Major tragedies and crises test both individuals and groups.

The horror that befell the United States on September 11th presented a major challenge to every American, but especially to those who care deeply about peace in the Middle East. It wasn't simply the fear and sense of vulnerability, or even the astonishment at the degree of ruthlessness that the terrorists demonstrated, but even more. There were profound questions that everyone asked about who we are, what kind of a world we live in, and who we want to be.

*The September 11th attacks were also a reminder of the danger of keeping quiet in the face of bloodshed*, and of the need for everyone to keep a moral compass so as not to allow passions of the moment to dictate one's identity.

In the past year, violence and enmity among Palestinians and Israelis have allowed the extremists on both sides to define the discourse and to increase despair. Many of the moderates who reject violence and occupation have remained too quiet in the shadow of death and destruction.

But *Americans for Peace Now and Israel's Shalom Achshav (Peace Now) movement have remained a voice of reason and moderation even in the midst of despair.* We have not wavered or been quieted in our consistent drive for a viable peace in the Middle East. We provide a ray of hope, a link between the many on both sides of the conflict who remain committed to a negotiated and comprehensive settlement.

When you contemplate the disaster that befell America and how it relates to the Middle East, please realize the example that Peace Now had set upon its inception forty years ago. Go back to the year 1982 and the picture that profoundly affected the consciousness of many. There was a massacre in Lebanon of hundreds of innocent Palestinians in the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps. It was a particularly tragic moment in the bloody history of the Arab-Israeli conflict.

But right in the middle of that tragedy, there was an inspiring picture: hundreds of thousands of Israelis demonstrating in the center of Tel Aviv, chanting "Peace Now."

The choice that this immense crowd made was doubly significant. *Yes, it was an expression of empathy with Palestinian victims, an expression of one's humanity even in the midst of war.

But in addition, there was something more profound.

It was drawing a moral line. It was a was a fierce rejection of the notion that the goal of security justifies all means.

It was an understanding that one becomes what one does.

We honor those who perished on this tragic day 18 years ago by fiercely holding on to our humanity and our principles.

Americans for Peace Now