I have been confronted with the claim that supporting Israel means a lack of concern for Palestinians. This tension became very personal when Liberty University, where my daughter attends, hosted two Israeli brothers (Yonatan and Ido Lulu-Shamriz) in November 2023, just a month after the October 7th Hamas attack. The brothers shared their firsthand experience of the attack and spoke of their sibling, Alon Shamriz, who had been taken hostage. Tragically, in December 2023, it was confirmed that Alon was killed in Gaza with two other hostages. Liberty issued a public statement mourning Alon’s loss and calling for prayer for the remaining captives.
Some students were disappointed that the convocation focused primarily on the Israeli experience without addressing the suffering of Palestinians. While I understand that concern, I also felt it would have been highly unusual, even insensitive, to expect the university to “balance” the event with political commentary while the wounds were still so raw. The goal in that moment was compassion, not controversy.
On the other hand, supporting Israel’s right to exist does not mean ignoring Palestinian pain. We must recognize the human dignity of both groups and pursue peacemaking with compassion, discernment, and love for both Israelis and Palestinians.
