Bombing of the Historic and Sacred Church of Saint Porphyrius
Canadian Muslims for Peace and Justice (CMPJ) Strongly Condemns the recent Israeli bombing of the historic and sacred church of Saint Porphyrius. The relentless violence and bloodshed witnessed in the region is an affront to humanity, and we urgently call for an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The historic church of Saint Porphyrius was built in 1150 and is the oldest church still in use in Gaza. It holds a special place in the hearts of people of all faiths, serving as a symbol of unity and peace. The church was harboring over 200 displaced Palestinians fleeing from violence, and was bombed by Israeli forces overnight resulting in eighteen deaths, leaving dozens injured. Targeting churches and other places of worship is a war crime, and cannot go unnoticed by the international community.
The recent acts of aggression have inflicted immeasurable suffering upon the innocent inhabitants of Gaza, destroying not only buildings but also the hopes and dreams of generations. CMPJ firmly believes that any escalation of violence is not only a grave injustice to the people living in the region but also undermines the prospects for a lasting and just peace in the Middle East.
The international community must take decisive action to mediate and facilitate peaceful negotiations. We also appeal to the Canadian government to take a strong stance in advocating for an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Canada has a long history of promoting peace and justice on the global stage, and we urge our leaders to continue these efforts, acting as a force for peace and understanding.
CMPJ believes that it is essential for all Canadians to be aware of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and to actively engage in dialogue and activities that promote peace and justice. It is only through the collective efforts of individuals, communities, and governments that we can make a difference and prevent further bloodshed. Canadian Muslims for Peace and Justice is dedicated to the principles of peace, justice, and unity among all people. We stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza, irrespective of their faith and ethnicity, and we will continue to work tirelessly to promote peace and dialogue.
For further information or media inquiries, please contact:
Dr.Sameena Bajwa,
Chair of Canadian Muslims for Peace and Justice (CMPJ)
Picture credit: Ali Jadallah/Anadolu via Getty Images
