Praying for Rom, Evyatar and all 50 hostages still held by Hamas

The anti-Israel protests and the anti-Israel pile-on—loud, angry, aggressive—have been at fever pitch these past weeks; relentless, deafening, and lacking in reason and critical thought regarding the complex reality of the situation in Gaza. No one is denying the immense suffering of Palestinians. Yet largely ignored is Hamas’ agency in continuing the war, and the fact that the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7 are ongoing, deliberate, and are still being cruelly filmed. 

Surely human hearts have enough room for compassion for all whose lives has been shattered by this conflict. Who cannot be moved by the suffering of Palestinians trying to survive in war zones amidst humanitarian crises. They must, and do, have our deep concern and fervent prayers.

Yet too few people seem moved by the suffering of Rom and Evyatar, as the latest harrowing videos show these young male hostages to be deliberately starved, terrorised and slowly dying in a Hamas tunnel. They and the other 48 hostages (20 believed to be alive) seem to be forgotten by much of the world, including by many churches. (I can’t name a single Catholic initiative with a focus on the hostages, apart from this one.) 

All the more reason for this prayer network. Quiet, nothing flashy, but steadfast, we say: The hostages are not forgotten. Our prayers will never leave them. We pray in solidarity with their families, with the people of Israel, with Jewish communities everywhere, and with all who care for the lives of these innocents whose barbaric kidnapping began and sustains the war.

Thank you for your fidelity in extremely trying circumstances, as we continue to pray that Hamas will release Rom and Evyatar, and all 50 hostages (find their names here, along with Psalms in times of distress) and bring this war to an end. 

May a realistic peace come soon in the best way possible, so that the rebuilding of shattered lives and homes and hopes can begin.