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PCUSA, American Academy of Religion call Gaza war a genocide

July 1, 2026 · 1 min read

(RNS) — The largest Presbyterian denomination in the United States voted Tuesday evening (June 30) to recognize Israel’s war in Gaza as a genocide, two days after the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) unanimously voted to divest from Palantir Technologies and General Electric Aerospace over technologies used in the war.

Tuesday’s vote at the denomination’s General Assembly in Milwaukee passed 454-15 and called for Presbyterians to also lobby Congress for an arms embargo against Israel and to boycott Israeli products that contribute to the war.

Additionally, the American Academy of Religion adopted a Resolution in Solidarity with Gaza last week condemning the Israeli government for the war in Gaza, calling it a genocide. The association of religious studies scholars that boasts 6,000 members worldwide referred to the war at its Annual Business Meeting in Atlanta as a “scholasticide,” or an “intentional effort to comprehensively destroy the Palestinian education system.” The motion was approved by 98% of members, according to a news release.

The religious organizations’ resolutions add to growing criticism accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza — a claim Israel has…

Source: Religion News Service · Read the full story →

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Леся Бойко

It was left to mention the "scholasidia" - it sounds as if they are destroying not only schools, but also all knowledge. In Odesa, when the enemies destroyed the departmental school, we ourselves felt how painful it was for the children.

Sofija Ristić

What is the term "scholastic genocide"? Can it be described more simply? Do they forget that all those boys and girls are there?

Екатерина Волкова

Well, how can it be, “school murder” is a misnomer, not “school murder,” the resolution says. In our church they won’t even say “school murder,” but they will directly say “destruction of schools.” It's strange that scientists say that.

Ζωή Αναγνώστου

In Paphos, in the village school, we have a corner in the library for religious books for children, just as they write about the "scholastic girl" in the exhibition. What other word would they say here?

Галина Лисенко

Yes, "schoolicide" is a really scary word, as if they want to erase the very memory of the people. In Kharkiv, after the shelling of the 165th school, they could not believe for a long time that the children were left without a normal education. And how are you in Odesa now with that departmental school - have you already rebuilt it or is it still under renovation?

Богдан Коваленко

Yes, "shkolasidia" is definitely not just about buildings. Our famous school on Lustdorfska still stands with its roof and windows blown out, children go to the school next door, and teachers say that even some of their textbooks have been lost. Do you also think that this destruction of education is worse than material losses?

Γιώργος Λαμπρόπουλος

Well said, Zoe. In our villages around Volos, the corner with children's religious books is one of the first to fill up after the holidays. However, "scholastic" sounds a bit heavy word to me for something that is done in silence and prayer. What books did you put in last?

Πέτρος Δημητρίου

Yes, in our parts of Cyprus religious books for children also disappear quickly after the holidays, especially those with pictures. "Scholastic" seems excessive to me, I agree. What books have you added lately, anything specific?

Юлія Гончар

Yes, Bohdan, the "school sit" here is clearly not only about the walls - after the shelling on Lustdorfska, our teachers spent six months collecting notebooks and textbooks from our neighbors. But I am not sure that this is worse than the lost lives of children who will no longer sit at a desk. And what do you think, why do they single out education so much in their resolutions?