The following is an update from the Eurasia Region on the ongoing conflict in the Holy Land.

The Eurasia Region requests Nazarenes to join them in prayer for the incomprehensible loss of life and destruction in Gaza and Israel.

Since 7 October 2023, more than 31,000+ Palestinians and 1,400+ Israelis have been killed. Of the 31,000+ Palestinians killed, more than 13,000 were children. Of the 1,400+ Israelis killed, at least 33 were children.

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, at least one in every four Palestinians in Gaza is on the brink of famine. The destruction of Palestinian hospitals, schools, houses, and general infrastructure has created a dire humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. In addition, 134 Israelis continue to be held hostage in the Gaza Strip.

Please pray for an immediate ceasefire, protection of life, and for humanitarian aid to reach all those in need.

Pray for Nazarenes in the Holy Land and the surrounding areas who are impacted by the violence and instability.

We appeal to Nazarenes around the world to be advocates for peace and justice in the Holy Land.

“As Nazarenes, we embrace the divine call to a life of holiness, wholeness, and restorative living where all things and all peoples are reconciled to God” [921 – Church of the Nazarene Manual].

The Eurasia Region affirms that God’s restorative purposes for the world are wholly good and include Israelis and Palestinians equally. Palestinians and Israelis are made in the image of God and equal in God’s sight. We must condemn ideologies that are inherently racist, antisemitic, or dehumanize any people group – be it Arab, Jewish, or any other group. May we as a denomination be a voice for peace and justice in the Holy Land – and in all places – remembering Jesus’ call to be peacemakers.

--Church of the Nazarene Eurasia Region