Cardinal Pizzaballa: Gaza Ceasefire Talks Are 'Last Train' for Peace in the Holy Land

The impact that the ongoing war in Gaza has had on the Israeli and Palestinian populations “is unique, unprecedented. The inability to recognize the existence of the other is evident. Me and no one else": these are the words of Cardinal Pizzaballa, Patriarch of Jerusalem of the Latins, who spoke today at the inaugural meeting of the Rimini Meeting 2024.

The war in the Holy Land, which began last October 7, underlines already existing feelings and emotions, bringing out the crisis of interreligious dialogue which will have to "be less elite and more community". Pizzaballa highlights how the "unprecedented tragedy" does not only concern the war, the violence, the deaths taking place in the Holy Land, but concerns the facts that follow from it and that "rebuilding from these feelings of mistrust and profound contempt will be an enormous effort which will require everyone's commitment."

The Crisis of Interreligious Dialogue

A key role is played by religion and religious leaders, who in this crisis "are unable to meet, not even at an institutional level". It therefore appears necessary to relate to others, explains the cardinal, because we have "the impression that we have returned to being islands a bit, but we need to look up and understand that we are not islands". Because although faith is not the answer to all questions, it can be "the relationship within which all questions find space".

The Path Towards Peace

The path towards Peace in the Holy Land is tortuous, and if on the one hand justice is demanded, there must also be forgiveness, because "civilization is built with, not against". But if forgiveness and justice are generally synonymous, this is not the same for those who experience war first-hand. Cardinal Pizzaballa in fact underlines the importance of dignity, because "forgiving without dignity and equality is not a gesture that brings dignity and equality. For a Palestinian today, forgiving – observes Pizzaballa – means justifying what is happening”. The time for forgiveness has yet to come, "today we have to wait".

The Role of Faith in Healing

Faith has a historical and religious responsibility, which also concerns the "purification of memory", which "does not mean erasing everything, continues the cardinal, but becoming aware that there is a need to continually reread one's history in the light of current conscience. This, concludes Pizzaballa, helps in the relationship with others." In the harsh reality of the Holy Land, it is essential to create a "culture of relationships" where no one is excluded, but welcomed.

Hope and Uncertainty

Cardinal Pizzaballa, speaking at the Rimini Meeting, expressed his hope for a ceasefire in the conflict between Hamas and Israel. He cautioned, however, that the current negotiations might be the "last train" for peace, as the situation could deteriorate further. He emphasized the unprecedented impact of the war on both Israeli and Palestinian populations and highlighted the need to address the pervasive feelings of mistrust and contempt that have emerged during the conflict.

The Future of Interreligious Dialogue

Pizzaballa also acknowledged the crisis in interreligious dialogue, stating that religious leaders are "unable to meet" at even an institutional level. He called for a shift towards more community-based dialogue, emphasizing that we must "look up and understand that we are not islands." He emphasized the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation but acknowledged that the time for forgiveness may not yet be here.

A Call for Action

The cardinal's words serve as a reminder of the urgent need for peace in the Holy Land. The international community must continue to work towards a ceasefire and a lasting solution to the conflict. The people of Israel and Palestine deserve a future free from violence and hatred. As Cardinal Pizzaballa emphasized, the time to act is now. We must not allow the situation to "deteriorate further." Only through dialogue and reconciliation can true peace be achieved.

The 'Last Train' to Peace

In his address at the Rimini Meeting, Cardinal Pizzaballa used a compelling metaphor to illustrate the urgency of the situation: "The war will end and I hope that the negotiations will resolve some problems: I have my doubts, but this is the last train."

[This metaphor, which also appears in articles from https://www.romereports.com/en/2024/08/22/cardinal-piazzaballa-says-current-negotiations-for-gaza-may-be-last-train/ The "last train" metaphor serves as a call to action for both parties involved in the conflict, as well as for the international community, to work tirelessly towards a peaceful resolution.