The Lutheran bishop in Jerusalem, Dr Sani Ibrahim Azar, has made a controversial accusation against Israel, claiming it is committing genocide in the Gaza Strip. This statement was made during a Reformation Day service at the Church of the Redeemer in Jerusalem’s Old City on Friday, igniting significant backlash from various quarters.
During his sermon, Azar posed challenging questions about the state of the world, asking, “What does Reformation look like after two years of genocide? What does Reformation mean when we look at a world, a country, that is so broken?” His remarks came without mention of the events that triggered the ongoing conflict, specifically the attacks carried out by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7, 2023. This assault resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and the abduction of over 250 others into Gaza.
The bishop leads the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. His sermon, which was later shared on social media, has drawn criticism from a visiting delegation of the North Rhine-Westphalian state parliament in Germany. The delegation expressed its horror at Azar’s comments, stating, “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 the inappropriateness of Azar’s language, calling it “unacceptable and intolerable.”
International Reactions and Context
Reformation Day, observed annually on October 31, commemorates Martin Luther’s posting of his 95 Theses in Wittenberg, which catalyzed the Protestant Reformation. In light of the bishop’s remarks, discussions have intensified regarding legal definitions of genocide. The United Nations defines genocide as the intentional persecution of a population group based on distinct characteristics, aiming to destroy that group wholly or partially.
Adding to the international discourse, South Africa has filed a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. The timeline for a verdict remains uncertain. Israel has categorically denied the allegations of genocide, a stance echoed by the German government.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has led to a reported death toll exceeding 68,500 according to the Hamas-controlled health authority, continues to fuel tensions. A ceasefire that took effect three weeks ago has brought a brief pause to the violence, but the situation remains precarious.
The implications of Azar’s comments and the international reactions they have provoked reflect the deepening divisions surrounding the Gaza conflict. As the world grapples with the fallout of these events, the call for dialogue and understanding remains critical.
