 countries to help them reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, please visit www.WorldVision.org/media-center/ or on Twitter @WorldVisionUSA.