The Lutheran bishop in Jerusalem, Dr Sani Ibrahim Azar, has made a controversial accusation against Israel, claiming that the nation is committing genocide in the Gaza Strip. His remarks, delivered during a Reformation Day service at the Church of the Redeemer in Jerusalem’s Old City on October 31, 2023, have ignited significant backlash both locally and internationally.
During his sermon, Azar posed challenging questions about the state of the world, asking, “What does Reformation look like after two years of genocide?” He did not reference the initial trigger for the ongoing conflict, specifically the attacks by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of over 250 others. The bishop’s sermon, which has been widely shared on social media, has drawn sharp criticism for its perceived one-sidedness.
Political Reactions and Criticism
A delegation from the North Rhine-Westphalian state parliament in Germany was present at the service and expressed dismay at Azar’s words. In a statement issued from Düsseldorf, the parliament stated, “We expressly distance ourselves – especially as a German delegation – from the one-sidedness of what was said during the service.” André Kuper, president of the North Rhine-Westphalia State Parliament, emphasized that such language is “unacceptable and intolerable,” reflecting the sentiment within the delegation regarding the bishop’s comments.
The United Nations defines genocide as the intentional persecution of a group based on their identifiable characteristics, with the aim of destroying that group, entirely or partially. This definition has gained relevance as South Africa has filed a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, although it remains uncertain when a ruling will be made.
Israel has consistently denied allegations of genocide, a position that has garnered support from the German government. The ongoing conflict has had devastating consequences, with the Hamas-controlled health authority reporting over 68,500 fatalities in the Gaza Strip since the war escalated in response to the October 7 attacks. A fragile ceasefire was established only three weeks ago, but tensions remain high.
Historical Context of Reformation Day
Reformation Day, commemorated annually on October 31, marks the anniversary of Martin Luther nailing his 95 Theses to the door of the All Saints’ Church in Wittenberg. This act signified the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, a movement that sought to reform the practices of the Roman Catholic Church. The implications of Azar’s statements resonate not only within the context of religious observance but also in the broader political landscape, as they reflect the severe humanitarian crisis currently affecting the region.
The bishop’s remarks have opened a dialogue about the responsibilities of religious leaders in times of conflict and the potential impact of their words on international relations. As the situation in Israel and Gaza continues to evolve, the repercussions of such statements will likely be felt for some time, raising questions about the intersection of faith, politics, and humanitarian concerns.
