Read Time: 3 min 47 sec | Reading Level: 7th Grade

U.S. NEWS

Anti-Israel Attacks

There was another attack on Jewish people this week.

A 45-year-old man from Egypt threw Molotov cocktails (homemade firebombs) at a pro-Israel event in Boulder, Colorado. The attack happened at a weekly gathering to raise awareness for the 58 hostages still held by Hamas. Twelve people were hurt, including an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor. The man had planned the attack for a year. He dressed as a gardener and brought more Molotov cocktails but didn’t end up using them. 

A few weeks earlier, two staff members from the Israeli Embassy were shot and killed in Washington, D.C., outside the Capitol Jewish Museum. A man had been pacing outside, then walked up to a group, pulled out a gun, and opened fire. He killed a young couple—one Israeli and one American. He then ran into the museum and shouted, “Free, free Palestine!” before being stopped by security.

These attacks come during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking hostages. Since then, tens of thousands have died in the war. Gaza is facing a severe humanitarian crisis. There are shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. The United Nations (a group of countries working to solve global issues) calls for a ceasefire and more help for civilians.

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ABOVE ALL, LOVE
When there’s a lot of violence and people are divided, Christians have a chance to show that we follow Jesus first. Like our good and just Father, we can stand up for what’s right while still showing love to everyone—even the people who did wrong. We should hope for peace and for everyone to turn to Jesus, not revenge.

“The LORD is waiting to show you mercy, and is rising up to show you compassion, for the LORD is a just God. All who wait patiently for him are happy.”
Isaiah 30:18 (CSB) (read full passage)

What do I want to make sure my kids know in light of this story?
Attacks like this are scary, but we can rest in the knowledge that we are safe in God’s arms.

God doesn’t promise that bad things won’t happen, but he does promise eternal peace. In John 16:33, Jesus says: “You will have suffering in this world. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” 

When faced with suffering or looking at tragedy, we can remember that God’s plan for perfect redemption is already in motion and cannot be stopped.

How can I model loving an enemy when discussing this story?
Christians have a hard job; we’re called to love everyone. 

We are called to love our neighbors and our enemies; the victims and the suspect of Sunday’s attack; people we get along great with and people we completely disagree with. 

What does that mean? 1 Corinthians 13:6-7 says that love “does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” The word “always” applies to us—we must always seek to love others, even when it’s difficult.

• Talk about someone in your life who is really good at loving people who are hard to love. How practically can you be more like them?

• Memorize John 16:33b: “You will have suffering in this world. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

• Pray for peace in our country and for violence to cease. Pray also for peace in the Middle East.

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