It is not my purpose here to debate the merits, mistakes or arguments of either side in this terrible conflict. Nor am I trying to justify my position. I am merely stating it. I think it is urgent to transcend the politically expedient rhetoric of Hamas and others who say their goal is to destroy Israel, wiping Jews off the face of the earth. Consider Israel's military strength and its American support and you realize that is never going to happen. We also need to acknowledge that a human rights approach to the situation does not make one "pro-Hamas." Name-calling serves no purpose other than to inflame.
Israel has a right to exist and to defend itself, but that does not give it 'carte blanche' to slaughter innocent people by the thousands. Nor does Israeli oppression of Palestinians mean Hamas has a right to fire rockets indiscriminately. We must acknowledge that both sides are guilty of hideous violence, broken promises, outrageous lies, blind hatred, and unwillingness to negotiate in the interest of mutual survival. But we also need to recognize that both sides are equally terrified. That's why the blame-game is useless. It gets us nowhere in solving the problem. Neither does name calling. Anti-Semitic accusations (and acts) must not be tolerated; no one should assert that charge against someone because they hold differing views.
In the end, the conflagration will expire when its impact becomes intolerable. For me, it already is. That's why I speak out. Will others find their voices of conscience before another woman, on either side, grieves a dead child who never had a chance at life?
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