St. Matthew’s United Church in Richmond Hill is deeply concerned by the events taking place today in Gaza and the West Bank. We are aware that the latest orgy of violence and cruelty has roots in historical injustices and as part of the United Church of Canada we have consistently for decades supported a non-violent conversation leading to the resolution of the very real and legitimate needs of the Jewish and Palestinian populations of Israel/Palestine to feel safe and live in freedom. We support individuals and groups on both sides of the conflict who share these goals.  As such we are deeply concerned by news that Katherine Grzejszczak, a York Region paramedic has been fired for a Facebook post rightly criticizing Israel’s ongoing violence against Palestinians as a group and for promoting an anti-war demonstration. We demand that the act be reversed and that Ms. Grzejszczak be restored to her position and given an apology.

Respectfully,

Rev. Dr. David Kim-Cragg

Minister at St. Matthew’s United Church (he/him)

Richmond Hill, ON

www.stmatthewsuc.ca