The diplomacy that has not only arranged for but also extended the humanitarian pause has brought together unlikely partners in negotiations. Egypt, Qatar, the United States, Israel and Hamas working together…at the cost of so many lives lost in a war that might have been avoided, for so many reasons. But a CIA official and Mossad director working with Qatari officials in Doha? And Qatari jets landing in Israel in the absence of diplomatic relations? Such progress came at too high a cost of lives and well-being. But it came.
And the agreed-upon releases of hostages by Hamas and releases of Palestinian Arabs from Israeli jails/prisons continue.
However, people in the United States are seemingly trying to fight this war through extreme protests, the shooting of three Palestinian college students in Burlington (VT) (after a murder of a child in Chicago), a high school teacher in Queens forced by tens (hundreds?) of students to seek shelter in a locked room when a photo of her at a pro-Israel rally was circulated, and other demonstrations of hatred.
Our country should be a place where we can talk to each other, or even shout, about our disagreements without having to fear for our personal safety due to vandalism or violence. Of course, there are current examples, in other arenas of life and politics, where people are choosing extreme methods of expression. That may be contributing to what’s happening.
For now, prayers for the healing of the students shot in Burlington. Prayers for the hostages to return home. Prayers for ongoing diplomacy to yield positive results. Prayers for those who are grieving. Prayers for the flourishing of productive dialogue and more true listening. Prayers for peace.
No comments:
Post a Comment