We continue to pray and act for just peace in the region
A statement by The United Church of Canada, on the second anniversary of October 7, 2023.
Today marks two years since the horrific escalation of violence in Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. The United Church of Canada calls again for the immediate and safe release of all remaining hostages from inside Israel who are held captive in Gaza by Hamas, including the dignified and respectful return of the remains of all hostages who have died in Gaza to their families.
The church echoes the cry of Israelis demanding the immediate and safe return of their loved ones for the past two years, as Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank have cried, demanding the release of their loved ones held captive in Israeli jails. These war crimes must end and all those responsible must be held accountable.
The calls of the United Church of Canada since October 7, 2023, are even more urgent now in 2025. The United Church urges people to write their Members of Parliament and continues to call on the Government of Canada to:
- Ensure the immediate and unhindered delivery of food, water, fuel, and humanitarian aid to Palestinians enduring genocide in Gaza
- Urge the immediate and unconditional release of all captives, both Israeli and Palestinian
- Secure an immediate, sustained ceasefire
- Impose a comprehensive, two-way arms embargo on Israel, including closing loopholes such as exports via the U.S.
- End Israel’s military occupation and annexation of Palestine, paving the way for a just peace
As a church, we know the power of gathering in community in prayer and in action, and so we continue to pray and act for just peace in the region. This webpage offers a liturgical resource for those marking this day. The 45th Moderator of the United Church will be inviting the church to join her in prayer and fasting for an end to violence in the region, particularly in Gaza.
We live and act in hope and wait for a time that “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (Isaiah 2:4).