BOOK: Blood Brothers

By Elias Chacour | Amazon.com | 240 pages
Published in February of 2003

SUMMARY: Elias Chacour’s Blood Brothers is a poignant and stirring memoir that delves deeply into the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the lens of a Palestinian Christian. Chacour, a Melkite Greek Catholic Archbishop, offers a unique perspective on the tumultuous history and ongoing struggles of his people, blending personal narrative with a call for peace and reconciliation.

The book begins with Chacour’s reflections on the complex ways in which Christians perceive the State of Israel. On one side, some Christians view modern Israel as a divinely ordained return to the Promised Land, directly connected to the second coming of Christ. On the other hand, there are those who believe Jesus represents the fulfillment of God’s promises to the Jewish people, emphasizing a spiritual kingdom over a political one. Chacour critiques these polarized views, noting that such perspectives often exacerbate rather than alleviate conflict. He urges readers to transcend these divisions, advising, “Don’t choose sides,” and instead to “learn what it means to be a common friend to both Arabs and Jews”.

Through his own experiences, Chacour vividly recounts the impact of displacement and loss on his community. Growing up in a small Palestinian town in Galilee, he recalls a time of relative peace between Arabs, Christians, and Jews before it was shattered by conflict. His memories of climbing olive trees and the violent upheaval that followed underscore the personal toll of political strife. Reflecting on these experiences, he questions the practicality of Christian virtues like meekness and righteousness in a world dominated by power and violence.

Chacour’s narrative is enriched by his observations on the human cost of the conflict. He poignantly describes how being Palestinian came to be seen as a stigma, a disgrace, and how the suffering of Jewish immigrants during and after World War II was manipulated into a narrative against Palestinians. He identifies a “demon of militarism” as a key antagonist, one that distorts the pursuit of peace into an endless cycle of violence.

Amidst these trials, Chacour’s faith remains a beacon of hope and commitment to reconciliation. He recounts his own journey of grappling with violence and loss, and how Jesus’ teachings on peacemaking inspired his efforts to bridge divides. His encounters with Jewish friends and leaders illustrate the complexities of the conflict and the necessity of understanding and dialogue.

Chacour’s reflections on the politics of the conflict, the influence of Bible prophecy, and the role of modern Israel are both insightful and provocative. He challenges readers to consider the deeper, often overlooked aspects of the conflict, including the plight of Palestinian Christians, who have been largely displaced and marginalized. “God had not abandoned them to be second-class citizens,” he asserts, emphasizing the right of Palestinians to live with dignity and the urgent need for reconciliation.

In his call to action, Chacour’s message is clear: meaningful change requires more than just debate and analysis. He urges readers to move beyond rhetoric to actively engage in solutions, reflecting on a telling anecdote about the disproportionate impact of one person deeply involved in action versus many who merely discuss the issue.

Blood Brothers is a compelling read that offers a deeply human perspective on one of the world’s most entrenched conflicts. Chacour’s storytelling combines heart-wrenching personal experiences with a hopeful vision for reconciliation. His insights are both a reflection on his own journey and an invitation to others to actively pursue justice and peace. For those seeking a nuanced understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the often-overlooked voices of Palestinian Christians, Chacour’s memoir is an invaluable contribution.

KEY QUOTE: “How could you be meek and inherit anything in this power-hungry world? And if you tried to live in happiness and peace, wouldn’t someone just kick you out of your home, bomb it and sell off your land? What did it mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness? Were the Beatitudes impossibly beyond reconciliation—uttered by Jesus merely to exercise pious young scholars?”

---

DID YOU KNOW? Sunday to Saturday has a Good Reads page where we post all of the books we have read – even the ones that didn’t make the cut.

---

---

---