John,

This Thanksgiving, as I think about all I have to be thankful for in my life, my thoughts are turning to people on the other side of the world who are embroiled in war — particularly the innocent people of Gaza who have nowhere to run and no safe refuge from the violence that is raging all around them.

I'm thankful that there are growing numbers of people who are repulsed by war and who are committed toward moving our world toward peace.

I'm thankful that there appears to be a ceasefire in the works, and I sincerely hope that it will spark a movement toward true peace.

I'm thankful that there are those in Gaza, in Israel, in the U.S., and around the world who are brave enough to use their voices on behalf of those whose voices cannot be heard over the explosions.

And I'm thankful that I'm in a position to use my voice on their behalf as well.

I hope you and your family have a happy and peaceful Thanksgiving. And I hope we can extend that happiness and peace to those who desperately need it.

Hank Johnson
he/him