Pressure is mounting on President Biden to call for a ceasefire as the Israel-Hamas conflict enters its fourth month. One significant source of pressure is coming from black voters and black pastors across the country who have organized petitions calling for an end to the violence. In an open letter signed by black clergy, they express their concern for the lives of both Palestinians and Israelis, stating that they see them as oppressed people and believe in the humanity of all. According to the Hamas-controlled ministry of health, more than 26,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began.
The New York Times interviewed pastors who signed the petition and found that their support for President Biden's reelection bid could be endangered if he does not take a stronger stance on the conflict. While some pastors, like Cynthia Hale of Ray of Hope Christian Church, are still hopeful that Biden will change his position and call for a ceasefire, many congregants are becoming increasingly disillusioned with the President's response. The pastors emphasize that they care equally about the people of Israel and Palestine and want to see an end to the killing on both sides.
Another pastor, Carl Day, shares the sentiment that people are upset about the high death toll but believes that the situation should play out. He suggests that pressure should also be placed on Hamas to release the hostages before a ceasefire can be implemented. However, he acknowledges the need for Palestinians to receive full aid and to have the right to govern themselves. Day also mentions that the Jewish community in Philadelphia, with whom he collaborates, is both concerned for the hostages and empathetic towards the people of Gaza.
The pastors' call for a ceasefire comes amidst ongoing violence and tragedy in the region. They emphasize the importance of ending the senseless killings and potential harm to civilians. However, it is important to note that the conflict has also led to the deaths of over a thousand people in Israel.
As the pressure for a ceasefire continues to grow, black pastors and their congregants are expressing their concerns to the Biden administration. Their hope is that the President will take a stronger stance to stop the ongoing violence and seek a resolution that can bring peace to both Israelis and Palestinians.
