Doug Stringer: Radical Islam and Arabs Not Synonymous
The people of Gaza have been bullied by a brutal and heavily armed Hamas for years. Many innocent lives are being caught in the crossfire. Even groups like Human Rights Watch have denounced Hamas for human rights violations against Palestinians, not to mention the constant threat and terror it propagates against Israel.
Hamas rejects Israel’s right to exist and desires to form an Islamic state that spans Gaza, the West Bank and Israel. In its charter in 1988, Hamas states it (Islam) is going to eliminate Israel. Contrary to popular belief, Radical Islam and Arabs are not synonymous. Hamas and other radical groups like them are far less interested in genuine peace, than in the complete and utter destruction of Israel.
Scripture commands us all to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and reminds us that those who bless Israel shall be blessed, yet those who curse Israel shall be cursed. Israel has the right to defend herself and to have security for its inhabitants, which includes many Arabs, Christians and Jews. The nation of Israel, on a considerably small strip of land, is surrounded by huge masses of land and people who continuously threaten that right to exist.
It is imperative that we not only pray, but show our support for Israel and the peace of Jerusalem. We must also show our disdain for the brutality demonstrated by those who only want destruction and not peace.
Doug Stringer is founder and president of Turning Point Ministries International, which birthed an international movement known as Somebody Cares. He is also a sought-after speaker at religious, political, educational and civic gatherings.
