Evangel, SBU sign letter condemning Hamas, supporting Israel amid Middle East war

Three faith-based universities in Missouri, including two in the Springfield area, signed a statement condemning the Hamas militant group, which killed hundreds of civilians during an Oct. 7 attack in southern Israel.

They are part of a new coalition of more than 100 higher education institutions — called Universities United Against Terrorism — that stands squarely with Israel.

The coalition describes Hamas as a "terrorist" organization and believes the Palestinian people are being harmed, not represented, by Hamas.

The Show-Me State members include Evangel University, in Springfield; Southwest Baptist University, in Bolivar; and Missouri Baptist University, in Creve Coeur.

"We believe there is absolutely no justification for the inhumane acts committed by Hamas and are horrified at the reports of hundreds of Israeli people, many of them young men, women, and children, being senselessly slaughtered," said Mike Rakes, president of Evangel, in a statement to the News-Leader.

"These acts of brutality and depravity are pure evil. There is strength when we lift our unified voices in compassion to the people impacted by these senseless acts of violence. Evangel University stands as a representation of Christ’s compassionate work in the world and has and will continue to advocate for such."

The statement titled "We Stand Together With Israel Against Hamas" comes as war between Hamas and Israel hits the one-month mark with bombings, a ground incursion into Gaza and heavy casualties.

There have been calls, on campuses and off, for a cease-fire and there have been heated debates and a rise in anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim threats.

A growing number of communities have been the site of pro-Israeli or pro-Palestinian marches, prayer vigils and anti-war demonstrations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said there will be no cessation of fighting, even for humanitarian aid, until Hamas — the Palestinian Islamic political party that controls Gaza and has an armed wing of the same name — returns hostages, which include Israeli and American civilians.

Here is the coalition's statement in its entirety:

"We are horrified and sickened by the brutality and inhumanity of Hamas. Murdering innocent civilians including babies and children, raping women and taking the elderly as hostages are not the actions of political disagreement but the actions of hate and terrorism."

"The basis of all universities is a pursuit of truth, and it is times like these that require moral clarity. Like the fight against ISIS, the fight against Hamas is a fight against evil."

"We, the presidents and chancellors of universities, colleges and higher education associations across the United States of America and the world, stand with Israel, with the Palestinians who suffer under Hamas’ cruel rule in Gaza and with all people of moral conscience."

The News-Leader also sought comment about joining the coalition from SBU.

The coalition was formed by 20 higher education institutions — including the Council for Christian Colleges, and Universities — and the dozens who have signed on in support include public, private, faith-based and historically Black colleges and universities.

The coalition calls for more university presidents and chancellors to sign the statement.

"The coalition members have signed onto a clear statement based on core unifying principles — Hamas is a terrorist organization and the Palestinian people are not represented by Hamas. In fact, they are being harmed by Hamas," the coalition wrote on its website.

"As we can sadly anticipate, this is a crisis that will intensify in the weeks and months ahead. University presidents from around the country are signing on to this coalition, and utilizing our statement as part of their toolbox to help support all of the students on their campuses."

The coalition includes members in adjacent states including:

• Arkansas Baptist College, located in Little Rock, Arkansas;

• Central Bible College, located in Conway, Arkansas;

• Friends University, located in Wichita, Kansas;

• Southwestern Christian University, located in Bethany, Oklahoma.

Claudette Riley covers education for the News-Leader. Email tips and story ideas to criley@news-leader.com.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Evangel, SBU sign letter condemning Hamas, supporting Israel amid war