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Dear Neighbor,
Like so many of you, I have watched with horror and despair the events unfolding in Israel over the last few days. I have felt fear for the wellbeing of friends and loved ones, and grief at learning terrible news. I have felt anger at the deep inhumanity of these attacks, and helplessness at the intractability of this seemingly never-ending conflict. And I have felt frustration at the knee-jerk reactions and reflexive side-taking in evidence on social media and on the streets of our city.
I know that among the people reading this message there will be a wide variety of views on the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. But all people of goodwill should be able to agree that human life is precious, that any loss of life is a tragedy, and that all of us must double and triple our efforts to work for peace everywhere, and the justice that leads to that peace.
Hamas’ attack on Israel was absolutely despicable – carefully planned to murder, terrify, and kidnap civilians, including children. Hamas members are not freedom fighters or liberators; it is a terrorist organization with the avowed aim of destroying Israel and Israelis. There can be no ounce of justification or excuse for their actions: the largest single act of violence targeting Jews since the Holocaust. And with those hateful actions Hamas has also knowingly incurred retaliation from the Israeli military that will undoubtedly lead to untold suffering for the civilians in Gaza whom they claim to represent.
I firmly support Israel’s right to exist and to defend itself. I also hold up the humanity of people on all sides of the ongoing conflict that provided the false pretext for Hamas’ attack. The kind of heinous violence perpetrated by Hamas can produce nothing positive for anyone in the region, and only serves to fuel another generation of hate and prolong the struggle for lasting peace.
There is a human tragedy unfolding, and we should take the side of humanity. For those of us not directly involved, I believe the best thing to do is ask “how can I help.” Sometimes that help can take the form of just demonstrating solidarity, support, or understanding. Sometimes it can involve donating money, sharing information, or other concrete actions. And while we are turning our minds to our brothers and sisters in the Middle East, we must also contribute to de-escalation and the disempowerment of hate right here at home, both anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, as well as all other forms of prejudice and oppression.
Below are some resources that I hope will be helpful. For those who wish to join, there is also a vigil and rally titled “New York Stands with Israel” tonight at 5pm at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, organized by UJA Federation of NY and JCRC, among many other groups.
Best,
Liz Krueger
State Senator
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