The concept of being unflinching refers to having the resolve, determination, and courage to remain steady and unchanged, especially in the face of adversity or challenge. This quality is about inner strength and steadfastness, it speaks to an individual’s ability to stand firm, unwavering, particularly in situations that may be daunting or challenging.

There are many things about the war in the Middle East that horrify me. The situation is so complex and rapidly changing, making it difficult to learn what is going on, and how to respond.

But there are a number of assumptions that continue to be made that I don’t believe should be assumed at all.

I’m sure there will be backlash concerning this list. I have tried to be led by the Spirit as I look directly into this. When I say something is “wrong”, I’ve tried to be true to my principles and leadings. Of course I might be “wrong” as well.

My unflinching list:

• The October 7 attack against Israel was horrific.
• But the constant bombardment and deaths of Palestinian children, women, and men cannot be justified.
• What can I even say about the killing of over 40,000 Palestinians?
• Using the excuse of the presence of suspected Hamas fighters to justify the collateral deaths of hundreds of Palestinian civilians is wrong.
• Forcing Palestinians to move from one designated safe zone to another, multiple times, is wrong. As are the bombs dropped on those very places.
• Destroying hospitals and schools in Gaza is wrong.
• Preventing aid from getting to the people in Gaza is wrong.
• Using starvation as a military tactic is wrong.
• Using 2,000 pound bombs that can destroy city blocks on defenseless Palestinians is wrong.
• Refusing to implement an immediate ceasefire is wrong.
• Criticism of the Israeli government’s genocide in Gaza is not antisemitism.
• Passing laws that prevent the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS movement) is wrong. This is especially problematic because many universities promised pro-Palestinian activists that the universities would review their investments in companies supplying arms to Israel, in exchange for the students disbanding solidarity camps. That is already fueling the re-establishment of pro-Palestinian clashes today as students return to campus.
• Preventing anyone from attending their classes is wrong.
• Clamping down on freedom of speech, especially at US campuses, is not only wrong, but teaches students lessons about repression and empire.
• Where is the support for Gaza in our religious communities?
• Pro-Palestinian activism is the modern peace movement. Where are the anti-war activists from years ago?