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# Seeds of Hope

Peace and Human Rights for All

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://growfromhere.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Blog](https://growfromhere.com/blog/)
- [The Israel-Hamas war has not quashed their compassion, their empathy, their hope](https://growfromhere.com/the-israel-hamas-war-has-not-quashed-their-compassion-their-empathy-their-hope/) - From NPR, read the whole article when you have time to absorb these four stories Stories of individuals are sometimes the most powerful of all; whether for hope or for despair. Here four people (two Palestinian, two Jewish Israeli) share their stories of individual loss and grief and also share why and how they still
- [Immediate and urgent need to stop genocide](https://growfromhere.com/immediate-and-urgent-need-to-stop-genocide/) - From the United Church of Canada November 18, 2023 The Right Honorable Justin Trudeau, P.C., M.P.Prime Minister of CanadaHouse of CommonsOttawa, Ontario K1A 0A6Justin.Trudeau@parl.gc.ca Dear Prime Minister, This letter is to address the immediate and urgent need to stop genocide. We have a long history of relationship with churches and partners in the region; for
- [A Dangerous Conflation](https://growfromhere.com/a-dangerous-conflation/) - An open letter from Jewish writers Read the full letter online; the beginning is below. An exploration of antisemitism versus critique of Israel, as well as a clear statement of Jewish values about "repairing the world, questioning authority, and championing the oppressed over the oppressor". Thank you to all who wrote and signed this letter.
- [Jews and Arabs protecting one another in Israel](https://growfromhere.com/jews-and-arabs-protecting-one-another-in-israel/) - From NBC News (thanks to the friend who sent this my way) A group of Jews and Arabs in Israel has a ‘radical’ idea — protecting one another as fear reigns“We are always told that they hate us, so we need to hate them. I always felt something was wrong there,” one activist said. "Self-confessed
- [Standing Together Solidarity Network](https://growfromhere.com/standing-together-solidarity-network/) - Even in a crisis and a war, people do find ways to come together. Standing Together says "everyone is facing deep levels of heartbreak and fear - and we know that fear tends to separate us from each other, rather than bring us closer together. This is precisely why we knew we needed to ramp
- [Statement from the Leadership of Religion and Public Life (Harvard Divinity School)](https://growfromhere.com/statement-from-the-leadership-of-religion-and-public-life-harvard-divinity-school/) - A heartfelt and thoughful challenge to single story narratives, ending in a call to be minful of each other and put in practive the values that will lead to a just world peace. Read the full statement. October 11, 2023“The Palestinian poet Mourid Barghouti writes that if you want to dispossess a people, the simplest
- [One family in Gaza is feeding thousands of others](https://growfromhere.com/one-family-in-gaza-is-feeding-thousands-of-others/) - The Abu Assi family cooks with the aim of helping those displaced by Israel's attacks and siege on Gaza. It’s a mission that’s being tested like never before.According to the United Nations, one million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have been internally displaced since Israel began bombarding the territory on October 7. The blockaded enclave’s
- [MPs call on Trudeau to advocate for a ceasefire](https://growfromhere.com/mps-call-on-trudeau-to-advocate-for-a-ceasefire/) - "Canada has long been a voice for peace. The longer this conflict goes on, the more innocent civilians will pay with their lives. We demand that Canada join the growing international call for an immediate ceasefire. Canada must act before more innocent children are killed," says the letter, signed by 33 MPs. Review the list
- [Israeli Politician calls for an end to Gaza Bombings](https://growfromhere.com/israeli-politician-calls-for-an-end-to-gaza-bombings/) - Ofer Cassif lost friends in the Hamas attack. My heart goes out to him. And I find hope in his courage to speak up even so. "The war should be ended because people — the vast majority of people who will pay the price, Israelis and Palestinians — are innocent civilians that only want to
- [Our Humanity Depends on It](https://growfromhere.com/our-humanity-depends-on-it/) - Thanks to Robert Oliphant, MP for Don Valley West for a thoughtful statement.
- [Examples of Jewish-Arab solidarity offer hope in Israel](https://growfromhere.com/examples-of-jewish-arab-solidarity-offer-hope-in-israel/) - From The Guardian - read the full article online Volunteers of different ethnicities are working to help victims of the violence and tidy up bomb shelters "...since the new wave of violence engulfing the region began on 7 October – when Hamas burst through the Gaza security fence and rampaged through dozens of Israeli communities, killing
- [Statement of the European Council](https://growfromhere.com/statement-of-the-european-council/) - Some hope here... a statement from the European Council on the situation in the Middle East. Today, the members of the European Council have adopted a statement that sets the EU’s common position on the unfolding situation in the Middle East.The European Union condemns in the strongest possible terms Hamas and its brutal and indiscriminate
- [A Prayer for the People of the Holy Land](https://growfromhere.com/a-prayer-for-the-people-of-the-holy-land/) - God of Compassion and Justice,We cry out to you for all who suffer in the Holy Land today.For your precious children, Israelis and Palestinians,Traumatised in fear for their lives;Lord, have mercy. For the families of the bereaved,For those who have seen images they will never forget,For those anxiously waiting for news, despairing with each passing
- [UK faith leaders condemn antisemitism and call for solidarity between faith communities](https://growfromhere.com/uk-faith-leaders-condemn-antisemitism-and-call-for-solidarity-between-faith-communities/) - The Archbishop of Canterbury was joined by Muslim and Jewish leaders at Lambeth Palace this morning to condemn the sharp rise in antisemitic incidents over the past 10 days, and to call for unity between British faith communities against the backdrop of war between Israel and Hamas. Archbishop Justin Welby, Sheikh Ibrahim Mogra and Rabbi
- [International Law and Israel and Palestine](https://growfromhere.com/international-law-and-israel-and-palestine/) - Friends,If I can't travel, I may as well write. And contribute in a small way to our continuing learning about Palestine and Israel. My perspective is legal, as practitioner and scholar of public international law, especially in my work to resolve the situation of Africa's last colony; Western Sahara. Two things can be said from
- [What We’re Reading about the Israel-Hamas War](https://growfromhere.com/what-were-reading-about-the-israel-hamas-war/) - The Tyee shares a compilation of articles that they selected "not because they perfectly address all aspects — what could? — but because, together, they act as arrows pointing down a path towards more learning and compassion.". What more could we ask for? Titles include "Don't Believe Everything You See and Hear about Israel and
- [Open letter to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau](https://growfromhere.com/open-letter-to-canadian-prime-minister-justin-trudeau/) - From Amnesty International - read full statement online... this is simply excerpts from the statement: October 14, 2023The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, P.C., M.P.Prime Minister of Canada80 Wellington StreetOttawa ON K1A 0A2Re: Conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories: Canada must urge the immediate lifting of Israel’s illegal and inhumane blockade of the Gaza
- [Anglican Church of Canada and Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada joint statement](https://growfromhere.com/anglican-lutheran-statement/) - On Saturday the world watched in horror as Hamas launched a rapid, devastating barrage of violence against Israel. Rockets, drone attacks, the killing of civilians and the taking of hostages have ignited long simmering tensions between Israel and Palestine. Israel has responded with ongoing rocket attacks and the death toll on all sides rises daily.Our
- [A Man and His Donkey Share Water in Gaza](https://growfromhere.com/a-man-and-his-donkey-share-water-in-gaza/) - From Al Jazeera - read the full story online. "Gaza City – Jameel al-Karoubi has grown accustomed to his new daily routine over the past nine days.Every day, he wakes before sunrise. Then, after taking care of whatever his family needs, he and Almond, his donkey, head out into the cratered streets of Gaza to distribute clean drinking water to the people in his neighbourhood from the back
- [Prayer for Compassion](https://growfromhere.com/prayer-for-compassion/) - From a friend: I’ve been (inconsistently) starting my day with a morning ritual, lighting a candle, and repeating this Metta Sutta called the Amaravati Sangha about loving-kindness. Here’s a brief version: May all places be held sacredMay all beings be cherishedMay all injustices of oppression and devaluation be fully righted, remedied and healed.May all wounds
- [Concentrate on Love and Unity](https://growfromhere.com/concentrate-on-love-and-unity/) - ... war is made for the satisfaction of men’s ambition; for the sake of worldly gain to the few, terrible misery is brought to numberless homes, breaking the hearts of hundreds of men and women!How many widows mourn their husbands, how many stories of savage cruelty do we hear! How many little orphaned children are
- [God of Peace and Justice](https://growfromhere.com/god-of-peace-and-justice/) - God of peace and justice,Our hearts weep as the rockets fall in Israel and Gaza,As families are bereavedAs men, women and children are taken hostage,As anger and hatred are fuelled again.In the land you chose for your people and your Son we prayfor those bereaved by the violence,For the wounded and injured,For the hostagesThat your
- [Statement of Solidarity with Palestinians and Jews (FOSNA)](https://growfromhere.com/statement-of-solidarity-with-palestinians-and-jews-fosna/) - This statement is written was authored by: Jonathan Kuttab, Palestinian Christian Theologian, Human Rights Lawyer, FOSNA and Nonviolence International Rabbi Michael Lerner, Editor of Tikkun magazine Rabbi Cat Zavis, Beyt Tikkun: A Synagogue without Walls, Civil/Women's Rights Lawyer, and Mediator Rabbi Esther Azar, Arab Jewish Trauma Activist, and Rabbi: trauma Informed Rabbinics This is an
- [Israeli-Palestinian Joint Memorial Day Ceremony](https://growfromhere.com/israeli-palestinian-joint-memorial-day-ceremony/) - About the Ceremony: The Joint Memorial Ceremony, organized by Combatants for Peace (CfP) and The Parents Circle Families Forum, is the largest Israeli-Palestinian jointly organized peace event. The Joint Memorial Ceremony provides a unique opportunity for Israelis and Palestinians to grieve together and stand strong in demanding an end to the ongoing violence. The Ceremony
- [Jewish Currents:  An explainer](https://growfromhere.com/jewish-currents-an-explainer/) - Jewish Currents has an interesting page which they call 'a rolling explainer answering readers' questions about the current situation in Israel/Palestine'. They start with an overview of what happened on Oct 7th, and then cover questions such as 'What happened on Oct 7th?', 'How has Israel responded to the attacks?', 'What is happening in Gaza
- [Ecumenical statement on the escalation of violence between Hamas and Israel](https://growfromhere.com/ecumenical-statement-on-the-escalation-of-violence-between-hamas-and-israel/) - An excerpt: KAIROS Canada and its member churches and agencies, condemn the current violence, against Israeli and Palestinian civilians, in Israel, Gaza, the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, and call on Canada to do everything in its power to support an immediate ceasefire and a negotiated solution. In response to the spiraling violence, they have
- [Solidarity, shared by Jewish Combatants for Peace](https://growfromhere.com/solidarity-shared-by-jewish-combatants-for-peace/) - Long but worth reading every word carefully. On Monday, as CfP members grieved, sought safety, and processed the unthinkable, we held our first bi-national (Israeli and Palestinian) Zoom support group since Hamas’ brutal attacks on innocent Israelis and the ensuing violence on Gazans. When we logged onto Zoom, Jamil, CfP’s Palestinian General Coordinator, began the
- [Urgent Action Required to Address Human Tragedy - Gaza and Israel](https://growfromhere.com/urgent-action-required-to-address-human-tragedy-gaza-and-israel/) - From UNJPPI, the United Network for Justice and Peace in Palestine and Israel, a letter sent to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly Dear Minister Joly,Re: Urgent Action Required to Address Human Tragedy - Gaza and IsraelThe United Network for Justice and Peace in Palestine and Israel (‘UNJPPI’) is a faith-basednetwork that advocates for
- [The Israel - Palestine Conflict: A Brief Simple History](https://growfromhere.com/the-israel-palestine-conflict-a-brief-simple-history/) - This video was created 7 years ago. Vox (who created it) also has an updated article called 'Why did Hamas invade Israel', which was published on Oct 7th, 2023.

## Pages

- [Home](https://growfromhere.com/) - Coming together in hope Sometimes (maybe often) holding on to hope is hard. We hear about starvation and genocide in Gaza; settler attacks in the West Bank; that Canada is still providing arms components to Israel via the United States, and we may feel helpless. Sometimes how we frame events mentally is very important. On
- [Light for L'Arche - Bethlehem](https://growfromhere.com/lightforlarche-bethlehem/) - Bethlehem – the situation Give Now L’Arche Bethlehem Community Impact The streets of Bethlehem are empty these days. There are no tourists. Almost no employment. The L’Arche Community had a boutique hotel, but it has had to close as no one is coming to Bethlehem these days. Bethlehem is surrounded by a 26 foot high
- [Upcoming Events](https://growfromhere.com/upcoming-events/) - UPCOMING EVENTS Oct 19, 2025 from 4-7 pm there will be a BDS 101 (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) introductory workshop put on with the Restorative Justice Program of the Sunshine Coast in Davis Bay. This workshop will include an introduction to what BDS is, as well as how we can participate here on the Coast, and
- [Light for L'Arche - Help](https://growfromhere.com/lightforlarche-help/) - Send Light to L’Arche -> Help Now L’Arche Bethlehem Bethlehem Today Community Impact Ma’an lil Hayat means ‘together for life’. The L’Arche community’s impact extends far beyond those who share life together, with and without intellectual disabilities. They need $410,00 Canadian to operate for a year. That’s $7,885 for a week, or $1,123 for a
- [Light for L'Arche - Community Impact](https://growfromhere.com/lightforlarche-impact/) - Community Impact Rippling Out Give Now L’Arche Bethlehem Bethlehem Today The impact of Ma’an lil Hayat ripples far out into the wider community, and your gift helps them continue to help others in the wider community. See below for stories of how they are involved and the people impacted by their actions and existence. Your
- [Light For L'Arche](https://growfromhere.com/lightforlarche/) - Ma’an lil Hayat (Together for Life) provides a beacon of hope within the little town of Bethlehem in Palestine. Without tourists and with the unrelenting threat of violence in and around Bethlehem, their presence is needed more than ever. You are invited to take part in sending light to this L’Arche community by contributing to keep them
- [Light for L'Arche - Ma'an lil Hayat](https://growfromhere.com/lightforlarche-maan-lil-hayat/) - Ma’an lil Hayat (‘Together for Life’) Give Now Community Impact Bethlehem Today Ma’an Lil-Hayat (Together for Life) is the first and only community project in Palestine that brings together people with and without intellectual disabilities to engage in creative textile-arts activities and share daily life together in a workshop environment. At the heart of Ma’an
- [ISRAELISM](https://growfromhere.com/israelism/) - Join us June 1st at 4 pm at the Sunshine Coast Arts Council for a screening of ISRAELISM followed by a Q & A facilitated by activist Avi Lewis The documentary ISRAELISM has been touring North America and, recently, Europe, generating awareness and dialogue. On June 1st, it will premiere in Sechelt at the Sunshine
- [UNJPPI Christ in the Rubble Webinar](https://growfromhere.com/unjppi-christ-in-the-rubble-webinar/) - Date and Time: Sunday Feb 4, 2024, 6 pm Eastern (3 pm Pacific)Hosted by: UNJPPI (United Network for Justice and Peace in Palestine and Israel) Please join us virtually on Sunday February 4th for a screening of Palestinian pastor Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac’s “Christ in the Rubble” sermon. We will then hear from
- [Screening:  Gaza Fights for Freedom](https://growfromhere.com/screening-gaza-fights-for-freedom/) - In the second screening of Nights to Decolonize (Thursday, Feb 1st 7-9 pm), we’ll screen Gaza Fight For Freedom. We’ll start with short breathing to ground, watch the documentary and then we’ll open up the space to sharing. In sharing we practice listening that is being aware of our mind where it travels when someone
- [Light from Gaza](https://growfromhere.com/light-from-gaza/) - Join us Monday, February 5th at 7:15 pm at the Davis Bay Community Hall (5123 Davis Bay Road) to hear personal stories from Gaza. This is a unique opportunity to hear directly and in person about life in Gaza. Nabil and Ilham, Palestinians from Gaza, will speak and answer questions; we’ll share poetry from Gaza,
- [A Prayer for Tomorrow, A Lament for Today](https://growfromhere.com/prayer-lament/) - Join us Tuesday, February 6th at 7 pm for an interfaith prayer service to remember the lives lost in the ongoing struggles in Israel and Palestine Service includes: Palestinian and Jewish musicians A speaker from Gaza A message from East Jerusalem Faith leaders from various traditions Prayers, song and readings The service will be at
- [Ceremony of Mourning and Remembrance](https://growfromhere.com/ceremony-of-mourning-and-remembrance/) - Light in the Darkness: A Ceremony of Mourning and Remembrance (Saturday, Jan 20th, 3:30 pm) This was a gentle time to share our grief for those who have died and continue to suffer in Gaza, the West Bank, Israel, and Lebanon. (click on any image to view full size) Hearts and Wishes for Peace Making
- [Learn With Hope](https://growfromhere.com/learn-with-hope/) - Learn with your heart, your mind, and your spirit. There are so many words out there on the internet about Palestine and Israel, the current conflict, the historical context, and what is happening right this minute. There are stories and videos of sorrow, violence, and loss. And also stories and videos of people standing together
- [Webinars](https://growfromhere.com/webinars/) - This is by no means an exhaustive list, but shares webinars that I have had the privilege of attending, recorded since late October by people on the ground in Israel and Palestine. They share stories of their challenges, struggles, and hope. These people inspire me. Please feel welcome to send me suggestions for webinars to
- [Canadian Complicity](https://growfromhere.com/canadian-complicity/) - We tend to think of ourselves as Canadians as ‘nice’, and moral, and probably fairly honest. What is happening related to the war in Israel and Palestine raises questions about our national character, fibre, and values in my opinion. I also think truth is sometimes lacking in the online discourse. I have been digging into
- [Nourishing our Common Humanity](https://growfromhere.com/build-hope/) - Many are feeling helpless right now, but there are concrete ways we can support those building connections rather than deepening divisions. Peace is an action. We had an amazing dinner on December 11th from 4-7 pm. The dinner was a fund raiser supporting peace groups building solidarity between Palestinians and Jewish people in Israel and
- [Sacred Cuisine](https://growfromhere.com/sacred-cuisine/) - Izzeldin’s reflections Our fundraising dinner on Dec 11th was enriched by this presentation from Izzeldin of Sacred Cuisine, who shared his passion for Palestinian food and food history, culture, and what is happening for him right now in East Jerusalem. https://youtu.be/ARJJOKAl4Hk Support Izzeldin and find amazing gifts from the Holy Land Not suprisingly, Izzeldin is
- [Nourishing our Common Humanity - reserve Tickets](https://growfromhere.com/nourish-our-common-humanity-reserve-tickets/) - Join us on December 11th for a fund raiser for peace groups building solidarity between Palestinians and Jewish people in Israel and Palestine. Tickets are $40 and we invite you to make an additional donation if you are able. Please fill out the form below to register for tickets. We will be in touch within
- [Nourishing our Common Humanity - Contact and Location](https://growfromhere.com/nourishing-our-common-humanity-contact-and-location/) - Location St John’s United Church, in the lower hall 5085 Davis Bay Road, Sechelt BC Dec 11th; 4-7 pm Contact Information If you have questions, please contact us via the contact form. Or by email at peacewithhumanity (at) gmail.com. We are a small group of volunteers organizing this fundraising event, so if you would like
- [Nourishing our Common Humanity - Menu](https://growfromhere.com/nourishing-our-common-humanity-menu/) - This menu is subject to slight changes as we get closer to the event, but will give you an idea what to expect foodwise. All menu items are vegetarian. Appetizers: Hummus (GF, DF), Pita, Olives (GF, DF) Tabbouleh / Tabouli (made with quinoa rather than couscous; GF, DF) Eggplant Pomegranate stew (GF, DF) Falafel (DF,
- [Nourishing our Common Humanity - Questions](https://growfromhere.com/nourishing-our-common-humanity-questions/) - Will you have food I can eat? The menu is vegetarian, and mostly gluten free, and mostly dairy free. But tasty! If you have other food limitations, feel free to contact us with your needs, and we will let you know if the menu will suit your needs. Which side do you support in the
- [Write to Ottawa](https://growfromhere.com/write-to-ottawa/) - You can send mail to Ottawa free of postage. Or email, call, fax or send postcards. Contact Patrick Weiler: Constituency Offfice6367 Bruce StreetWest Vancouver, British ColumbiaV7W 2G5 Telephone: 604-913-2660Fax: 604-913-2664Email: Patrick.Weiler@parl.gc.ca Contact Justin Trudeau: Office of the Prime Minister80 Wellington StreetOttawa, ON K1A 0A2 Telephone: 613-992-4211Fax: 613-941-6900Email: justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca If you don’t live on the Sunshine
- [Contact](https://growfromhere.com/contact/) - Share love and seeds of hope If you have seeds of hope to share, please submit them; ideally including a link to where your content is available online. Content including any form of hate will be discarded. Peace. Your name Your email Subject Your message (optional)

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- [Default Kit](https://growfromhere.com/?elementor_library=default-kit)
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## Portfolio

- [LEARN WITH HOPE](https://growfromhere.com/portfolio/learn-with-hope/) - Learn with your heart, your mind, and your spirit. There are so many words out there on the internet about Palestine and Israel, the current conflict, the historical context, and what is happening right this minute. There are stories and videos of sorrow, violence, and loss. And also stories and videos of people standing together
- [SEEDS OF HOPE](https://growfromhere.com/portfolio/elementor-707/) - Seeds of Hope We need hope right now. I’m not finding much in mainstream media, but there are signs. People working together across the divide. People refusing to give in to despair, even in the midst of terrible situations. A huge thank you to all who send in submissions for these signs of hope posts.
- [ORGANIZATIONS THAT HOLD HOPE](https://growfromhere.com/portfolio/organizations-that-hold-hope/) - Organizations Working for Peace and Solidarity Is it possible to hold hope in the midst of war? Absolutely. there are many organizations holding on to hope now, when hope is in short supply and holding peace out as a possibility is an act of courage. You can support those organizations, from financial donations, to words
- [TAKE ACTION](https://growfromhere.com/portfolio/take-action/) - WHAT CAN I DO? It’s often hard to know what we can do when we sit comfortably in Canada and watch violence and conflict and death around the world. It can be so easy to give up, or turn away. One easy thing you may want to do is support (financially or otherwise) local to
- [MARCH, STAND OR SIT](https://growfromhere.com/portfolio/march/) - MARCH, STAND OR SIT A huge thank you to all those who showed up on Saturday, October 21st to March, Stand or Sit for Peace at Davis Bay. And to all those who could not be present but held us in their hearts or took similar actions for peace wherever they were. Each person, each

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://growfromhere.com/category/uncategorized/)
- [Meditations / Prayers](https://growfromhere.com/category/meditations-prayers/)
- [Solidarity](https://growfromhere.com/category/solidarity/)
- [Context](https://growfromhere.com/category/context/)
- [Calls to Action](https://growfromhere.com/category/calls-to-action/)