Seventh-day Adventists in Israel are encouraging peace in the midst of the recent escalation of violence in Israel, the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.

"We condemn the killing of innocent people in any area of our region," said Pastor Richard Elofer, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Israel. "We also condemn provocations, and reaffirm the right of every nation to live as independent states with secured borders and in peace with their neighbors."

"We urge all people -- Israelis, Palestinians and Lebanese -- to follow the teaching of the prophets of Israel, of Jesus and of Mohammed to be makers of peace, in order to establish a better world where love and peace between nations and races will prevail," Elofer stated.

"We continue to be in permanent contact with our pastors and members who are living in the North of Israel and until now no casualties are reported on our members and buildings," he added.

There are more than 1,200 Seventh-day Adventist Church adult baptized members in Israel meeting in several congregations throughout the country, including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.