Buddhist Statements and Responses worldwide to the death, suffering and decimation of Gaza
I have received in the past two years message of concern about the perceived lack of response from Buddhist organisations and Buddhist teachers around the world about the genocide and famine in Gaza.
Buddhist teachers and organisations have responded out of compassion for the people of Gaza. Some teachers have been actively engaged in non-violent actions through demonstrations, vigils, fundraising for Palestine and critiques of the horror of events in the region.
Several prominent Buddhist organizations have issued formal statements on Gaza, calling for peace, compassion, and an end to all violence. These statements often emphasize the centrality of nonviolence and the alleviation of suffering, in keeping with Buddhist ethics.europeanbuddhistunion+3
Key Organizations with Formal Statements
European Buddhist Union (EBU). The EBU issued a formal statement expressing deep concern about the situation in Gaza and Israel. Their message stresses reducing suffering, solidarity with victims, and the need for compassion and dialogue to prevail, rooted in Buddhist principles of nonviolence and equanimity.europeanbuddhistunion
World Fellowship of Buddhists / Sri Lankan Buddhists. Led interfaith protests in Colombo to call for an end to Gaza war. The killing of innocent civilians is central concern; demands for immediate ceasefire; shared sentiment across
Buddhist Peace Fellowship (BPF). BPF has released a public statement denouncing violence against Palestinians and supporting a ceasefire. The organization had previously signed the Apartheid Free Communities pledge and called for an end to U.S. support for military actions targeting civilians. Their statement insists that remaining silent in the face of such crises is the most harmful response and commits to offering spaces for community engagement and advocacy
Soka Gakkai International (SGI). SGI’s Council on Peace Issues released a formal statement urging a cessation of hostilities, emphasizing the importance of protecting children and civilians, and calling for the safe release of hostages and respect for humanitarian law.sokaglobal
Aloka Vihara and Sacred Justice Coalition. The Aloka Vihara community, in collaboration with the Sacred Justice Coalition and an international network of Dharma teachers and sanghas, compiled and published a collective “Dharma Response” zine. This includes statements and essays from Buddhist teachers explicitly condemning the violence in Gaza and urging action and solidarity with suffering communities.alokavihara
Buddhist Council of Western Australia. Issued a statement “Wishing peace between Israel and Palestine”. Condemns violence; expresses sorrow for loss of life; hopes for an end to violence; desire for a genuine peace process and reconciliation. buddhistcouncilwa.org.au
Black Buddhist Studies. Published a “Statement in Support of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank”. Describes displacement, destruction in Gaza; references Nakba; calls out ongoing human rights issues; sees Buddhist ethics as demanding action to alleviate suffering. blackbuddhiststudies.org
Plum Village Monastic Community released statements urging avoidance of dualistic thinking, recommending kindness and care for all beings impacted by the conflict, and underscoring that compassionate action is vital to the Buddhist path.
Buddhist Church of America expressed solidarity with all suffering people and the aspiration for a world where “everyone can live in peace and harmony”.
Secular Buddhist Network. https://secularbuddhistnetwork.org/a-secular-buddhist-response-to-gaza/
Other Initiatives
Sacred Justice Coalition and Sacred Mountain Sangha have coordinated calls to action and community education in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, gathering an international coalition of teachers, sanghas, and practitioners focused on engaged Buddhism and solidarity activism.sacredjusticecoalition
Maung Zarni (Buddhist scholar / human rights activist). Participated in interfaith delegation to Palestine; describes Gaza as “a mass grave in the making.” International legal / moral framing; genocide, destruction, urgent ceasefire. transcend.org
🙏 Bhikkhu Bodhi and American Buddhists. A group of American Buddhists, led by Bhikkhu Bodhi, issued a petition urging President Trump to intervene: Condemned Hamas’s attacks while expressing grave concern over Israel’s military response. Described the situation in Gaza as a “deliberately calculated policy of mass starvation”. Called for immediate humanitarian access and protection of civilians. Framed the appeal in terms of Buddhist ethics and global responsibility
Buddha Global Relief (BGR) (USA). Approved an emergency donation (~US$50K) to help those suffering in Gaza. Emphasises humanitarian need (food, safe access), impartial compassion; calls for all warring parties to lay down arms. Funds split between WFP and UNRWA. buddhistnews.net
These statements reflect a consistent Buddhist emphasis on alleviating suffering, protecting life, and promoting peace—even in the face of complex geopolitical realities.
Statements and publications have been compiled by forums and platforms such as Lion’s Roar and international sangha networks, amplifying calls for a ceasefire and a just peace.sacredjusticecoalition+1
These formal statements demonstrate a clear and collective engagement from the Buddhist community on the need for peace, nonviolence, and compassion in the face of the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
Articles by Senior Buddhist Teachers
Article by and Interview with Bhikkhu Bodhi, senior monk and senior translator of primary Buddhist texts.
https://oneearthsangha.org/articles/no-time-for-silence/.
Tara Brach. https://scienceandnonduality.com/article/reflections-on-gaza-and-the-bodhisattva-path/
Christopher Titmuss. 30 articles, critiques and reflections on Palestine/Gaza/Israel. between 2023 - 2025 in Substack newsletter
A poem titled. “I Never Agreed with what they did. 21 Voices.” https://www.christophertitmussdharma.org/p/i-never-agreed-with-what-they-did.
Annual Visits to Palestine and Israel. 1992-2019. Suffering and its Resolution. An account from 2010. A reflection.
Parliament of the World’s Religions Statement on Gaza and Peace in the Middle East. https://sheppartoninterfaith.org.au/?p=10756
A Statement from Tovana, Israel in November 2024
Tovana is the main Buddhist network of teachers/ practitioners in Israel
About 30 teachers and facilitators connected with Tovana (Hebrew for Insight) signed this statement.
A DHARMA INVITATION
WORDS FROM THE HEART IN LIGHT OF THE SITUATION:
The deep pain and sorrow we feel in light of the current situation leave us unable to remain indifferent. As members of the Dharma community, committed to the principles of the Buddha, our ultimate aspiration is to alleviate the suffering of all living beings.
Through Dharma practice, we understand that the path to reducing violence is not one of hatred but one based on compassion and a sense of responsibility toward others.
We are committed to continuing to explore how to act in accordance with these principles and to find ways to ease the suffering of all living beings—not by clinging to limiting views but with a deep understanding and commitment to the values of non-harm.
We are troubled and shaken by the endless cycles of violence that harm fundamental ethical and humane values.
Within our community, we are witness to a range of responses and experiences:
Some of us feel deep pain over the harm caused to innocent civilians on all sides.
Some are focused on the safety of Israeli citizens, the hostages and their families, and the well-being of the soldiers.
Others express deep concern for the people of Gaza, living under bombardment and deprivation. Some seek a balance between the need for security and the aspiration for non-harm, while others struggle to find words in the face of immense trauma and pain.
In these dark days, it is vital to remember and remind ourselves of:
The sane voice that calls us back from war and bloodshed to strive for nonviolent solutions and lives not driven by violence, revenge, or fear.
The open and courageous heart that refuses to let hatred take root, recognizing that cycles of revenge are not a worthy way to live. A heart that knows there is a possibility for a different future, beyond the recurring cycles of deterrence, revenge, and suffering.
The power of choice, even in the hardest moments of crisis, to look suffering and its roots in the eye and choose to act to end it.
Our commitment to non-harm, which is at the root of our practice, wisely examining how this commitment can manifest, even amidst these complex times.
It is time to cease being pawns of politics and ideologies of hatred, aggression, and pain. Actions born from these are not in our name and are not our way. We call to return to the understanding that all of us—whether in Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, Iran, or Lebanon—fundamentally long for lives that are safe and free from fear.
The relentless tragedies and complexities of this blood-soaked land remind us of the urgent need for wisdom, compassion, and courage to guide our actions toward safety and freedom for all forms of life.
We call for a return to sanity and the sanctity of human life, and for tireless efforts to find ways of peace and dialogue. We pray for the safe return of the hostages and an end of the bloodshed on both sides of the border, so that we may find a new, nonviolent path that will lead us all to lives of security, peace, and mutual respect.
Through Dharma practice, we understand that the path to reducing violence is not one of hatred but one based on compassion and a sense of responsibility toward others.
We are committed to continuing to explore how to act in accordance with these principles and to find ways to ease the suffering of all living beings—not by clinging to limiting views but with a deep understanding and commitment to the values of non-harm.
We are troubled and shaken by the endless cycles of violence that harm fundamental ethical and humane values.
Within our community, we are witness to a range of responses and experiences: Some of us feel deep pain over the harm caused to innocent civilians on all sides.
Some are focused on the safety of Israeli citizens, the hostages and their families, and the well-being of the soldiers. Others express deep concern for the people of Gaza, living under bombardment and deprivation. Some seek a balance between the need for security and the aspiration for non-harm, while others struggle to find words in the face of immense trauma and pain.
In these dark days, it is vital to remember and remind ourselves of:
The sane voice that calls us back from war and bloodshed to strive for nonviolent solutions and lives not driven by violence, revenge, or fear.
The open and courageous heart that refuses to let hatred take root, recognizing that cycles of revenge are not a worthy way to live. A heart that knows there is a possibility for a different future, beyond the recurring cycles of deterrence, revenge, and suffering.
The power of choice, even in the hardest moments of crisis, to look suffering and its roots in the eye and choose to act to end it.
Our commitment to non-harm, which is at the root of our practice, wisely examining how this commitment can manifest, even amidst these complex times.
It is time to cease being pawns of politics and ideologies of hatred, aggression, and pain. Actions born from these are not in our name and are not our way. We call to return to the understanding that all of us—whether in Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, Iran, or Lebanon—fundamentally long for lives that are safe and free from fear.
The relentless tragedies and complexities of this blood-soaked land remind us of the urgent need for wisdom, compassion, and courage to guide our actions toward safety and freedom for all forms of life.
We call for a return to sanity and the sanctity of human life, and for tireless efforts to find ways of peace and dialogue. We pray for the safe return of the hostages and an end of the bloodshed on both sides of the border, so that we may find a new, nonviolent path that will lead us all to lives of security, peace, and mutual respect.
This is an invitation for Dharma inquiry - we invite all of us to reflect and explore: What is Dharma practice asking of us in these times?
Comment on the Statement in an email from a senior Dharma teacher in Israel
Some of us wanted to use stronger and more direct words against the so-called war in Gaza, but others thought that anything other than saying something general against violence - is expressing “political views” and not a dharma voice.
So we had to compromise and find a middle way, and still some chose not to sign it.
I signed it with a heavy heart. It didn’t express enough my stance against what Israel is doing in Gaza, but I felt it’s better Tovana says something than not saying anything at all.
Some didn’t even think Tovana should say anything, as it’s not “our place”.
So we had a difference of opinions and it wasn’t easy.”
MAY ALL BEINGS LIVE IN PEACE
MAY ALL BEINGS LIVE IN HARMONY
MAY ALL BEINGS LIVE IN PEACE AND HARMONY