This year we mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of
Israel, a nation created by western powers against the wishes of
the predominantly Muslim local population. The nation was
built with blood of both Israelis and Arabs. Hundreds of thousands
of palestinians have been evicted from their homes or forced
to flee for their lives. Their land is occupied by jews these
60 years.
Some christians feel they have an obligation to support Israel
despite their actions since 1948. Others believe that the bible has
legitimized Israel's action in driving away palestinians as Joshua
did during his conquest of the promised land. Should christians
support a segment of jews who believe that it is God's command
to exterminate all the palestinians, to drive out the inhabitants
of the land so they could inherit it? After all, the bible states
clearly that God has given to them the land of the palestinians (O
yes, even God agrees that the land did not belong to Israel):
'I gave you a land on which you had not labored, and cities
which you had not built, and you have lived in them; you are eating
of vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant.' (Jos
24:13)