Democrats’ shameless “except”ionalism may be their downfall

August 9, 2024 By Kathryn Shihadah

It’s not just Republicans who need a clue. Democrats have renounced their own priorities, and it’s high time we recognize that and make some changes. Democrats on the whole have created a “Palestine exception” to their own cherished principles. The preamble to the 2024 platform states, “Protest is among the highest forms of patriotism.” A great sentiment that prioritizes free speech…except when protesters are calling for a ceasefire or an end to military aid to Israel. “Character is on the... Read more

This will guarantee 4 more years of Trump, unless we stop it

August 8, 2024 By Kathryn Shihadah

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Short and sweet: Democrats can get this one thing right and save more than our democracy. Climb aboard this train. When Kamala Harris gave pro-Palestine protesters a scolding Ha’aretz reports: A speech in Detroit on Wednesday by Democratic presidential candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris, was briefly interrupted by a group of pro-Palestinian hecklers, who chanted “Kamala, Kamala, you can’t hide, we won’t vote for genocide.” Harris paused for a moment, saying she believed in democracy and the importance of every... Read more

Recent news about the Holy Land you should know about

August 5, 2024 By Kathryn Shihadah

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The topic of Palestine is on the agendas of many Christian organizations lately – and rightly so, if we take seriously Jesus’ mandate to care for “the least of these.” Take a moment to check out these recent stories. If you are uncomfortable with Christian nationalism, you should know that support for Israel – and the destruction of Palestine – looms large in that ideology. Read: Inside Ziklag, the Secret Organization of Wealthy Christians Trying to Sway the Election and... Read more

Four short little stories that tell great, big truths

August 1, 2024 By Kathryn Shihadah

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Remember how Jesus used to single out individuals, especially marginalized individuals, for special blessing? Remember the Samaritan woman, the bleeding woman, the Canaanite woman, the tax collector? Remember “let the little children come to me”? Remember how the heroes in his parables were a Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), a poor beggar covered with sores (Luke 16:19-31), a debtor (Luke 7:40-43), and a tax collector (Luke 18:9–14)? Here are four short, true stories about marginalized people that tell big truths. Stories first,... Read more

Must we reject our cherished causes to “save democracy”?

July 29, 2024 By Kathryn Shihadah

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It happens every four years: fringe-y voters are told to step in line. “We can’t afford to waste a single vote this time.” “Just vote for X. Endorse your third-party candidate next election cycle.” “This is not the time for making a statement – this is the time for unifying behind X.” This year, the pressure is stronger than ever – because, perhaps, the stakes are higher than ever. Pressure is mounting for Palestinian Americans and their allies – and... Read more

I was thirsty – and you poisoned me

July 23, 2024 By Kathryn Shihadah

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Jesus’ message in the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46) is not complicated. It contains no disclaimers, no asterisks, no exemptions: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Jesus was always concerned for the needy and willing to come to their aid. The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) shows clearly that compassion should have no ethnic or religious boundaries. Throughout the Bible, we... Read more

What would you do with an extra $320 million?

July 18, 2024 By Kathryn Shihadah

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No, really – think about it for a minute. What would you do with $320 million? You can only buy so many cars, take so many exotic vacations, pay off so many credit cards. What would you do with the rest? Especially if you are a person of faith, how would you use that money to be a blessing? House the unhoused in your city? Provide job training for one hundred young men and women? Fund an underperforming public school... Read more

True story, guaranteed to break your heart…if you have one

July 15, 2024 By Kathryn Shihadah

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I have the prison inside me’: The emaciated Palestinian bodybuilder broken by Israel By Lubna Masarwa and Peter Oborne in Bethlehem, occupied Palestine, reposted from Middle East Eye Muazzaz Abayat speaks to Middle East Eye from a hospital bed in his native Bethlehem after spending nearly nine months in Israeli administrative detention. Emaciated, unable to walk unaided, his right arm jerking shapelessly in front of him and his face a picture of confusion, Muazzaz Abayat hobbles out of an Israeli prison. Before the... Read more

Persecution of Christians in the Holy Land is surging

July 13, 2024 By Kathryn Shihadah

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The Palestinians’ struggle in the Holy Land is about their right to their land and to self-determination. It is not a religious struggle. However Israel’s struggle is against anyone who is not “Jewish.” Not just Muslims, but Christians too are seen as the enemy in the fight for what one Israeli human rights organization has called “Jewish supremacy.” Here are just a few recent headlines about Israel’s mistreatment of the Christian minority. Christians in occupied Jerusalem see marked surge in... Read more

A multiple-choice question: Who is Israel’s greatest enemy?

July 2, 2024 By Kathryn Shihadah

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Sharpen your pencil for today’s one-question quiz. You may use the clues provided. There is an opportunity for extra credit at the bottom. THE QUESTION: Who is Israel’s greatest enemy? A. Pro-Israel members of the US Government B. Pro-Israel Evangelical Christians C. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu D. Hamas Before you rush to answer, take a moment to peruse the following factual information (follow the links for details). A. Is the answer “pro-Israel members of the US government”? How could... Read more