Dear Friends and supporters,
For the past two days I've watched in alarm and anguish as the crisis has unfolded in Gaza and southern Israel. More than 360 Palestinians have died and hundreds more are wounded -- both Hamas militants and ordinary citizens. More than 120 rockets have been launched into Israel, with one man killed.
Though some Israeli action is an understandable response to continued rocket fire from Hamas, and the idea of contained surgical strikes may be compelling, these airstrikes represent a huge escalation of the conflict -- a crisis that may end in a wider war in which many more Palestinians and Israelis die in the weeks to come.
I would like to invite you to join the many that believe that this path of militarism and militancy cannot lead to a sustainable, safe future for the two peoples. The path to peace, security and freedom for our people is diplomacy, non-violence, and grassroots involvement of civilians on both sides.
Below are some voices to remind us of the moral courage needed now not to resort to violence, and some actions you can take.
1. The PAC J Street in the U.S. issued a petition call for an immediate ceasefire and intends to bring their petition to the Obama transition team as well as to more than 100 Congressional representatives.
2. Help those facing humanitarian need:
Physicians for Human Rights and United Palestinian Appeal are striving to provide food and basic medical supplies to Palestinians in Gaza. Please support them.
Enclosed is an Appeal from Physicians for Human Rights-Israel.
3. Articles by Marc Gopin who conducts diplomacy efforts in the region. He is a professor at George Mason University, a religious Jew and one of my inspirations.
Israeli Jews from Sderot and Palestinian Gazans Speak Out Together
“May I Burn Like the Cigarettes”
Election Promises in Israel and Fantasy Politics
Thank you,
Noa Baum
