Gaza’s Grim Facts

Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me

BILL ASTORE

JAN 02, 2026

Today I caught this grim summary on Twitter/X:

The scary part is that the official death toll of 76,134 is an undercount. So many bodies remain under rubble or just plain obliterated by bombs.

Of course, the so-called cease fire in Gaza is anything but as Israel continues its policy of not-so-selective killing and slow strangulation. If you suggest genocide is wrong, the predictable response from the Israeli-U.S. government is that you’re a Hamas terrorist sympathizer and probably an anti-Semite as well (the latter is true even if you’re Jewish). 

Coincidentally, I just took a drink after typing that and started choking. OK, maybe that wasn’t a coincidence.

I remember during Catholic service we’d sing the hymn: “Whatsoever you do to the least my brothers, that you do unto me.” I guess they’re just empty words to all those avowed Christians in the government.

Here are the words to that hymn:

Whatsoever you do
to the least of my brothers
that you do unto me

When I was hungry you gave me to eat,
When I was thirsty you gave me to drink
Now enter into the home of My Father

When I was weary you helped me to
rest, when I was anxious you calmed all
my fears; Now…

When I was homeless you opened you
door when I was naked you gave me
your coat; Now…

When I was little you taught me to read,
When I was lonely you gave me your
love; Now…

When in prison you came to my cell
When on a sick bed you cared for my
needs; Now…

In a strange country you made me at
home seeking employment you found me
a job; Now…

When I was laughed at you stood by my
side when I was happy you shared my
joy; Now…

Amen to that.