Bearing Witness: Jewish and Christian Action for Peace in the West Bank with Rev. John Wagner

In this compelling episode of To Be and Do, host Phil Amerson sits down with John Wagner, a passionate activist and advocate for justice, to discuss solidarity, courage, and belonging across cultural and religious boundaries. Through firsthand accounts and reflective conversation, John offers listeners an inside look into the current struggles and ongoing hope for peace in the West Bank and beyond.

John shares powerful stories from his time visiting Palestinian villages in the West Bank, where he encountered Israeli Jews risking their own safety to offer “protective presence” for Palestinians under threat. He draws parallels to historic peace movements and highlights the inspirational work of organizations like Jewish Voice for Peace and Breaking the Silence. John’s message is clear: not all Jews support or identify with nationalist or colonizing projects; many are actively speaking out for justice and an end to occupation, often at personal cost.

Phil and John also explore the role of those outside the conflict. Whether Christian, Jewish, Muslim, or nonbeliever, John encourages everyone to get educated, take genuine action, and move beyond indifference. From supporting boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) initiatives to participating in local protests or encouraging clergy to speak out, there are meaningful steps everyone can take. John reminds us that even small acts—like joining a weekly protest or writing a letter—can nourish our spirits and contribute to the greater effort for justice.

The episode concludes with John reflecting on the spiritual rewards of solidarity. He describes receiving an award from the local Arab American forum, a meaningful artifact symbolizing the “holiness” he experiences when standing with people on the margins. Despite acknowledging the risk of “white saviorism,” John finds deep spiritual peace and connection in these acts of solidarity and encourages others to embrace risk, discomfort, and the courage needed to reach across boundaries.

Takeaway Points:

1. Solidarity takes many forms: Individuals can show support in both large and small ways—including education, protest, advocacy, and encouraging religious leaders to be bold voices for justice.
2. Intersection of faith and activism: Faith communities, clergy, and organizations like Jewish Voice for Peace play vital roles in challenging injustice and offering hope.
3. Small steps matter: Engaging locally, even with just a handful of people, can be spiritually nourishing and impactful.
4. Spiritual enrichment from action: Acting in solidarity with oppressed communities not only benefits others but also deepens one’s own sense of calling and faith.
5. Risk is necessary: Real change and belonging come from stepping out of comfort zones, risking misunderstanding or criticism, and being open to transformation.

Resources Mentioned:

• Kairos Response
• Jewish Voice for Peace
• Breaking the Silence

Here are some links recommend: 

United Methodists for Kairos Response - https://www.kairosresponse.org/ UMKR was founded in 2010 in Chicago. We've helped most annual conferences in the United States to consider legislation aimed at bringing peace with justice to the Holy Land, and we've been active at every General Conference since 2012. (It's important to note that United Methodists have been addressing the injustices they've seen in the Holy Land for many years prior to the formation of UMKR.)

Kairos Palestine - https://www.kairospalestine.ps/ This organization represents Christian leaders in the West Bank and Gaza. They've issued many calls to Western churches to stand with them in opposing oppression. The "Kairos Document" is particularly important. 

Friends of Sabeel, North America (FOSNA) - https://www.fosna.org/ - FOSNA works with Sabeel ("The Way" in Arabic), one of the main Christian activist groups in Israel and Palestine. If you want to go on a solidarity trip please contact the folks at FOSNA. 

I recommend this website on Christian Zionism: https://www.christianzionism.org/ It was created by Evangelicals for Evangelicals. Christian Zionism pushes for Israeli control of all the Holy Land, claiming it's a biblical mandate. This website makes it clear this is not the case. 

I would hope people would read this article I wrote last September: https://thehill.com/opinion/education/4871480-college-students-israel-protest/ The most important part is in the first few paragraphs where I provide links to actions taken by Christian denominations to oppose the occupation of Palestine. There have been quite a few. 

I believe this video created by United Methodist missionaries is even more important than it was when it came out ten years ago - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKb8SYVB8KQ When people ask "Well, what about Hamas?" it's helpful to let them know that as non-violent solutions like boycotts and divestments were rejected, those advocating violence were given a greater voice. Our United Methodist missionaries, past and present, plead for United Methodists and all Christians to advocate for a just peace. "Time is running out," they say over and over. 

John Wagner is a pastor in the West Ohio annual conference of the United Methodist Church. He first visited Israel and Palestine in 2008 and was moved and shaken by what he'd seen. He was the first convenor and one of the founders of United Methodists for Kairos Response (UMKR), and also served as co-chair of its steering committee. After letting go of leadership in UMKR he continues to work for a just peace through a number of other Christian and interfaith organizations. He was part of an interfaith solidarity delegation to the Holy Land in late 2024. 

John has served as pastor to congregations in Indiana and Ohio for the last 43 years. He's married to JoAnn and together they have 3 daughters and two grandchildren.