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"One is too many to be in prison," Rabie said. He argues that if Israel must keep prisoners responsible for anti-Israeli violence, then Israel should "give something in return."

Backers of Israel say releasing terrorists and their collaborators is morally repugnant. A Hamas-sponsored suicide bombing in August killed 21 people—including six children—on a bus in Jerusalem. A cease-fire announced on June 29 has been called off, and Israeli officials now say Hamas leaders are targets for "liquidation."

Despite the heightened tensions, Christians on both sides say Christian unity can and should prevail. David Zadok, a Jewish Christian elder at Grace and Truth, a Reformed Baptist church just outside Tel-Aviv, said the church has continuing relationships with Arab Christians in Israel.

The Holy Land Trust-Palestine is a Bethlehem-based nonprofit that advocates nonviolent resistance to Israeli occupation. Director Sami Awad said both sides need "a respect[ful] understanding and compassion for each other" based on peaceful resistance that demonstrates Christ's love.

"The issue of Palestine is going to continue to challenge us more than any other conflict in the world," says Fahed Abu-Akel, a Palestinian American Christian and former moderator of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). "Unless we say to Israel, 'We love you; we will continue to support you and believe in your security, but what you are doing to the Palestinians is wrong and must stop,' we will have no credibility."

Copyright © 2003 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Organizations mentioned in this article include The Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation, The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, and Holy Land Trust-Palestine

Previous Christianity Today articles on the conflict in the Holy Land include:

How Evangelicals Became Israel's Best Friend | In the last 50 years, Israel has needed all the friends it can get, and evangelicals have been loyal and productive supporters. (October 5, 1998)

Hard Line on the Road Map | Can Condoleezza Rice put pressure on the nation she admires? (Aug. 22, 2003)

Palestinian Christians, Strangers in a Familiar Land | They've called the Holy Land home for centuries, but they've never actually governed themselves. (August 8, 2003)

Speaking Out: Israel's Anti-Family Values | Christians should be outraged by a law thwarting Israeli-Palestinian marriages (Aug. 4, 2003)

Roadblocks and Voting Blocs | Today's evangelicals are committed to peace—not just security—for Israel. (August 1, 2003)

'U.S. Credibility Hangs on Whether It Can Do Justice for the Palestinians' | A Palestinian Christian and former PCUSA moderator talks about his faith and critiques Bush's road map to peace in the Middle East. (August 1, 2003)

Opinion Roundup: The Evangelical View of Israel? | Evangelicals are more diverse on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict than we are led to believe. (June 11, 2003)

A Middle Way in the Middle East | A third theological path through the Israeli-Palestinian thicket. (April 11, 2003)

Crackdown Hits Churches | Mideast Christians torn over tough Israeli tactics at churches (May 5, 2002)

Holy Land Tourism Plunges | Visits to Israel fall 45 percent as violence escalates. (March 13, 2002)

Activists well acquainted with terror | "Jerusalem Women Speak" tour gains relevance for audience members struggling with new fears. (September 27, 2001)

Palestine's Christians Persist Despite Pressures | With escalating violence in Israel, ministries face a "sad and scary" situation. (September 19, 2001)

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October 2003, Vol. 47, No. 10