Our hearts are shattered by the wrenching and ongoing violence in Israel and Gaza.
I am horrified by the terrorist assault by Hamas on Israeli civilians, the killing, torture, and the taking of hostages. I grieve for the families who have lost loved ones — and the people throughout the world who mourn.
I pray for the return of the hostages.
I pray for all those who are experiencing the utter devastation of this tragic moment.
I grieve also for the civilians in Gaza, facing violence and loss, with no means of escape.
I call for the vigilance that is required by all of us to reject antisemitism and all forms of bigotry.
I pray for our children’s future, the wellbeing of our elders and families, and the fate of our fragile world.
May we, together, find a path that honors human dignity, promotes justice, and creates peace.
