As the death toll from the Israel-Hamas war continues to climb, religious leaders across the U.S. are grappling with their own feelings of pain and frustration. CBS News invited a rabbi, an imam and a reverend to reflect on the power of unity in difficult times.
For New York-based Rabbi Rick Jacobs, joining the tens of thousands of people who gathered on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 14 for the March for Israel rally was a way to show solidarity for Israel and condemn antisemitic incidents in the U.S., which he noted are on the rise since the start of the war last month.
"It is a painful moment, but it is one where we need one another," Jacobs said. "We stand together, we are one people in our grief, but also one people in our resolve to endure through this and regain our security."
Jacobs heads the Union for Reform Judaism, which is the largest Jewish movement in North America. He recently returned from Israel, where he met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and the families of victims of Hamas' Oct. 7 attack.
"My heart goes out to both the Jewish community and the innocent civilians in Gaza," said a spokesperson. "During times of immense grief, it is important for us to hold onto the values that bring us together. Our religious traditions can provide solace and guide us towards healing."
In the midst of an escalating conflict, the spokesperson called on leaders of all faiths to come together and find common ground.
"Unity, to me, does not mean complete agreement," the spokesperson explained. "It means finding unity within our diversity. The beauty of God's creation is that we are all unique, yet at our core, we are the same."
In Dallas, Texas, a prominent imam expressed his feelings of helplessness and frustration as the death toll of children in Gaza continues to rise.
"As a Palestinian-American, I can't help but feel a personal connection to the children in Gaza," the imam said. "I know that it could easily have been me. There is a sense of guilt, almost like survivor's guilt."
The imam, who founded the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, has been a vocal advocate for justice and spoke at the funeral of a 6-year-old Muslim boy who was the victim of a targeted hate crime in the Chicago area last month.
"In these challenging times, it is crucial for us to find hope and strength. We must stand together and support one another," Suleiman expressed. "Believing in something greater than ourselves can provide the hope and clarity we need to overcome grief and devastation."
Suleiman utilizes social media as a platform to connect with millions of followers on a daily basis, urging them to take a stand against Islamophobia and advocate for Palestinian rights.
"Now, more than ever, we must raise our voices," he emphasized. "We are witnessing a tragedy unfold before our eyes, and it is up to us to make a difference. We cannot underestimate the power of unity and the impact we can have, even within our own circles."
Throughout the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Suleiman has been actively involved in organizing various pro-Palestinian protests nationwide.
"I am incredibly moved by the diverse representation of faith at our Palestinian protests. It brings comfort and healing," Suleiman shared. "When faced with such crises, we can choose to be overwhelmed or we can choose to be part of the solution. Let us not underestimate the influence we can have, even among our close friends."
During a recent interfaith panel discussion at Carnegie Hall in New York City, hosted by The Rabbi Sacks Legacy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing the teachings of the late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Imam Abdullah Antepli encouraged individuals of all faiths to come together in unity.
Reverend Dr. Mae Elise Cannon Advocates for Peace and Hope
In the past month, Reverend Dr. Mae Elise Cannon has visited dozens of Christian churches nationwide to advocate for a bilateral ceasefire and immediate humanitarian assistance for people in Gaza.
"My faith is really the only thing that keeps me going," Cannon told CBS News. "From an earthly perspective, there is no hope. And yet because we are people of faith, I fundamentally believe light will overcome the darkness."
Cannon leads the Churches for Middle East Peace, a multi-denominational coalition based in Washington, D.C., that promotes peace and justice in the Middle East.
"I think we can come together around our common humanity," Cannon said. "We can have unity if we can agree that every life should be valued."
Watch video below of the The Rabbi Sacks Legacy's recent interfaith panel on the theme "To Heal a Fractured World":
