Appeal of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations Regarding the Situation in Israel
The All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations issued an appeal regarding the situation in Israel, where on October 7, as a result of a massive attack by Hamas terrorist militants on the state and people of Israel, a war broke out.
Appeal
of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations
Regarding the Situation in Israel
With great pain, the religious community of Ukraine, most of which is represented by Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, learned about the brutal and unprovoked attack by the militants of the terrorist movement Hamas on the state and people of Israel. This insidious terrorist attack was carried out by Hamas militants during the Jewish religious holidays, when millions of people were praying in synagogues or peacefully resting.
The terrible images being broadcast remind us of what Ukraine experienced and is currently experiencing during Russia’s aggressive attack: civilians who tried to evacuate are killed; cars have been shot; there are massive rocket attacks on peaceful settlements;civilian infrastructure, and hospitals, private houses and apartments are burned; hostages, including women and children, have been captured—all norms of morality and international law are defiantly violated by the aggressor.
We stand in solidarity with the state and people of Israel in this terrible tragedy. We express our sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. We sympathize with the families of the prisoners of the terrorists and wish the hostages a speedy return home, alive and well, as soon as possible.
We strongly condemn yet another display of inhumane, brutal violence carried out by the terrorist movement Hamas with the support of other terrorist organizations and the states that sponsor it. Attempts to stir up another military conflict play into the hands of those who in this world do not pay attention to humanity and humanism, nor to international law and diplomacy, do not appreciate the highest gift we have from the Creator—life.
We sincerely believe in the ability of both Israel and Ukraine, with God’s help, to win a decisive victory over a ruthless and cynical enemy, protecting their freedom and independence, women and children, elderly people and men, cities and villages, for the sake of security and in the name of humanity.
Kyiv, 9 October 2023
