Peace. Now.
We must keep building the just, inclusive, safe, welcoming society we know we are capable of creating.
Dear friends - these are challenging times. So much pain and conflict, so much scapegoating and hate speech as a result. I must confess to turning off the news lately, and paging past the headlines about loss of life in the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. A mark of the luck and privilege of my life, that I can afford to tune out the horrors for a while.
I’m grateful for the many victories for human rights in our states and inclusion in our schools in the election last week, and cautiously optimistic about the meaning of these victories in the larger struggle to preserve our democracy. I’m scared for our Jewish community members, and for all who are dehumanized by those in power. We must keep building the just, inclusive, safe, welcoming society we know we are capable of creating.
For today, a simple (not easy) formula for peace circles through my thoughts:
Immediate, unconditional cease-fire by all engaged in the fighting. Stop the killing and destruction, now.
Immediate, meaningful participation in peace talks focused on long-term, humanitarian solutions that reinforce the rule of law.
Full accountability for all war crimes, including the targeting of civilians, for all who committed them. All.
Yesterday, Nov. 11, we honored those who chose military service as their path. Let’s make sure we never send people to fight in war again.
Yours in peace.