CBI Blogs

The answer to the title of this blog is an infinite number of times. But, the bigger and more complex question is, when will be able to stop praying for peace because we’ve finally achieved it? The answer to that question, my friends, is one I wish I knew.

I’ve written and spoken about our need to pray for peace too many times over the past several months. I suspect many of you are growing weary of these asks. Frankly, I’m weary of asking. I would like to wake up and see news alerts about random acts of kindness and special moments between families and friends. I would like to see videos of people showing great respect for one another, embracing others for who they are, no matter what. I would appreciate seeing interactions filled with love and joy, laughter and excitement.

And yet, we find ourselves once again glued to the news as we watch Iran send hundreds of missiles and drones to Israel, sending people into bomb shelters and safe rooms. We’ve watched as buildings were struck by the rockets that slip by the Iron Dome and destroy apartment buildings, businesses, streets, and homes. Too many have been injured. Too many have died. The innocent lives of Israelis, both Jewish and not, the innocent lives of Iranians living under a brutal regime; this is the price of war. The price is too high. This conflict must end.

I am here to plead once again that we pray for peace, that we lift our voices in the sincere hope and prayer that our siblings living in Israel, Gaza, and all over the world will soon know peace. At a time when we have little say over politics and the direction military leaders take, we can use our voices and souls to stand with those in the face of danger, to direct our love so that it drives out hate.

If you feel so moved, I also invite you to make donations to organizations that are working to support those impacted by the violence in the Middle East. Check out CBI's website to learn more about the various organizations that are responding to crises across Israel and Gaza. Or check out Zaka Israel, an on the ground organization that works tirelessly to rescue people from destroyed buildings. I had the privilege of meeting with one of Zaka’s staffers when visiting Israel in November 2023 and was blown away by the sacred and vital work they do. Additionally, they are typically one of the first groups called in around the world to assist in rescue missions following natural disasters, building collapses, and more.

We are asking for peace again. We are praying and pleading and hoping that this violence comes to a swift and complete end. We need to send more love into the world to drive out hatred and violence, more light to eliminate the darkness. Let’s raise our voices and prayers together. We are stronger when we stand with one another. We pray for shlemut and shalom, wholeness and peace.