19 Comments
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Brenda Curtice's avatar

Everything in this post resonated so much with me. Monday morning I listened to Habakkuk while dressing for work. Violence! I shook my head and realized how timely the ancient prophet’s words were for today. You’ve expressed so well my thoughts on this matter. Thank you much for wrestling with words that give hope!

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Lynne Abraham-Yadlin's avatar

Jeff, this has been so helpful to me!! As a woman who’s married to an Israeli (his whole family is there) and working with peacemaking organizations to end the occupation, I have been so frustrated by the extreme all or nothing statements that have inundated my social media world. People are looking to me to sone extent to provide context and nuance and it’s hard to express my feelings in my own words. Sharing yours will be so helpful to me and to those around me who are despairing and want to try to understand. Thank you for this!

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Jeff Chu 朱天慧's avatar

I hope that your extended family in Israel is safe. These are terrifying times, and I am hoping and praying for better, more thoughtful leadership that can help orchestrate something that brings about mutual flourishing.

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Yung Truong's avatar

Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful, kind, and human point of view. I married a Jewish man, converted to Judaism. Every time a conflict turns up on the news, I feel responsible to educate myself more than I have been doing. Not to argue or take side, but to understand. And it’s difficult to find materials that are not argumentative. Your article has helped so much.

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kate bremer's avatar

Thank you, Jeff

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Diane's avatar

Thank you so much, Jeff.

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Sarah Luehof's avatar

Thank you, Jeff. You are so gracious and your wrestling resonated with me— this is such a complicated situation, and life matters- everyone has the imago Dei.

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Lindsey Melden's avatar

Thank you 🩷

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severett1964@gmail.com's avatar

Thank you so much Jeff. Your words provide comfort, context, and a reminder to stay faithful.

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From a Garret's avatar

Thank you. Beautiful.

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C R Eighteen's avatar

Such a very helpful and practical letter. Many thanks. Celia

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Mary Jane Pories's avatar

If you haven't read Noa Tishby's book, Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth, I hope you will. I find her perspective and the historical context enlightening. https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Israel/Noa-Tishby/9781982144937

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Ellen's avatar

This well-timed post is so thoughtful and so moving that I'm moved to think in new ways and to upgrade my subscription from free to paid. Yes, I will!

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Cindy Wright-Jones's avatar

Thank you Jeff.

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Stacey's avatar

Really grateful for your words in this, Jeff!

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Ruth's avatar

Thank you for this balm to my weary soul tonight. So much encouragement Jeff. Thank you for showing me new things in an old book. Habakkuk. And that we can hold two things at once.

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robert hogue's avatar

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

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