Voices for Peace
More than 38,000 people (37,396 Palestinians & 1,478 Israelis) have been killed since October 7th, after a deadly Hamas terrorist attack prompted Israel to declare war and begin a military offensive.
We stand today at a crossroads. The city of Gaza and many of its people, our sisters and brothers, lie wounded, its streets echoing with the silence of displaced families and the pain of a conflict that has gone on for far too long. While assigning blame won't mend these wounds, nor will it rebuild the lives shattered by violence, the truth, however difficult and painful, must be acknowledged and is essential for healing and reconciliation. Truth is the bedrock of a successful reconciliation process and ultimately lasting peace in any conflict.
Today, we are not here to assign blame, but as an important step towards reconciliation and lasting peace, we are acknowledging that we are being witness of a genocide.
Many Palestinians have lost their lives, families have been torn apart, and the very fabric of Palestinian culture has been threatened. Genocide, a word heavy with darkness has a clear legal definition established by the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide adopted in 1948. While genocide is a complex legal concept, sadly, the actions taken against the Palestinians mirror its terrible definition:
Lives Lost: From targeted killings to mass violence, many innocent Palestinians lost their lives.
Unbearable Suffering: Torture, imprisonment, and restricted access to basic necessities have been used and are used to weaken the Palestinian spirit.
Severed Ties: Many families are torn apart, and too many Palestinian children are separated from their roots.
This cannot stand.
The scars of past genocides serve as a chilling reminder of our collective failure to protect the innocent. While the forces driving conflict are often intricate, a shared humanity binds us. We must look beyond our differences and rediscover our connection as one human family. Let us envision a world brimming with peace, beauty, and unity, where the suffering of one is felt by all. In standing together, in refusing to be bystanders to atrocities, we can prevent future generations from inheriting a world stained by genocide. The responsibility lies with us to break the cycle of violence and build a future where every human life is valued.
However, conflict rarely exists in a vacuum. While the Palestinians are the victims of genocide, it's important to acknowledge that the Israelis are also suffering.
Beyond the immediate conflict, a deeper truth lay buried: a long and very complex history of tension and misunderstanding between the Palestinians and Israelis. Both Palestinians and Israelis have their own narratives, their own understanding of the events that led us to this precipice. Until we listen to each other's stories, with empathy and a genuine desire to understand, true reconciliation will remain elusive.
The road to peace may be long, paved with the hard work of confronting all responsibilities in this conflict. Peace is possible. We know that Love is stronger than Fear. As Gandhi wrote “If the story of the universe had commenced with wars, not a man would have been found alive today. The fact that there are so many men still alive in the world shows that it (history) is not based on the force of arms but on the force of truth or love.” Let’s not underestimate the power of truth, love, compassion and forgiveness. Let’s not forget that Palestinians and Israelis, once neighbors, share a future in this land.
Together, let’s be ambitious for our vision for Palestine/Israel. Let’s choose to stand for Truth, Peace and Healing over hate, Reconciliation over retribution. Let’s support a future where Palestinians and Israelis can once again live side by side in lasting peace.
But today, our Palestinian sisters and brothers need our immediate help.
Through this fundraiser and silent auction, we aim to raise critical funds to directly support the victims of this genocide. These funds will provide:
Essential Relief: Food, water, and medical supplies for displaced Palestinian families.
Mental Health Services: Counseling and support for those traumatized by violence.
Rebuilding Efforts: Assisting in the reconstruction of homes and businesses in Gaza.
As an act of solidarity and in reverence for the oneness of our Human family, let us support our Palestinian sisters and brothers in their time of greatest need.
Please Donate Today!
With Love,
Shazieh, Dorian, Ixchel, Sophie, Swaady and Yoi.