A statement on the US/Israeli attack on Iran

As a faith-based organization, Canadian Friends of Sabeel grieves and condemns the US/Israeli military attack on Iran. And we are shocked and horrified by Canada’s support for this action.

The US/Israeli assault has already killed hundreds of innocent people, including scores of children. It violates the principles of international law and further destabilizes the Middle East. We are extremely concerned that it further deepens the suffering of Palestinians by providing cover for Israel to continue its genocide in Gaza and its occupation, annexation and violence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

We do not excuse or ignore the grave injustices and harsh repression carried out by the Iranian regime against its own people. All governments must be held accountable for the dignity and human rights of their citizens. But violent regime change by the US and Israel is not the way forward.

Our faith teaches us that war cannot produce the peace rooted in justice that God desires. And recent history demonstrates that U.S.-led regime-change military missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya have been catastrophic for the people of those countries. Violence begets violence; it does not heal nations or reconcile peoples.

We affirm instead the hard but holy work of courageous diplomacy and dialogue, and steadfast adherence to international law. True security is not forged through military might, but through justice, mutual accountability, and a shared commitment to the sacred worth of every human life.

We are deeply disappointed that Canada has chosen to stand with the U.S. and Israel in their illegal military mission. We urge Canada to support efforts that will end the attacks and counter attacks, that will de-escalate the volatility in the region and that will strengthen support for international law.