‘Mixed emotions’ on Israeli-Hamas War: Pastor Derwin Grant

Considered a pastor “within a multinational/multicultural people”, the Rev. Derwin Grant, pastor of Trinity Methodist Church on Eastern Parkway, near Utica Avenue, in Brooklyn, says he has “mixed emotions” on the Israeli-Hamas War.

“Knowing what the scripture teaches, the present reality is creating an internal struggle like many of you,” the Vincentian-born pastor told Caribbean Life over the weekend. “We all want to live in a world that is peaceful, and anything that disrupts that equilibrium causes us to question those in leadership of our world and our own desire to do something.”

He admitted that, when he first heard of Hamas’ attack on Israel in October last year, he was “dismayed and wondered why.”

“I knew then, in my mind, that something big was going to happen in terms of Israel’s response,” said Pastor Grant, stating that he later learned, from watching television that, during the assault, Hamas militants killed about 1,200 Israelis, “which some reported to be about 70 percent of the then civilians living in that area, and they took some 240 hostages.

“My feelings then were one that was informed by my American worldview, and I thought that Israel had a right to defend itself and find those who are responsible,” he added. “But, on the other hand, my Christian experience and faith cause me to ask other questions, such as, ‘is this the same Israel that the Bible talks about?’ and ‘are these the same people that are called God’s people’”?

“Some would say that God has given the holy land that is referred to as Israel or Jerusalem to the descendants of Abraham,” he continued. “The question that I have is whether the modern state of Israel now is that nation that is imagined in the Bible?”

Pastor Grant said those questions arose after several weeks of fighting and the level of destruction that is being inflicted on the Palestinians.

At first, he said he thought that those dying in the war were militant fighters, which, he said, he could’ve accepted.

“But, when I saw the high cost that the civilians are paying, my heart was broken for the innocent lives lost on a daily basis,” he said. “I understand that this kind of fighting has been going on for a very long time, and it is very complex.

“Nevertheless, I believe that being a people of wisdom, and what history has taught us, we could be better; and we can strive to ensure these kinds of internal conflicts and struggles can be resolved in a diplomatic way,” added Pastor Grant, calling for substantial international response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

“We cannot afford to allow so many people to become refugees and stateless,” he continued. “I personally think the time has come for the international community to settle these conflicts between Israel and the Palestinians once and for all. The Jewish people and the Palestinian people are all God’s people, and I don’t believe that He favors one above the other – contrary to some Christians’ belief.”

Pastor Grant said, while he realizes that the Christian community is divided on many issues, including Israel, he personally believes that all people are equally important in the eyes of God.

“My love for the Jewish people is the same love for the Palestinian people and for all people of the world – for, in Christ Jesus, there is neither Jew nor Gentile,” he said. “My faith requires me to think and to be of a sound mind.

“I think the time has come for peace and for a cease-fire to save lives,” he added. “The mass death tolls are wrong and deplorable. The celebrations by some for Hamas is wrong and should not be cheered.”

In times like these, Rev. Grant said fundamental Christian values must stand out – “with the love of Jesus for all to see.”

“Christians must not be callous with what we say and preach from the pulpit and social media,” he said. “I do not pretend to know exactly what the right choice is for Israel going forward, but both sides can’t keep killing indiscriminately. Remember all life is holy – and not just one above the other.

“All sides, including us, need to realize it’s only by grounding our world vision in universal humanity – and the idea that all life is sacred and deserves our love and respect – can the cycle of violence stop, and we close the mouth of hell and the grave,” he added.

Rev. Grant urged that the Israelis and the Palestinians, including their leaders, find a way to live in peace.

Personally, he said the two-state solution, supported by President Joe Biden is “a good place to start.”

“That would give some dignity and humanity to both sides,” Pastor Grant said. “All governments and world leaders need to do more, than speak words, and use specific interventions to push both sides toward creating that sense of respect and hope.”

He stressed that the “counterproductive policies” must cease and pressure be put on both sides for a ceasefire.

“Israel cannot expel the residents of Gaza to Egypt, and the conservatives have to drop their hardline policies toward the Palestinians,” Rev. Grant said. “Hamas must stop the inhumane attacks in targeting Israeli civilians as well. There must be a way forward. If we all standby, waiting and watching, and doing nothing, we all lose.”

He noted that the physical damage in Gaza has already reached an extraordinary level.

“The longer the Israeli military stays and controls Gaza, it would lose the trust it has built in the region and the international community,” he said. “This war must stop; Hamas and the people of Gaza are not the same. Dropping bombshells indiscriminately can’t keep happening. It only breeds hatred and brings future attacks.”

At the same time, Rev. Grant said Hamas should return all hostages and seek peace, and Israel should release all Palestinian prisoners “unjustly held in Israel.”

“At this point, I can only hope that both parties, their people and the international community say ‘enough is enough’”, he said. “The old politicians need to give way to a younger generation of leaders, who want a better future for their people.

“My prayer is that all involved would see the light and allow love for all humanity to prevail,” he added. “It is ok to be different in race, culture and color. God in his wisdom created it that way. It’s one world for everyone. We can share it or die trying to own it.

“But, like the empires and kings of old, they die and leave it all,” Pastor Grant continued. “So, too, will we. Peace and love are the answer. All citizens of the world deserve to live and enjoy life in their own country and community. Let us wake up, stand up and speak up to create the change we want to see.”