More than 24 years ago, my mother and thousands of our loved ones died from the terrorist attacks of 9-11-2001. Peaceful Tomorrows touched something in me because it was the only organization I found at that time — focused on building bridges, instead of hatred. We, the members of September Eleventh Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, understand the depth of grief and trauma that violence inflicts. It is hard to imagine that after such an event — we are looking at even more suffering brought on by war.
Hamas began the war with Israel using a horrific terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, killing and kidnapping Israelis and others. Since that time, the escalation between Hamas, Israel, Hezbollah, and the Houthis has escalated, with most of the brutal, bloody casualties suffered by civilians. Palestinians living in Gaza are starving, homeless, and find themselves stuck between two warring entities. War is not the way to win a lasting peace. Speaking to the rights of Palestinians living in Gaza is not a form of extremism.
We call on all parties involved in this escalating war to implement an immediate ceasefire, end the blockade so food can reach Gaza’s starving population and return all hostages, to begin a truly committed process of reconciliation.
Israelis and Palestinians call the same land their home and have nowhere else to go. Large numbers of Palestinians and Israelis in the region have already learned to live together with mutual respect, and literally in harmony, as the Jerusalem Youth Choir has demonstrated. The leadership of the Palestinians and Israelis need to learn this same lesson. The Choir and many other organizations—like the Alliance for Middle East Peace, Roots, Women of Vision, the Abraham Initiative, the ifnotnowmovement.org [ifnotnowmovement.org], the Parents Circle Families Forum, to name a few—teach the same truths: by sharing the land and sharing its resources with equity, people can create an environment where all feel safe, respected, and thrive.
Robyn Donati and members of September Eleventh Families for Peaceful Tomorrows
Bernardston