I am a proud supporter of the State of Israel. Surrounded by enemies who wish her ill, this sliver of democracy and decency has always held my sympathy and a visit to Israel a few years ago, and the inspiration I drew from the people I met there, changed my life.
So, as I say, I am an instinctive and constant supporter of Israel.
As I sat jetlagged and awake last night and watched the death toll creep inexorably towards 300, the maintenance of that position felt less than straightforward.
At church today (28 December - Feast of the Holy Innocents) the Collect was drawn from Corinthians and a particular part struck me:
God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.
I found that rather striking today.
