Bristol Humanists’ thoughts on the conflict in the Middle East
October 2023 

Bristol Humanists join our voices with those of Bristol’s faith leaders, and Humanists UK, in condemning the violence on both sides of the conflict in the Middle East. With respect and compassion for all human lives, we urgently wish for a ceasefire and a resolution of this conflict through political, not military, means.

As Bristol’s Jewish, Muslim and Christian faith leaders have said in their joint statement:

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Bristol is demonstrating once again that our city’s unity and support for one another will prove immensely valuable to many.

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We remain proud of our diversity and understand that the capacity to navigate these challenging times together is within our combined wisdom and grasp.

Bristol Humanists is a partner group of Humanists UK who speak for us when they say:

In light of recent events in the Middle East, we at Humanists UK are profoundly saddened by the loss and suffering experienced by innocent civilians in Israel and in Gaza. Every life lost is a tragedy that weighs heavily on our hearts.

We unequivocally condemn… all acts of religious terrorism, just as we condemn all state and terrorist oppression and violence against civilians. Such violent ideologies and dehumanising approaches to geo-political debates and religious disagreements have no rational or moral justification. As we navigate these tumultuous times, we should all remember the values of peace, human dignity, and compassion.

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From our humanist philosophy, we can take to heart one simple maxim coined by the humanist and pacifist campaigner Bertrand Russell: ‘Remember your humanity, and forget the rest’.