The Canadian Center for Ecumenism is alarmed at the escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine. We deplore the numbers of victims of the two cities. As it is our mission to promote dialogue and a better understanding between the various faith communities, we are all very disturbed at the increasing anti-Semitism and Islamophobia that has become evident. The tendency of misreporting of the conflict, especially present in social media undermines healthy coexistence and destabilizes peace.
We call upon religious leaders, groups encouraging dialogue, and citizens to embrace solidarity and advance the cause of peace. We remind everyone that peace is central to all faiths and that any form of violence is to be condemned and deemed unacceptable.
This is the time to remember that Jews, Muslims, and Christians, whatever Israelis, Palestinians, or from other counties are our neighbors, our colleagues, and our friends. It is time to demonstrate concrete examples of healthy coexistence. This is the right time to pray for victims and their families, for peace, and for a lasting solution to this violent conflict.
Confrontations, anti-Semitism, and Islamophobia are not an option.