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 excerpt only – read the full statement online
As of October 15, 2023, the following statement has been signed by over 2500 Palestinians, Jews, and others throughout the world who are committed to holding complex truths and striving to overcome polarization. We feel the pain of our people, identify with their pain, and need to work together to uplift our shared humanity.
The unfolding horror in Israel and Gaza is an escalation of decades of state-sanctioned violence by Israel against Palestinians. We condemn the horrific actions of Hamas against Israeli civilians. We likewise condemn Israel’s unbridled bombing and cutting off access to all basic needs, including food, water, electricity, and medical care. Attacks on Palestinian and Israeli civilians are repugnant….[]
As we watch the violent attacks and rallying of xenophobia on both sides, we are brokenhearted. Although it feels like a time to stand with “our people,” we know this is a time to come together. This is a time of great suffering for all; a time of painful emotions. It is only by recognizing our shared fears and our shared tears that we will find our way through this nightmare. It is a struggle we need to undertake jointly.
When we fall back into our separate and distinct identities we risk becoming part of the problem, not the solution. Both peoples suffer from ongoing trauma. We are all on high alert. The fear is palpable. And it is easy for us to objectify the ‘other.’
read the full statement online at https://www.fosna.org/the-fosna-blog/solidarity-with-palestinians-and-jews