Ever since October 7th, the world has been transfixed with horror at the violence and war unfolding in Israel and Gaza. First the brutal Hamas terrorist attack which left over a thousand dead and hundreds more snatched as hostages. Then the devastating Israeli bombing campaign, which has killed thousands more. And now Israeli soldiers and tanks fighting deep within Gaza, as civilians desperately try to avoid the bombs, bullets and shells. As Christians, we have watched this horror scene unfold in the Holy Land for over two months. Many of us feel helpless, confused, bewildered. How can we process what is taking place in the lands where Jesus walked, in the build up to the celebration of his birth 2,000 years ago? Do we have to pick a side? What on earth can we pray? This week’s podcast is joined by a panel of Christians who are living or working in Israel and Palestine to try to get a grip on the crisis in the Holy Land, and think through where on earth God is in the midst of it all.

Guests:
- Sally Azar, pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bethlehem
- Richard Sewell, Dean of St George’s College, Jerusalem
- Jamie Eyre, director of programmes, partnerships and advocacy for Embrace the Middle East

Released on 18 Dec 2023