I don’t have words that adequately express my horror and sorrow at the death, injury, trauma, and destruction in Israel and the Gaza Strip.
We know that more will be added.
The fate of hostages that Hamas has taken is a primary concern for people around the world.
I understand that Israel is trying to warn civilians to leave northern Gaza before they invade but it’s impossible to re-locate so many people in such a densely populated area when there is a total embargo on bringing in aid, there is no electricity, there aren’t safe shelters, and the borders are sealed so they can’t leave Gaza. There are two million people in Gaza, about half of whom are children and teens. Only a tiny number are terrorists and militants. The vast majority are trapped and suffering.
We don’t know how this immediate situation will resolve but we do know that it is another chapter in a decades-long struggle. We don’t know when or if there will be a resolution that brings about lasting peace.
I am also struggling with reports of attacks against Jews and Muslims around the world. I know in the United States many synagogues and temples are being offered extra security as they prepare for Sabbath services.
All the major religious traditions teach peace. Secular philosophers teach peace. How can some still not hear that message and live it?
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Joanne Corey 
We can’t claim not to be a party to what Israel is doing as long as we are providing them with the funds to operate. They depend in our funding. We should use the power that gives us, and admit to the responsibility it puts on us.
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I know that Sec. Blinken talked about protecting civilians in his public remarks yesterday but I have no idea what is happening in the actual government to government discussions. At this point, though, it doesn’t sound as though Israel is heeding calls to protect the people of Gaza and Hamas doesn’t seem to care about them, either.
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Only in reading about the current conflict did I realize there was what is named a war between the two groups in 2021. So your comment about this being “another chapter” really resonated with me. So many failures of peace…
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Sadly, yes. So much suffering with true resolution still seeming very distant.
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Ha–that comment about “another chapter” was from me, Ellen Prewitt. This probably won’t have my name either. Odd
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Ellen, I’m wondering if this is related to a problem with your website/blog and WordPress. When I commented on your blog, it didn’t seem to recognize me, either.
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“Horror and sorrow” is such an apt title. Too many consider peace a weakness and harm a strength, I think.
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Sadly, as you note, there are too many who value force and violence over peace and diplomacy. I’m grateful for the prominent voices that are calling Israel to protect Palestinian civilians and allow aid to reach them. So much harm has already been done but I hope that some relief will reach them soon.
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