A Horrific Week (10/15/23)

No words can truly capture the heartbreak, horror, and human tragedy that has unfolded in Israel this week. The images and stories of terrorism, barbarism, and the killing of thousands and kidnapping of hundreds are deeply distressing, and our hearts ache.

We understand that many of us are left speechless, grappling with a mixture of emotions that can leave us feeling paralyzed. Please know that you are not alone. We stand together as a community, ready to support one another through these challenging times. Your support for one another is a testament to the strength of our community, and we are here for each other.

The sorrow we experience is not only a testament to our shared hope for a peaceful and equitable resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but also a profound expression of our shared humanity. As the days go on the extent of the humanitarian crisis in Israel and Gaza will only increase. We are grateful for the steady and compassionate leadership of President Biden and Secretary of State Blinken, and for leaders like Congressman Jamie Raskin for his statement “The terrorist attacks on Israel, Israel's right of self-defense, the laws of war, hostage-taking, and the protection of two million Palestinian civilians in Gaza". 

To facilitate dialogue, and understanding, and provide a platform for sharing information, we have created a Slack channel, #topic-israel. Through this channel, we aim to keep everyone informed with briefings, articles, and resources that can help us better comprehend the situation and find ways to contribute positively.

Let us come together, share our thoughts, and work toward a world where peace, understanding, and human dignity prevail.

With deep empathy and hope for a better future,