By: D.T. Carson
In the wake of the recent attacks by Hamas against Israel that have left over 1200 Israelis and over 1000 Palestinians dead (with those numbers expected to grow), the African American community—with few exceptions— has been vocal in its support for Israel’s right to defend itself.
The deep-rooted connection between African Americans and Israel has existed for decades, with the two communities finding common ground in their struggles against oppression and discrimination, dating back to the support of many in the Jewish community in Black America’s struggle for civil rights.
Former President Barack Obama took to social media to express his support of Israel.
“All Americans should be horrified and outraged by the brazen terrorist attacks on Israel and the slaughter of innocent civilians,” Obama stated. “We grieve for those who died, pray for the safe return of those who’ve been held hostage, and stand squarely alongside our ally, Israel, as it dismantles Hamas. As we support Israel’s right to defend itself against terror, we must keep striving for a just and lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”
Most of the Black members of Congress have also been vocal in their support for Israel, with California Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove issuing the following statement:
“This been a horrific terrorist attack by militants who do not believe that Israel has the right to exist. I represent a very vocal and politically diverse Jewish community, and they are all standing in solidarity with Israel and its right to exist and defend itself, as do I. You never want to have innocent lives lost. You never want to have American lives lost. I certainly have been working with the consulate’s office to make sure that all Americans that are in Israel are registering with the [American] Embassy, are sheltering in place, so that we can identify where they are and help get them out…”
“I think the President was crystal clear in our unwavering support of Israel, making sure they get the aid they need, making sure we’re getting the hostages out, and making sure everyone is working in accordance, democracies are working in accordance with international law.”
The African American Mayors Association (AAMA) released a statement expressing its solidarity with, support and condolences for Israel.
“We stand with Israel during these tragic times and want to be clear that these hateful, terrorist actions have no legitimacy and must be condemned,” AAMA President and Mount Vernon, New York Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard said in the statement Tuesday. “We cannot sit back and watch innocent civilians be victimized by senseless and heinous acts of violence.”
And in a joint statement released, NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. and Chair Bobby Henry and unequivocally condemned the acts of violence committed against the Jewish people and the nation of Israel by Hamas. The statement—on behalf of the nation’s more than 200 Black newspapers— emphasized that Hamas’ actions, including firing rockets and infiltrating Israeli territory, significantly escalated the ongoing conflict between the two parties.
“The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), representing the Black Press of America, forthrightly condemns the brutal, fatal terrorist attacks today on the Jewish people and the nation of Israel by Hamas,” read the statement. “Terrorism against innocent civilians in Israel and in any other place in the world can never be justified, tolerated, or sanctioned. We stand firmly in solidarity with Israel.”
Locally, Pastor Michael J.T. Fisher of the Greater Zion Church Family, said his heart was broken for the many innocent civilians that were caught in the line of fire.
“Now there is a war unfolding before our eyes that probably will be the most violent we’ve seen in our generation. My concern is the stark divide on the issue within our communities and churches. My prayer is that we will pray for all lives permanently affected by the violent acts prompted by Hamas.”
The stark divide Fisher referred to has to do in part with statements from those like Black Lives Matter who have openly expressed their support for Palestine, sparking backlash on social media.
For those like Pastor Geremy Dixon of the Center of Hope, it really comes down to the human toll.
“As a pastor, I’m left with few political answers and lots of questions,” Dixon said. “What I know is this: God’s heart breaks for all who are dying and all who are living in fear. I will be praying for a resolution that ends violence as quickly as possible.”