Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, and Muslim faith leaders have once again taken a stance together — this time against the war in Gaza — and they’re imploring members of Congress and President Biden to do likewise. 

Indeed, over 100 faith leaders and activists are marching nearly 200 miles from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Organizations backing the march include Faith for Black Lives, National Council of Churches of Christ USA, The Pennsylvania Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia), Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, Black Church Center for Justice and Equality, Until Freedom, Kairos Center, Freedom Church of the Poor, and more. 

The group is encouraging people of faith nationwide to call on their congressional representatives to push for humanitarian aid and the release of hostages and to pray for the Pilgrimage for Peace.

“Our interfaith coalition shares a commitment to the sacred obligation to protect human life,” said Rabbi Alissa Wise, lead organizer of Rabbis for Ceasefire, in a statement. “That is the root of our call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. We are grateful to link arms with Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Native American, Buddhist, and other spiritual leaders with whom we share a vision of a redeemed world. Jews, Palestinians, and all our communities will find safety not in isolation, but through solidarity rooted in our commitment of life, justice, and dignity for everyone.”

Sandhya Gupta of Hindus for Human Rights said in a statement that his faith centers on justice, peace, and nonviolence. “As an organization of Hindu Americans, we speak out because of our complicity in the genocide underway, since our tax dollars are funding and fueling it,” he said.

Israel’s military is killing Palestinians at an average rate of 250 people a day, exceeding the daily death toll of any other major conflict in recent years, according to Oxfam America. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported on Feb. 19 that 29,000 Palestinians have been killed so far in the conflict, with another 69,000 wounded.

“It is unimaginable that the international community is watching the deadliest rate of conflict of the 21st century unfold, while continuously blocking calls for a ceasefire,” Sally Abi Khalil, Oxfam’s Middle East director said in January.

We Can’t Bomb Our Way to a Solution

While they march for the safety of others, those on the pilgrimage have created a peaceful space among themselves.

“While the multiple postings of social media often have the capacity to facilitate exacerbating division, the thing that is missed most, and of course can’t be translated, is the absolute camaraderie that exists among the members of the team,” the Rev. Dr. Leslie Copeland Tune, chief operating officer for the National Council of Churches tells Word In Black. “The fellowship, the friendship that is evident in every aspect of our association, is so peaceful, and I just wish others could experience it.”

But as for the situation in Gaza, she says there just are no simple answers. 

“None between Israel and Palestine and none in this Israel and Hamas war. Violence only begets more violence, and we can’t bomb our way to a solution,” Copeland Tune says.

“I grew up in New York City, and I was in New York and saw when the second tower came down and felt what that felt like. There are some ways the terrorist attacks of Oct. 7 reminded me of that,” Copeland Tune says. “We can’t bomb our way out of this conflict. We’ve got to find pathways to peace and to peaceful and lasting solutions.”

Power in Numbers

Beyond being part of the actual pilgrimage, the call to action is to confront representatives with letters, calls, and emails.

A sample letter to send to congressional representatives reads: “We collectively and strongly condemn the horrific terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel that took place on October 7…and recognize that Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas.” In addition, “since the war began, thousands of civilians have been injured or killed. Countless others have been displaced and forced to flee their homes to avoid harm’s way.”

But what good does this do?

“They actually log those letters, those calls and emails. They actually listen to their constituents and adjust their policies and conversations with their colleagues,” she explains.

“It’s part of our power in a democracy. They are listening even though we think they’re not,” Copeland Tune says, offering the child tax credit as an example.

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She said many Americans had given up on an extension of the child tax credit that elevated many families out of poverty during the pandemic.

“Surely it cut poverty by 60%, and all of a sudden, here comes this opportunity through the tax bill.”

The Affordable Healthcare Act was another example of the people demanding their coverage be left alone in spite of the Republican determination to overturn it as soon as President Obama was no longer in office. 

“Don’t leave power on the table. You may not see things happening as quickly as you’d like to, but don’t leave your power on the table,” Copeland Tune says. “Hold the people you vote for accountable to act on your behalf.”

A Chorus of Justice

Copeland Tune says to keep following the things you’re most passionate about. “This kind of unity creates a chorus of justice and righteousness for all people. And we keep pressing and don’t give up.”

Payne Memorial AME Church in Baltimore hosted the Pilgrimage for Peace Ceasefire Rally on Feb. 19.

“For nearly 130 years, Payne Memorial has remained committed to the cause of justice and liberation globally,” Rev. Mulch E. M. Thomas, Senior Pastor of Payne Memorial AME Church said in a statement. “Our church seeks to live out the prophetic imperative by joining with our siblings from all backgrounds to demand an end to the genocidal and heinous violence taking place in Palestine. Hopefully, this event will demonstrate an international solidarity that stretches from West Baltimore to the West Bank, and beyond.”

Putting feet to their faith, the group will arrive in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 21.