That was then: Ol Rappaport’s personal response to Minute 30

‘We need to support those within Israel who are building bridges.’

by Ol Rappaport 6th June 2025

About thirty years ago, as Friends considered the revision of our book of discipline, I said that Quaker decision-making was the wound in Christ’s side that I could put my hand in as the proof of God’s presence in our worship. This year’s consideration of Gaza has, for me, been a reminder of that certainty, and proof of the superlative work the clerks can achieve under guidance of the Spirit and upholding. Minute 30, endorsing use of the word ‘genocide’, stands as a testament.