4 Dec 2023: Israel-Hamas War: Reflecting on Role of Religion & Interfaith Leadership
4 December 2023
Israel-Hamas War: Reflecting on Role of Religion & Interfaith Leadership
I'm reflecting on Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir's recent paper, "Dangers and Opportunities in the Role of Religion in the Israel-Hamas War," published by RSIS | S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. Certain parts of the article could benefit from clarification and expansion. Nonetheless, the article prompts the question of whether religion can be a force for good in the context of this war.
One could argue that this is not strictly a religious war. However, it's essential not to ignore or be naive about the reality that religion has played a peripheral role in this war and the broader Israel/Palestine conflict. It impacts specific religious communities, and acknowledging this reality is crucial.
Dr Naziruddin points out the "unfettered use of inflammatory religious rhetoric" as a "serious concern". I'd call for further inquiry into this rather than dismissing it as the work of radicals or right-wing politicians. There's a need for an honest and imminent dialogue within the interfaith community on this issue. I hope that a time will come soon when we won't shy away from this challenging but necessary conversation.
Dr. Nazirudin draws attention to the qualities of Abraham, a revered figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, urging us to reflect on why these prophetic values haven't risen to end the war and pave the way for peace. Why haven't religious values promoting the protection of human life and dignity triumphed over hate? Now is a moment for us to engage our interfaith consciousness. We have to ask: What is the effect of our interfaith efforts all these years?
Additionally, we should consider how religious leaders and communities can be agents of effective change. If we can't resolve hostilities between people, how can we collaboratively address issues like climate change, now a crucial topic within interfaith circles? It's essential to "put the house in order first."
What roles do religious leaders and their communities play individually and collectively in times of conflicts and wars? Dr. Naziruddin somewhat addresses this, highlighting his interfaith leadership in Singapore, such as his correspondence with the Chief Rabbi of Singapore.
I'd also like to bring your attention to David Hoekema's book We Are The Voice of the Grass: Interfaith Peace Activism in Northern Uganda.
The book explores the story of the Acholi Religious Leaders' Peace Initiative (ARLPI), showcasing the significant accomplishments of a small group of dedicated community leaders in a situation where military force and international pressure had little effect. It documents the courageous efforts of Catholic, Protestant, and Muslim leaders within the ARLPI to overcome centuries of mistrust and help bring an end to a horrific conflict.
I learned about this book in one of Paul Hedges's classes on Interreligious Dialogue in RSIS, and it's one of the few that instils hope that interfaith community building is possible even during seemingly hopeless conflicts
I would also encourage you to read Paul's latest article, exploring how accusations of antisemitism and Islamophobia are deployed by global advocates on each side of the current Israel-Hamas war. Perhaps we can start by asking how interfaith is going to help counter these hate forms that continue to remain a worry for social relations near and far from the war.
Holding the Ropes: Interfaith Dialogue & Reflections Surrounding the Israel-Gaza War is a blog series that follows the events, dialogues and reflections experienced by Nazhath Faheema in the aftermath of the 2023 Israel-Gaza war. Triggered by the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023 and Israel’s military response, there continues to be widespread destruction and civilian displacement in Gaza. Additionally, Israeli hostages remain in captivity.
Against this backdrop, Nazhath Faheema, through her reflections, provides insights into the dynamics of the war, its impact on interfaith relations, and the inherent challenges and opportunities in fostering understanding and empathy between Jewish and Muslim communities.
