Israelis have many voices against war

Thank you, Ken for last week’s editorial concerning the massacre of Israeli innocents on Oct. 7, 2023 and the horrifying war on Hamas and the people of Gaza that is being waged by the present government of Israel and the Israeli Defense Forces (“After a Year of Slaughters,” Oct. 9). 

Though I appreciate parts of your editorial, it’s very important especially at this time to portray Israel as a country with many different voices. 

Yes, the present government is waging this war, but the present government doesn’t speak for the majority of Israelis who are against the war and desperately want peace and the hostages released. 

Over the last year, hundreds of thousands of Israelis have daily taken to the streets to protest the war, calling for peace and the release of the hostages. There is “Standing Together” an Israeli Jewish and Israeli Palestinian group numbering in the thousands who are working together and literally risking their lives every day to bring food and medical supplies into Gaza. Rabbis for Human Rights, founded in 1988, has dedicated itself to working with the Palestinians population to promote and protect human rights in Israel and the Palestinian territories. And then there’s the Parents Circle-Families Forum group of over 700 Israeli and Palestinian people who have lost loved ones in the on-going conflict who meet to speak about reconciliation, friendship and peace.  

So there are many voices in Israel who are speaking and working for peace and a secure and compassionate future for all. 

Let us see Israelis and Palestinians as people coming from the same tree which, when nurtured, grows and flourishes together. 

Bless us all,

Miriam Fein 

La Conner