Hungry for Peace
Christians, Jews and Muslims all over the world have designated last Tuesday as a day of international fasting in order to pray for peace between Israel and the Gaza Strip, for the conflict to end while the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) and Islam militant group Hamas continue to exchange rocket fire.
The fasting movement which was called “Hungry for Peace” encouraged both sides of the conflict to resolve and reconcile for peace and to end the violence in Palestine. The Tuesday that the religious leaders designated for the fasting movement fell as a fasting day for Jews and Muslims; it was the 17th of the month of Tammuz on the Hebrew calendar.
With the help of Twitter, the “Hungry for Peace” movement gained great support and momentum in the United States and the United Kingdom. One figure that participated in spreading the fast and prayer for Palestine even further was Hannah Weisfield, the director of Yachad. She commented on an interview with the Telegraph, "Through the fast, British Jews want to loudly and clearly call for de-escalation, return of calm, return to the negotiating table and the creation of two states for two peoples, the only way that can guarantee stability and security in the long run."
Other religious leaders also supported the idea. Brian Zahnd, pastor of World of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. He blessed the Palestine Christians, Muslims and Jews who posted images of prayer and encouraging messages on the internet and called them true sons and daughters of God.
Meanwhile, the death toll in the Gaza Strip continues to rise. Despite Israeli warnings, Hamas members have been telling civilians to maintain their positions in the homes, causing more civilians to die. Meanwhile, there are still rumors that the IDF may be launching a ground assault on Gaza.
