# 222: Oh, Jerusalem
Story behind the Passage
Just turn on the news and you will see the reason why a writer has to write about Israel today — and probably for a long time to come.
My Learnings
Bombs flickering in the air,
People in the shelter.
Explosions and fire everywhere.
Oh, Jerusalem.
There were times of peace,
There were times of war.
Now violence is back again.
Oh, Jerusalem.
Your streets are empty,
Your streets are bloody,
An eye for an eye,
Oh, Jerusalem.
The bombs flying farther,
People dying in their homes.
No escape from conflict.
Oh, Jerusalem.
Even those with optimism,
Those working for peace.
They are losing hope.
Oh, Jerusalem.
Sirens going off at night,
The sound never ceasing.
Children crying in the dark.
Oh, Jerusalem.
The international community watching,
The politicians talking.
Making peace plans forever,
Oh, Jerusalem.
How can we sit here and listen,
Without being able to help?
Is it inability or unwillingness?
Oh, Jerusalem.
The worst fighting in decades,
Losses day and night.
War is where killing is normal.
Oh, Jerusalem.
What would Jesus say?
Is he still watching?
Where is his spirit in the holy city?
Oh, Jerusalem.
People blaming each other,
People seeking revenge.
For their mothers, daughters, and sons,
Oh, Jerusalem.
War does not with the last bomb,
It continues for ages,
In the memory of culture.
Oh, Jerusalem.
What can we do?
How can we help?
Would you even listen?
Is there humanity in your heart?
Oh, Jerusalem.
Reflection Questions
1) No matter where you live — Is the conflict in Israel relevant to your life?
2) What is it that the international community could do to help according to your perspective?
3) If you had to rush to a shelter and you could only take one person item with you — what would it be?