Columbus Mennonites call for peace in Israel-Hamas war outside Sen. Sherrod Brown's office

With a brisk wind and temperatures around freezing, about 60 Mennonites rallied Tuesday outside the offices of U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, calling for peace in the latest Israel-Hamas war.

The Rev. Joel Miller, pastor at Columbus Mennonite Church, read a letter that was delivered to the senator's Columbus office:

"We are Mennonites from across Ohio, asking you to stand with us and publicly call for a permanent ceasefire in Israel and Gaza," Miller said. "A ceasefire is the first step toward ending the devastation in Gaza and promoting a lasting peace for all Israelis and Palestinians. Our call is rooted in values that compel to follow Jesus Christ's model of active peacemaking.

"We were shocked and horrified by Hamas' brutal attacks against Israeli civilians on Oct. 7 and were heartbroken and horrified by Israel's continuing attacks on Palestinian civilians, including the deaths of thousands of children. Over the past several months, we've watched in disbelief, as the scale of violence in Palestine has reached staggering levels: Cities are in ruins; children are trapped under the rubble; hostages are being held captive; hospitals are collapsing; entire family lines have been wiped out.

"As bombs, funded by our tax dollars, rain down on Gaza, our hearts ache for the people of Palestine who are living through an unimaginable humanitarian crisis. We recognize the trauma of Israelis fearing for their existence and do not believe the present war serves their ultimate security.

"We cannot turn away; we cannot keep quiet. Our faith demands that we speak out."

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Mennonites call for ceasefire in Israel-Hamas war