Since 1948, Presbyterian General Assemblies have repeatedly addressed the Middle East, especially Israel and Palestine. Historically, Presbyterians have supported Israel’s right to exist as a sovereign state within internationally recognized borders, as well as the right of Palestinians to self-determination, including the right to establish a neighboring, independent, sovereign state as a means to establish a just and lasting peace.

In response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the PC(USA)’s Christian Zionism working group recently held a series of webinars to discuss how the Zionism ideology contributes to the violence Palestinians have experienced and the consequences of the settler colonial experience.

To help Presbyterians, churches, and mid councils deepen their understanding of the Israel-Palestine conflict, a range of resources, policies, and historical documents have been made available. Those resources, including recordings of the webinars, can be found here.

While prayer remains our most profound response, the ongoing and escalating violence in Israel/Palestine also demands immediate humanitarian assistance. Efforts include providing medical supplies, shelter, water and sanitation, food, non-food items, and crucial psychosocial support. You can support Presbyterian Disaster Assistance’s crisis response and recovery efforts in Israel/Palestine here