The Wired Word for 06152025 - CourtneyR.dev's 2nd Brain

The Wired Word for 06/15/2025 ![rw-book-cover](https://readwise-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/static/images/article0.00998d930354.png) ## Metadata - Author: [[The Wired Word]] - Full Title: The Wired Word for 06/15/2025 - Category: #articles - Document Note: --- tags: - #peacemaking - #empathy - #conflictresolution - #israelipalestinian - #grief - #interfaith - #trauma - #community - #deib Author: The Wired Word Editorial Team Source: The Wired Word (thewiredword.com) Reference: [The Wired Word for 06/15/2025 | Readwise](https://read.readwise.io/new/read/01jxjfmnz4j2k7myhnpq5te0yw) date created: 2025-06-12 18:48 --- # Title: The Wired Word for 06/15/2025 – Peacemaking, Grief, and Empathy Across Divides ## Table of Contents - [📝 Summary](#-summary) - [📖 Main Content](#-main-content) - [🗒️ Notes](#️-notes) - [📖 References](#-references) - [🗣 Paraphrase](#-paraphrase) - [📰 Newsletter](#-newsletter) - [✅ Action Items](#-action-items) - [🧪 Hypotheses](#-hypotheses) - [📊 Methodology](#-methodology) - [❓ Questions](#-questions) - [🔮 Future Research](#-future-research) - [💡 Implications](#-implications) - [🧠 Learning Styles Assessment](#-learning-styles-assessment) - [📊 Accessibility Assessment](#-accessibility-assessment) - [🌍 DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) Assessment](#-deib-diversity-equity-inclusion-and-belonging-assessment) - [✅ Logical validity](#-logical-validity) - [🔍 DARVO Analysis Prompt](#-darvo-analysis-prompt) - [🔍 SEO Evaluation](#-seo-evaluation) - [🎯 Conclusion](#-conclusion) --- ## 📝 Summary This week’s Wired Word explores the transformative journey of two fathers—one Israeli, one Palestinian—who, united by the tragic loss of their daughters, become advocates for peace and empathy in the Middle East. Their story, woven with scriptural reflection and probing questions, challenges us to consider the power of shared grief, the necessity of dialogue, and the radical act of loving one’s enemy. The lesson draws on biblical narratives and modern peacemaking efforts, inviting readers to reflect on their own roles in cycles of conflict and healing. --- ## 📖 Main Content The article centers on Rami Elhanan and Bassam Aramin, fathers from opposite sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, who each lost a daughter to violence. Instead of succumbing to hatred, they forged a deep friendship and became leaders in the Combatants for Peace movement. Their journey is a testament to the possibility of reconciliation, even in the face of profound trauma. The narrative is enriched by scriptural parallels—Rizpah’s vigil in 2 Samuel, Zechariah’s vision of peace, Jesus’ call to love enemies, and the early Christian community’s embrace of Saul. These stories serve as both mirror and guide, illustrating how grief, hope, and radical empathy can disrupt cycles of violence. The lesson is deeply practical, offering questions for personal and communal reflection, and suggesting concrete actions—like sharing stories, watching documentaries, and engaging in interfaith dialogue—to foster understanding and peace. ### 🗒️ Notes - **Bereaved Fathers’ Story** - Rami (Israeli) and Bassam (Palestinian) both lost daughters to violence. - Their shared grief led to empathy, friendship, and activism. - They co-founded and lead in Combatants for Peace, advocating nonviolence. - Their example demonstrates that reconciliation is possible, even after deep loss. - **Historical and Scriptural Parallels** - Rizpah’s vigil (2 Samuel 21): A mother’s grief leads to communal healing. - Zechariah’s prophecy: Hope and peace are possible, even when they seem impossible. - Jesus’ teaching (Matthew 5): Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you. - Saul’s transformation (Acts 11): Communities can embrace and be transformed by former adversaries. - **Big Questions for Reflection** - Why is peacemaking so difficult? - How can we create space for sharing and listening to stories? - How can anger be channeled into productive, not destructive, action? - What helps us develop empathy for those we don’t naturally connect with? - How can interfaith and cross-community efforts foster peace? - **Modern Examples and Further Discussion** - Righteous Gentiles and Righteous Jews: Risking safety to stand for justice. - Pope Francis’ categories: Fighters, bystanders, and peacemakers. - The challenge of moving beyond “us vs. them” thinking. - The universal nature of grief and the shared humanity of all parents. - **Actionable Suggestions** - Watch films like “Disturbing the Peace” and “There Is Another Way.” - Share personal stories from Combatants for Peace and The Parents - Summary: This Father's Day, we bring you news of two bereaved fathers from different sides of the conflict in the Middle East, who found common ground for the work of peacemaking on the graves of their daughters. Dear Class Members, This Father's Day, we bring you news of two bereaved fathers from different sides of the conflict in the Middle East, who found common ground for the work of peacemaking on the graves of their daughters. They pushed through their grief, anger and despair to a place of understanding, empathy, friendship and even love. What can we learn from their experience that applies to our own mission? ![](https://www.thewiredword.com/_img/tww_logo_email.jpg) **Bereaved Fathers Unite to Break Cycle of Violence*****The Wired Word*** **for the Week of June 15, 2025** **In the News** On September 4, 1997, Israeli Rami Elhanan's 14-year-old daughter Smadar was killed in Jerusalem by a Hamas suicide bomber. A decade later, Rami got a call that Israeli border police had shot Abir, the 10-year-old daughter of his Palestinian friend Bassam Aramin. Rami and his wife stayed by her side until she died of her wounds two days later in the same hospital where both girls had been born, and where Smadar had died 10 years earlier. "For me, it was like losing my daughter for the second time," Rami said. "It's an alliance of blood. What connects us is far beyond words. We are feeling the same. We don't need words to understand each other." As a Palestinian child, [Bassam](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBNgDy8izS0poEen4EI9tqePt-2FfIPPXlgLskDfTxBYFMLbfrfGZJ6vUw1o4FmmwUZRxrSo28spj8DwnXSpO-2B3k8-3DaPsd_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjaYa6wg4pamAKU14L8FVMYpSjMEFNpJAHqFqbB5nXSOw7h8JemeXTGsfXXSRm5aCMAU3BpYylK6FDQIwxZHTY3UOT9i5F9Nv5AaYZwRGjLKY2L9or1FXHtXlRbzGHdmqaTqYwIv3jg91p1tbTwjXcm7e4FykvBD9ObCFHYAN-2FEtd1HOezbkeqcU1bR5HKgU4y4SvLLCU-2FBGiVatiON9kE0E-3D) never felt safe from Israeli soldiers. Traumatized by the killing of another boy, Bassam thirsted for revenge and fought back, earning seven years in prison for his actions. There he spoke with a guard that led to greater understanding and respect for each other. In 2005, Palestinian and Israeli former combatants began to meet together to work for peace through nonviolent action. Rami and Bassam became friends through the [Combatants](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPCwBIZqUpwwOd8CtyZyo95bmM6Fq-2FFJoaLsj-2F7C2-2BDX-2FZMAHGvo8xHqMsWidhAN3SA-3D-3DrXht_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjbIQ-2Bo-2FRHVxjwG5d441ISmPWG9Lp7TnI2nHJnoJ6-2BWjfbzdWmsqLogcFiWMajI4QFFm-2Fg0c2Kql4I5uxN-2FkR-2BRWYSK-2F4SlhHFwEdi0BEohH7S9qjMWQxBcLJruIK5Z5gRdgoCawIhjjbjO19uAO0OSzJcmNGnPObC9knpyhBQrolR7y-2FeN2oC28COYD-2F844sjjiK7l9qbjsZPR4Z1pYxWf0-3D) [for](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPCwBIZqUpwwOd8CtyZyo95bmM6Fq-2FFJoaLsj-2F7C2-2BDX-2FZMAHGvo8xHqMsWidhAN3SA-3D-3DR-ge_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjTmGgqdC6gxydcm63LJMvtj-2BhrTFwywumP7gedWN73RMPSWn2x-2BlmaYgLfU5Ck-2B5aIlw-2BO-2FUDBC8lAG-2FXFKifBClgviNgG1lGAKYZPmqZxMVBSX-2Bcn0nsDCmCSBH-2FmSdPOFy52dnE5bQNwtdFkkBjR1ZrButE6yHyjkU4I2s5PUZllk97-2BOmwucpD00m2Oj-2BE-2BPyH0N0yDpuhDF21lv8oS4-3D) [Peace](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPCwBIZqUpwwOd8CtyZyo95bmM6Fq-2FFJoaLsj-2F7C2-2BDX-2FZMAHGvo8xHqMsWidhAN3SA-3D-3DKtsa_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjQKmeVD4UbWQvlbOUsZqmc9N1TcnAeJluTxue9SXUmlxWfjXrCI5lHZOtUiXtZ4rxaLW6otW1q5UNBn3MCIEy5ZwrfBm456HcPbYpXmiDcOF3fJq1TR-2Be1Kloc-2BqJJHd031jbErTVDhtNuLkMxOe90sQI5Cma1E4MNoHRwru6EdTafaJVxDcD0Ro6pBSr5zIJ9ZSx-2BVxet8PALYhNpd085s-3D) movement that developed from those conversations. "Abir's murder could have led me down the easy path of hatred and vengeance," Bassam said. "But for me there was no return from dialogue and non-violence. After all, it was one Israeli soldier who shot my daughter, but one hundred former Israeli soldiers who built a garden in her name at the school where she was murdered." "When you discover the humanity and the nobility of your enemy, he's not your enemy any more," Bassam added. "We became on the same side. We want peace. We are ready to pay the price for peace. ... Since 2005, up to today, we never fought simply because we respect each other. And really, we love each other as brothers, as family." Rami said they have the moral authority to call for the end of the bloodshed and the madness, because they paid the highest price possible. "We cannot go on killing each other forever. We must put an end to it. We must respect each other. We can live together. And me and Bassam are an example that it is possible." Unending war between Israelis and Palestinians is not inevitable, according to history professor and Combatants for Peace leader Avner Wishnitzer. "Death and killing are not a *force majeure* [French term used in legal arguments, meaning 'superior or irresistible force']. They are decisions we make, and therefore we can also make decisions not to kill and be killed." The [*Combatants for Peace*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBNgDy8izS0poEen4EI9tqdo3ZlxTAVomNp7DhtfXS8QR0s1EUYx1tp6sZS7PmfAYA-3D-3DG_7e_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjVZ5BQX4XFB3Cl0APaC9M1bS5ovOL-2BxGrjsR8MPVDgkX16vP45mjmc7tJ8SQ8eyawW1E7HoVZgV6oJConHBnc-2BgTn1fnsQ5lXDhCFJC9Tn527YPXB-2FQSp9gcYPhL4YLeLKTWlQTQil8Yk2R8ScAOWD0GlXXHctXApT5qn8WmUnYw0tTSqOsPdlcfq5nR-2FMWmTD-2F9u50FD3pDinwKi2Gyd9w-3D) website states: "It is not 'us' or 'them,' but 'us and them.' Both peoples [Israelis and Palestinians] have a past and a future in this land, and both are deserving of dignity, security, and peace. ... We believe that change is possible -- that people can change themselves and the reality they live in." Many Combatants for Peace participants say they learned that people they had viewed as enemies "were actually human beings who were also suffering." Palestinian [Sulaiman Khatib](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBNgDy8izS0poEen4EI9tqePt-2FfIPPXlgLskDfTxBYFMZVBoGwAWUQ1O0Y5nFk4BJx4nSO3vfs8g550jyGrUYmQ-3D831k_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjSxa09vo-2FAa35braw8zUuKZyj7zwUrYKuyfbQDGhNL1jMAdRTAWtwj2kVYENMwRSr9pkrEfmbCpynR-2BRjLrE7Un4nOOfLsRt-2BFq9-2BFTirxNjJYO55aU9-2F73bP1-2FdGSQXib8aritig8Fmt3jPx7lCTf74GuRGIMHJsmrAXwqX4PqFoxH60gc2YYDsjvswq9roBexnn4gBWfwwoguRxyfzNgo-3D) said, "I realized I had mistaken the enemy. I had thought it was the Jewish people, but I was wrong. Instead, we have common enemies: hatred, fear and collective trauma. I knew that if we could somehow unite against these common foes, then together we could end this conflict." More on this story can be found at these links: ['We Love Each Othe](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKy3TtZJUNBApOSK1-2FQMe4HZRNUQM9X1EtRi3ubguIU-2FLR1vY07ldyK1XErzrkIKZ7TN36xveeNExXdmBnhep7U-3DNNlx_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjaU-2Bt6F1x0RdcN1fYEEuz-2Bv-2FjiFhF1YWYqgYeYav6qzoSLYsloMmTWJWTM-2Bx5smBdkgaTbFJHacT5NFd-2BcOXNWSZqxwzEbErZYzgjGTS3UX0I8nTP8AYj2nTuZ-2FY2RwdvqkcqD8a67FkvP58rFn5v6RofXeq4vtu4I-2BXdq5qjk8AMJ4EIiD9AZ1gRGkq2FKhcTE7jDyER8xUwJ17Ekll-2B1g-3D)[r as](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKy3TtZJUNBApOSK1-2FQMe4HZRNUQM9X1EtRi3ubguIU-2FLR1vY07ldyK1XErzrkIKZ7TN36xveeNExXdmBnhep7U-3DY2nQ_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjZmLwVcxTtUGuy5gsWa6mGUWVTum0e6Kq1ukx9nBM5dc8W6IcYwNZtfFY9Lyki-2B8J188eacQDXZPKiCWaN2Iz2sWQpV4WOAKVNh2El-2Ftr4oqF-2BdY4VnR16hU1BO5Uafldp-2FY9HoMfn8FYgOfucvZegql1RM1rbTd1Pjh8gNEHVKcPNABkS2BPxqMO97ZxgdBLjAaIbBOhGuPvNbJKM-2F-2BNzE-3D) [Brothers,' Say Bereaved Israeli and Palestinian Fathers (Video 18:18).](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKy3TtZJUNBApOSK1-2FQMe4HZRNUQM9X1EtRi3ubguIU-2FLR1vY07ldyK1XErzrkIKZ7TN36xveeNExXdmBnhep7U-3DRt-G_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjUNFOrKfPTUS7moaZlEMZDQPATIvU-2FnrC6mqL5fj968qQymg4Uet8fXiJZKPzxSOs2eTR-2Fj2y1LBZPW-2F23JkVkaPpw6tUI-2Bx8pLOuywDjxQZTTnscnwOEPbXvyECtuauC0BLM1hY6MvSAPcEZDh-2FL1ubXuWuu9BPVrrgXFtdCH1b9VZRdQ-2BFdW0x0bLV-2F-2FiCyOpIRh7v1v4U5T-2FkaE44w3c-3D) [CNN](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKy3TtZJUNBApOSK1-2FQMe4HZRNUQM9X1EtRi3ubguIU-2FLR1vY07ldyK1XErzrkIKZ7TN36xveeNExXdmBnhep7U-3DpM2k_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjSDKPF2nH-2BIyENtd6GvjsOjfpYdcva4O-2F9FJFz4JIx12AsFAFeNeviMqe3Q8EbQHvTatToq0bIzBHaW6hLj8XkdkZm7k4Whr3lFVICof2QyDp5j-2BIN06t2HFIzgsSihcSrKgNsA7y-2Fejjh0h0blWdqUAPDDLTBwmEOWI3w-2FknWjj6DJhdTfF85i0JJZWaN3Wik54NUOYIn2tMzk4AjjCKh8-3D) ['We Had to Meet.' How Two Israeli-Palestinian Peace Groups Are Grieving Together.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPFz190rU2SN8mn-2Fg6CtxqdBxIVAlxFpxjEil5VwWNGGh0auLr4tJR6JNshAY21hlgY-2Ffs49iomnt3lWUfxE7aGzaxWSBMDEvmNrTurrosS1YTN0Y_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjadFnn-2Fapz3dLmE0ZYrpfcAEtxCVZMVffUZLY0g7ZDKOfFljlBJb4yE7IprdxDZncZF272O3An5g66MiORcdBozdBei0Ik54PVaEDGnnZ8pfn3VeHlQbTXQQXG3tSBwpQfJj-2F6-2Fc3bO4PtHlQIopLRcKlk3KNV6-2FADWRLtBzAGQ-2BMOeQT7QAi4ZFEnDWMDdulkyp0QXx1-2FYtGLNKt7ZbGJM-3D) [TIME](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPFz190rU2SN8mn-2Fg6CtxqdBxIVAlxFpxjEil5VwWNGGh0auLr4tJR6JNshAY21hlgY-2Ffs49iomnt3lWUfxE7aGzaxWSBMDEvmNrTurrosS1Y-PEv_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjYCyv1LBt859J2-2F6aKdjh93OuGKgpzAq3sGGw3XTAX14n1kQ1ERdbxgM2Q0ocVVjcDBczs1DqBlzr3b5JptrVs8nx79FUXb5Xq90-2BPZ8naZCOBdNtN8rmk6g-2FyXMdNK8zwllmQB76vgchCvxpcb1pWTtBRCSHEYmVPfbfSMDR5c9zmiVDaVCryhIrcdGGE1O4wkfQsNNrTRUjUYUAIJaL2M-3D) [From Tragedy to Solidarity, These Israelis and Palestinians Are Committed to Nonviolence.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPDCBcPIkHS-2B0SabbhSGObflRfFCtKwbr6LMOdm9WhpaYdklNE3hNzzNcbVLq4wnIng-3D-3D9FOZ_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjf1enyrUAX-2F0WLzX8f-2FPH8iTfOoacQzUh-2FWIv-2Bg9woGdUHdvCJxtE-2BubEyUWtRh7kBrWnVP9O0WLyLBKScDs3gqsWjoH1JvboIwklkF1U2JEj-2BrVkQXWXi3VjxZ-2Bub-2BGKhGNo9Ixu2Rc2Z5FxzH2pfTENt5UHXbN-2Fknlhj4iV0WEH9aBBh2xdU12CZjqjQFQLbqpaiNRtWhNZreJd8-2Brtow-3D) [*The Jerusalem Post*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPDCBcPIkHS-2B0SabbhSGObflRfFCtKwbr6LMOdm9WhpaYdklNE3hNzzNcbVLq4wnIng-3D-3Ducb4_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjY7GFqjUTQ2lhIJKAv-2BUUCuH332YBzCJB8Ypg34xYZoZ14-2F4HqXFmjr6DDlJAcRWSqNBtuH-2BCHH7feBj9qRRQnmF7N-2B9-2BIA5uRCIqTMNOEbKDM8c9X4yXIs-2BHsUHjc-2FaeapKNM2mAmnqk6-2FE0ZaA7evt0B7y8SjKgpBX5mJNlUdSQkgKuv4GWveGqFcg5ziE6T73Q0CTX-2F-2BnqpILocV-2Fn5M-3D) [The Parents Circle](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPHZVyctFnipnOK9a-2FtLhZyPCtXOTwk5sPCZz-2FDGfO-2F-2BORCxn8-2BonI5vl-2BVrQikYQKQ-3D-3DWjZ0_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjTfyhVnaqtN3Eo184WuKqN67tSDgyLdHxAH1MEp0hu1Fz5Jxm8kgFyZSBQW9ppYAZxhnJi8dgfHI-2Fs47TezyGR8okUUH31fmyrZ329HaUDTclykwMiQ1HdA-2FJHh3L-2Bjxta55E6asf-2Ft-2FwBGN8NKo-2BXUXkbt8DO9mKsuatvM0v8lBPCE98LTFaQ-2BwXmuhOyemdzb4i38Qtnzzw9MUIWigV5c-3D) [Combatants for Peace](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBNgDy8izS0poEen4EI9tqdoBVdwHeiwU-2BYDKscrrSdwIUzb_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjaR9Qzg1sxTysg1wG141xhE05GXjdwmVsjHhoXP2ihFIqSzzFSRZ92oM4q-2BV284UJiR-2B2l6IfiGu1M9Y80AtGl34rr2a7gOEtv4YzNGZQ606eWnATNXi7qIKrNGTVaUxXkF6OSjucOwDHcma7wxtAsYKezBjZYSbYFzWK4gcdIQBIRZH3RcIQlGTp8W8qmyDESOCl8gd77O4YpRJSvblCvo-3D) **The Big Questions** 1. Why is peacemaking so difficult? 2. How can we make space for people to share their own stories and to listen to those of others, in order to potentially find common ground and a path to a better future? 3. How might anger about injustice lead to destructive actions? How might it be channeled into productive initiatives? 4. What has helped you develop empathy for others for whom you don't have a natural affinity? How can we avoid dehumanizing and demonizing others we don't understand? 5. How might interfaith, interdenominational, ecumenical or other kinds of cooperatives lead to greater understanding, peace, friendly relations and even love? **Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope**Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: **2 Samuel 21:10-14** *Then Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth and spread it on a rock for herself, from the beginning of harvest until rain fell on them from the heavens; she did not allow the birds of the air to come on the bodies by day or the wild animals by night. When David was told what Rizpah daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done, David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of his son Jonathan from the people of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the public square of Beth-shan, where the Philistines had hung them up, on the day the Philistines killed Saul on Gilboa. He brought up from there the bones of Saul and the bones of his son Jonathan, and they gathered the bones of those who had been impaled. They buried the bones of Saul and of his son Jonathan in the land of Benjamin in Zela, in the tomb of his father Kish; they did all that the king commanded. After that, God heeded supplications for the land.* (For context, read [2 Samuel 21:1-14](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxlvjJW5fipliacJeM-2BZO3Iq-2F5ik3cL3X8AHHCGaQH0-2FxVcSiVCJ2aPQgZ1-2B6caa8aM4cG_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjS90YksHe6KQnR3bsho9ezL9F2ma9cb8q-2FxLU42H7bi8ep6t6odIR7GlhOFYzlXpliisKAB6ED7qM188WPqKaYCMThVZponm9G6lRrf5EH0OzRyIUPsVEN-2F94RXrbCBAxQ4pYoH0G5cCCQENWavdU3PKs-2F-2FxHYqxnPo466u8G7sYnPyMfBXvNQry58tDMrBwcHqMySwByP5Lye4UAEdqwW8-3D).) After David became king of Israel, there was a famine that lasted three years. David spoke to God about it, and learned that the previous king, Saul, had broken a peace treaty and massacred Gibeonites. David asked the Gibeonites how to make things right, and they demanded that he hand over seven of Saul's descendants to be killed. So David surrendered five of Saul's grandsons (sons of Saul's daughter Merab), and two of Saul's sons, by Rizpah, and they were impaled together, their bodies left unburied. For months, Rizpah protected the corpses of her sons and nephews, refusing to allow them to be further dishonored. David, moved by Rizpah's bravery and grief, went to Jabesh-gilead to exhume and retrieve the bones of Saul and Saul's sons, including that of Jonathan, David's best friend, who had been killed in battle with the Philistines. After they died, the Philistines had desecrated their bodies and nailed their bodies to the wall of Beth-shan. The men of Jabesh-gilead had risked their lives to recover the bodies, burying them in a temporary grave until such time as they could receive a proper memorial ([1 Samuel 31:8-13](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxmUPE4DABYLa6J8v9dZxW83yKF7SLzMtCOxT6YhEvvgdyfQ7VqZ-2FYDvkOyfvDQhYhqLU3_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjWuUsz5J-2BiaUdpR1Am3xuuW6cGKlqgVg6cIy1z80Zht0zqKKTIAgdUInx8YuAd3J6rHDp2L9aMsFpjMEDMXOxIwc4aUXPMsDzyUPOuF9rcuyY02BRe-2BSDs5-2BZj7buF5KAjb7QUPMjPPgneab-2FkiaWiDKfgBW2y2CHXks9TgYLp8Mf-2F2J8XeBliPwsVu8vVvNnd3boiHrBxLLFDiGYZTiZG4-3D)). Combatants for Peace, in conjunction with the Parents Circle -- Families Forum, invite Israelis and Palestinians to grieve together and unite in their call to end the violence in two ceremonies: the Joint Memorial Day on Yom HaZikaron (Israeli Memorial Day) and the Joint Nakba Remembrance (in recognition of the trauma experienced for decades by the Palestinian people). > **Questions:** What is the significance of the actions David took in response to what Rizpah had done? What is the significance of the fact that David and Rizpah performed this act of memorial together? How might the joint memorials hosted by Combatants for Peace and the Parents Circle serve the cause of peace in a similar way? What are some ways a traumatized community may grieve together, potentially leading to some measure of catharsis, healing and relief for the land? **Zechariah 8:4-6, 16-17***Thus says the LORD of hosts: Old men and old women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with staff in hand because of their great age. And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets. Thus says the LORD of hosts: Even though it seems impossible to the remnant of this people in these days, should it also seem impossible to me, says the LORD of hosts? ... These are the things that you shall do: speak the truth to one another, render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace, do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath, for all these are things that I hate, says the LORD.* (For context, read [Zechariah 8:1-19](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxyHNc0t1DmEJPaB5EYTMB4exMX39jjeyRywsRkqq7z4JpdweSqAJzSlJQxXPvfdYcL0jL_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjVUsctpMZz0lRZfG8PLdX62-2BkILe7W-2BiWUwxLm-2BoLRBW0rYikUatQEv5T-2F8QDvsHNMWCt2a5yb1R4RH7nsHrjuxtvwFiZhDRLlaQPjYIAThu4x9UuDbB18zK4GF65uXSu6fB7gmeVoZElJLvKPEWoeZMKARb5RDQ-2ByxH-2BAtaoSuH80FYogkZVXIQkA3pX4GhADNVsGcTr-2BoiQM0NrpsI-2Byg-3D).) The prophet Zechariah's message to the returning Hebrew exiles stressed the need to return to God and prepare for the coming of the Messiah God had anointed to reign. God promises to return to dwell in their midst, transforming them into faithful, holy people (vv. 3, 7-8). While previously there was no safety from the enemies, no economic security, constant conflict and disaster (vv. 10-11, 14), and they "had been a cursing among the nations," God pledges to save them, do good to them, and make them a blessing (vv. 13, 15)! So they are not to fear, but strengthen their hands for the work ahead. And what work were they to do? To sow seeds of peace (v. 12)! That would lead to abundant reward, "seasons of joy and gladness and cheerful festivals" (v. 19)! What seemed like an impossibility, that elders would once again be able to sit serenely in the streets watching their grandchildren playing in the streets without fear, was not impossible for the Lord of hosts (vv. 4-6)! But the people had a role to play to make the future radically different from the past: God urges them to "love truth and peace" (v. 19). > **Questions:** What is the role of hope in the path toward peace? How does peacemaking relate to "speaking the truth," "rendering just judgments," rejecting lies, and refusing to plot against one another? **Matthew 5:43-45***[Jesus said,] "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven, for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous."* (For context, read [Matthew 5:38-48](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEE9arX6m0yHZZAbtNhYaDU9-2Fovd3RQO-2BuaFghwgwsKdhs3-2BgXUVjJpPA2DZBSHJ8JM-f_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjd2F4v6NJiqsaCTVcVuYEhIhN9FYEtIpCuf2Ek7klJ5-2FJfz2RBkNMaBoWW-2BaHkw5WjIjeodNmpCxnf-2BOia09yeMuhauA4hfjdwJ58Fwkv-2B0TrVE4u4CCM6MpeEJy5vps4vgKAUalb-2Fv3Haj4KTD1rVUpy2x-2BpOX-2BHl2Yq2u6KJa6c33v0O55VhtGMZRX5bQsRtnppKrB-2B12faaHvEupHKus-3D).) Jesus confronted the prevailing wisdom of his day and ours that contends that when someone attacks you, your only choice is to fight back. So if someone injures your eye, you should punch them in the eye, and if someone breaks your tooth, you should break one of theirs (v. 38). But Martin Luther King Jr., cautioned that "an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth, leaves everyone blind and toothless." When we seek only to punish those who have hurt us, we perpetuate an endless cycle of violence and retaliation. Jesus taught that revenge is not the only option. To discover a different path, he invites us to look at the way God acts toward all people: indiscriminately sending sunshine and rain on good and evil alike. Imitate the way God acts, and in that way you prove that you are marked with God's DNA, that you are really God's children! > **Questions:** What is the connection between loving your enemies and praying for those who persecute you? How exactly should we pray for them? How can we begin to love enemies who have hurt us deeply? **Acts 11:25-26***Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they met with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called "Christians."* (For context, read [Acts 11:19-30](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxeSto9SSBMaoYvHdk-2FIVeV0uoF3WEaJTMCPbellkSkOn0gOWL5modx66TCFl4bxYfew5-_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjR2HE7gfPkz1kdMYwYel-2B94W-2FYTRwdhnDu90Jztrs3U8HpTPLBvdQbK104-2Fpf1iX-2Bcx-2BGsAn186ZRh-2FfyfcQSoJRVt6hz6k04eHXr6se7rvzZyd9OM0aQSQnqIGfxnCiivKvy7K1IAiZ3s7tB-2FQjVrtWg1uVK7hQ-2FMfvqh3Mn7f7tfR8-2FPF7FV305rJBTUZDy-2FQhrKVe2oHxfTHXmpHplpE-3D).) Some of the believers who were scattered because of the persecution related to the murder of deacon Stephen made their way to Antioch, where many Gentiles as well as Jews turned to the Lord Jesus in faith. The leaders of the movement who were based in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to check it out, and when he saw how God was bringing good out of evil, he thought, "Saul needs to see this! He needs to know that God has the power to transform the worst things we have ever done, to heal and restore what we have broken!" So he went searching for the man who had once zealously pursued followers of Christ, in order to put them in prison and persecute them in every way possible. When he found him, he brought him to Antioch. > **Questions:** What do you imagine happened when the believers who had been persecuted first met Saul in Antioch? What did it take for the believers to accept Saul into their fellowship after he had caused so much harm to their community? What did Saul need to hear from those he had persecuted? What did they need to hear from him? Why is it significant that they not only allowed Saul to join them, but that they allowed him to teach them for an entire year? **For Further Discussion** 1. Discuss this: During the Holocaust, some Gentiles took great risks to help Jews escape the Nazi death machine. Jews called them "Righteous Gentiles." Jonathan Kuttab wrote that today the shoe is on the other foot, as some Jewish people (whom he calls ["Righteous Jews"](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOn6P-2BSzO-2FszyggeLPXoRkW8urYUNwvI7BHjRiok7RfnReHpUT-2FHqJI5SWMqlQcXGb8z8388nENrvVSBmbLEdtI-3DZEI7_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjU8Rp3VnDierVCJu39AGk8xsI-2FU-2Ft0d-2FOEOYGNWnaM3m2YDk8IcHO-2FJMmTXcaefg46spx0q7OysNEOP1V8xJIMxDkwUbQg9C7tma2ryweA-2B7ES30Mj-2FnBzIBPFe2uTyM1ZtvifUNy-2BeLK6NnTUsqEfM8Yf8M2-2FO-2BELZjmQRTVDbNEHEITT3huf95JiWXa-2F-2FIfDcvZg44TnhSes-2B-2FUKikcy4-3D)) risk arrest, imprisonment, ostracism, defamation of character and more, by taking a stand against what is happening in Gaza to thousands of Palestinians. "Many Jews, most of whom are unknown, ... have overcome much indoctrination and popular opinion within their communities to ... see Palestinians as equal human beings, finding their own liberation as being tied with the liberation of the Palestinian people," Kuttab said. "They reject the demonization of Palestinians, especially all in Gaza, insisting on universal standards to be applied to all. ... They are often labelled 'self-hating Jews' and accused of being traitors or at best naive fools." 2. In 2024, Pope Francis told Israeli Rami Elhanan and his Palestinian friend Bassam Aramin, two fathers united by their grief and desire for peace, "You are very courageous. There are three types of people: there are those who want to fight, and there are those who want to ignore the suffering and the pain. And then there are the peacemakers, like you, who are willing to embrace and work with one another." Where would you place yourself right now: in the group of people who want to fight, in the group that wants to ignore suffering and pain, or among the peacemakers? What factors into your placement with that group? Would you like to move to a different group? What would it take to accomplish that? 3. Consider this: [Shai Eluk](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBNgDy8izS0poEen4EI9tqePt-2FfIPPXlgLskDfTxBYFMmbHpXpz6iMvioBmwDpZGyQ-3D-3DM8Dx_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjeHi78NtzQ-2B78yHSdqqQTtHJxlrZjz-2BEGGGhqRRlsqNkaIvw0I0Naj87U2mDRHf2ANCBYYVxmDkeRhbC-2FwLxq-2FT-2FMid28iOTDvhncl-2Fz9uQwqzLTWfMHQBXlcPhFbAck67EEnDAuDo4-2BhTLWZu0F-2BovpMZ5zoJA44mjSeWTgf9i95trfHKyFTvYwC-2FaYNsqsbvUYFcJiu3xiMuIz92thukg-3D) wrote that when he was a youth, "there was a clear line: here are the good guys, there are the bad guys," but when he served in the Israeli military, he began to lose confidence in the legitimacy of those categories. He wondered whether the orders he was asked to obey really helped to protect the country, or if obedience might actually mean "betraying the principles" he had been raised to believe. Was the occupation of Gaza really "predestined" or might the people have other options, if they wanted to pursue a different path? 4. One day [Jamil Qassas](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBNgDy8izS0poEen4EI9tqePt-2FfIPPXlgLskDfTxBYFMI6kdQCY4nSKvwDUGeFEohsjAcKH6-2BS3slIsjwx3lywk-3DqAk0_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjR0zIU2RKd2ZEXFViReGduA833EQbV29YTCRSrkLO3ewMRMy1QvM9dzq6LnHIYebofMto7QHg6ipNAYoUQND55jr4pD-2BzkR4M-2FbIWG6SESWI-2BdD4-2Fjbq3-2F6CxWZXPvR8zPUsramZg1s6Uv4vRM6ap8183CPZbq8qmYO3aB2obl5ccsCd-2FdEQ8NaQ2vZAe1drbihQDfWSHfAKQwmDicJDrFc-3D) came home to see his mother and brothers crowded around the television, watching news about a bombing attack on a bus. His mother was crying over the many people who were killed. Jamil asked her why she was crying over some dead Israelis. She responded, "Those kids who were killed have mothers. And those mothers will have the same feelings and the same pain that we went through. The tears of a Palestinian mother are not different from the tears of an Israeli mother. Blood has only one color." When have you wept over the suffering of an enemy? **Responding to the News** You may want to schedule showings of the films [Disturbing the Peace](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIbk4TIc9t34wDIhcU6M93hX-2BZ7Ya2LVx4TIeURyltr02fxbJLhMkDzsh9-2B-2FsKXY6g-3D-3DlRV7_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjfj3s9QoZzn7Lmep-2FWivVXdJNVS6T9t-2F2NBSS4Y5tZ1crc1WlpHhjCNgwlItdKJUJ4Ei-2F3VS0hjqliJefOaqJ4T5JfjFbqHMLAPHHYY24DZZZLw9dBeW25Ar-2BGIl93i541xAnBYzXFojVVmLKG45-2Bi4fv4TmKKa-2BuurvLwpOtLTbcA9D1fnSm60FJAYhQ2bTSD3jbBWZWVF0YeELCOCvE9A-3D) and [There Is Another Way](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOu1xJqjv-2FDCWTJzFzyErGg5Pw5Nx-2BCjGNLWF9GAzquCpOCI_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjedwl2VnRcm-2FNVA1Eh0UZPGVdxC-2B-2FlfE780REGDoaW273-2BOVsMy0n7n-2BeNPbeJ91B2HTac-2Fr1GtCrq4y9EWe-2FYWDR97ebn37QM7ANeD3-2FSOPQRU-2FaPf-2BumrWrUefjjGLsF3rgzWmsM9Vrw38IdurF2ZcwXuqCiDLOMhCAsYtFAghk4JeVz-2Bz8tbrv9XyV4NkXJecjTrDGt2y83EMdhjC97s-3D) documenting the work of Combatants for Peace. You may wish to share a link to one or more of the personal stories of former enemy combatants and bereaved Israelis and Palestinians with people in your sphere of influence, as a way of building understanding and developing empathy for their humanity. Some are found in the lesson above. Here are a few others: Combatants for Peace "From Enemies to Allies" testimonies: ● [Chen Alon](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBNgDy8izS0poEen4EI9tqePt-2FfIPPXlgLskDfTxBYFM6Qv-2FySg1QidSwAQgmZnNrw-3D-3DUHYD_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjZdm4ETyrsXyWmyIgGMBxH2AuB1GwMRy2M3Gx3jExamBrEeUuwmN0A05olZo1jCy53EagtpO1zsTaHd-2BshnbADeR-2FkDHT-2BYycPAyExMK-2Fj70HSfbudskPI7IF3iiZmGHo9UFDiwS-2BWhevjB944ZowyGbqvM3xPdf8uyYfdFFX7CVBH1HvnUDslDHRShgU9vrv2RjW9-2FDIqQRWZ9-2F8WvDCqU-3D) ● [Sulaiman Khatib](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBNgDy8izS0poEen4EI9tqePt-2FfIPPXlgLskDfTxBYFMZVBoGwAWUQ1O0Y5nFk4BJx4nSO3vfs8g550jyGrUYmQ-3DzKqF_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjQlPRtfmtHXOWx8XtIus-2FlO-2BBQ62DNnUV48-2Fnq0HTktvgvDkzK7za1Ne2LKsyKhcDRarz6B6g1-2FCyJ35SlxT8UNmSqafmQApoZQUCOgT7re-2BtdAb89-2B-2BzEmi83jYb-2F0J1b9k9cMOZhCh9DfjZOaDC-2BndHRuPDBJpCSCUrJ4hAblwdjF9yy36ovAaxgCPgu81uX-2FDGjfIrbheJy7rHIy5b44-3D) ● [Ahmed Helou](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBNgDy8izS0poEen4EI9tqePt-2FfIPPXlgLskDfTxBYFMnXv-2FNqmupI4Tvne03yvzMQ-3D-3DayGP_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjXq7bvV7J91bhjGFH8AgvwrrvaDnMWxBLAoN4UKAPbWSPIdoq5LGHENKaX6CDNP-2B12tK-2BYPKobNPZa9ABT-2BckD0ElFFV3lpxMo5-2BO4RpO2ZMMP4OZquBUddLwr7iTawJO6mhcMMtKcmQoVIwuT-2F8xrRUgdWwRYH3y9JKd0tQ0U4BbBa9d4ko4g1XUgr5uZTvuDiTVnfoBQnL6BTMaNTqoGI-3D) The Parents Circle personal story videos: ● [Bushra (3:59)](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPPXTV2R-2Bm0Kz58iOCQYIq1-2Fh8KPCIaatkJZZO-2BYgh63censoTIhv85OG1aAWqIc-2BTw-3D-3DBgAx_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjW2hA9lv87a-2FqHJFPOC-2Fp6qfABnvA5urJnikVNw-2B2IPGp9NiiXYIuHzvBCclYmbo3z2XIUx12KoY-2Bx2-2BQHrbFIYTkjE-2Bn47iQlUFra7Ua24bHBoFjnX79VN-2BmgRyoxWY9-2FIUgTvXNFImtb-2FdoJ8CEBz8lqvGPr-2FnUc8s4GqF9BUpaJwgODJb-2BSL0whRKFiFpiVicFARJfze1ufilBNROlLQ-3D) ● [Adel (3:59)](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPPXTV2R-2Bm0Kz58iOCQYIq1-2FTU2y7cF1yvCe-2BU7ZKEEkWDTGl5ZKsV27FvvN-2Fw3PPOw-3D-3DRXKd_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjWx66ssVDI7hEwq-2BfQoNRY1SPwNGIwgN1dD8vQ-2B3zZIZnIDy-2Fe-2FN-2BC1Cz6WOOKWv5173w9AYeI9zoWDvJ1wRYrwTi9pROMQXMjce3mwJ7ypMnT4tGtIzvgv-2F53Klwp1Fc9wQgv5988-2BovHPQmfFtYLSxdPnBpJGDWx85a5aTM2BsYVKTRM6r5nUk9h5GjEQQn912h2hH1sA7UPn3S25-2FCxc-3D) ● [Yuval Rahamim (3:03)](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPPXTV2R-2Bm0Kz58iOCQYIq1-2BG0mlo4MT71A-2Brh3sPcw-2Fg7D9Xj6oBB-2Bk1V7YgEUPLxQ-3D-3DaTU7_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjcImjQQpMbXM69FyTiFGGlGp8SU7pHYkWecLTUD7JVIeA8PSgubs8ANrWSjG790u-2BO1JaeSFTIO6tL9zFuTQ2ng-2FYJroSTxIpyyAt33e9awLUhOK-2Fp-2F3IEu4U1rNcT6Ec7R88itfjhLKv2Jrqfm1Km9NE1XGkKJb39QjtysfJBlMrww37E34dVeZc82Z9FMt0oWktI3-2BHHTEmLK8hGCyiE0-3D) ● [Hagai (4:35)](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPPXTV2R-2Bm0Kz58iOCQYIq1-2FpjYTei6Y1DQbZcVXdU8-2BKMEVkT0uNSFCPjfVzteThjw-3D-3Dla7e_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjRqzbC0CeEjJr-2BzObr0GIzYRm9cr6ERAMJV92PqE409PzFqfl4l4TddTKrzIWDKJUIAdcT6bRQBaV8XnpjJgicBQptBOBvTtPxQuWL4jLeHUYoxseAa14utzaQyelip5oHubYrDz9TZe5MUzI3iaa3fPuDbykkNNyj4UubaqXxRAOghwnM88ahkfBLxLaTq2CtOoQwzvoO-2BeLjp-2FOwuhuUQ-3D) **Prayer** suggested by [Luke 19:41-44](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxIkEEsiUzCWFwEMnuuNJIuRFOF5G4Ni5dHdXg1k8u3w-2FalRudiugwfD3rUJpRA9GPonnZ_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjaevWzA-2Fxd9KdF2QnyeJvkODRlO0HvCsY2kYgzB5xgN7pPpsGb-2BrGDOQHZmPjjhImlKZlw0uRMe3ra6H8PQSPzE7IdRs0-2Bpg2-2FlUxiz-2FaivkaQhDW5-2FEp5ErUka8d-2FQCDdFXZSX3gGe5fjyBc1AAa5G-2Fy2M-2FaS2UQ1T6QHTRNBg-2Fkrur37RzI-2F4jJn3p1I8B5Ydu-2FRzSxAvljI2mwHEr1eA-3D); [Romans 14:10-23](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxB1sByFkCq00De7qxK5ZsvnAspgcsx30K3On9AwSjqmYrpzQvDH1o-2BGsG6I9XTFwwqxmn_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjdEkJxCOvITtRjDA66vPzkXCqp6CvCpfevbH6TipCBqO80cKMUlEQQfs4ZOnUEawET88us3eOA4t0nig84rJVQyJj2sN9-2F5Bt-2F-2BJsjIV7AQQbWRmnJ0VeQn0-2F9gcC9Nv1csuKTaHXHftwPyLqqhdwU97rXBDqHrKZu8k6XABs7OfQIbg-2B9HH9yCc7nv-2FYtMqdgt1ZbemHutLetl-2Fwf-2FBUbI-3D) God of peace, open our blind eyes so that we may recognize the things that make for peace, so that we and our children will not be crushed by our own prejudice and hatred of those who we think are not like us. May we not distress or destroy those you created in your image or cause the ruin of those for whom Christ died, but walk in love, pursuing what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. For the sake of your honor, we pray these things, trusting in the power of your Spirit to make it so. Amen. ****Copyright 2025 Communication Resources**** [Unsubscribe From This List](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/asm/unsubscribe/?user_id=14323725&data=2S0rC_zgjU47xm7-8LdF9wVUnkSjTgStDLhQZLYe5nhoMDAwdTAwMNYJy1EUkmL3OZLvRfAf4CdNxPldm8fmYtTRtWzY5y8M2xcTj2tU0FNHB75NlHaZq9d-aCwfeh9AtnOJjQPimF2cS09MBCF_60BWXBEnUNnp9kzXGJEAwvGvChmO-KBTpvfrWOvzQNQ0PPjYmvw6oGNqnP35mYF00VP28ytWstt1hVGMJfvH8XkGNUD22aUAP3J_O3cYgyeOpb7VaT_qV0qb6FSzX9CmCSeFfC48MIWWqvCzruS9iwSxs_ZA7noKJ1MxcroFhRDTTqsfDrPAP7i0usBfVMwGMQmEASC3Mablf_0umO4QXL8RRHZUKvKFhdzb0svorGAA0yuBMoWeAWskeBeRGJezArOwsXbaT_qW0T2diaq8bwXlwE0j-TAWcGUAnb4EUpcdJ5rKDOxyxNk7MuE8AVLkl_7KXfZkaHszz2_dcjUdQmSlrGG0AiskdusEu8-3r_c-vTCi9XtsYzWrsEgKJMGQqDXk2A83GVSfNaDjbuaPDdCqaVdAwHvEr27wYm7AvX5u3_YJpetKXjm4EDs6MAO_VVVV_M47Ajx2UZai3aNFbymPwmXYR_DMprrPAiW_h-o8Q4cptVuh-l8=) <div>Dear Class Members, This Father's Day, we bring you news of two bereaved fathers from different sides of the conflict in the Middle East, who found common ground for the work of peacemaking on the graves of their daughters. They pushed through their grief, anger and despair to a place of understanding, empathy, friendship and even love. What can we learn from their experience that applies to our own mission? <center><img src="https://www.thewiredword.com/\_img/tww\_logo\_email.jpg"/></center> Bereaved Fathers Unite to Break Cycle of Violence The Wired Word for the Week of June 15, 2025 In the News On September 4, 1997, Israeli Rami Elhanan's 14-year-old daughter Smadar was killed in Jerusalem by a Hamas suicide bomber. A decade later, Rami got a call that Israeli border police had shot Abir, the 10-year-old daughter of his Palestinian friend Bassam Aramin. Rami and his wife stayed by her side until she died of her wounds two days later in the same hospital where both girls had been born, and where Smadar had died 10 years earlier. "For me, it was like losing my daughter for the second time," Rami said. "It's an alliance of blood. What connects us is far beyond words. We are feeling the same. We don't need words to understand each other." As a Palestinian child, <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBNgDy8izS0poEen4EI9tqePt-2FfIPPXlgLskDfTxBYFMLbfrfGZJ6vUw1o4FmmwUZRxrSo28spj8DwnXSpO-2B3k8-3DaPsd\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjaYa6wg4pamAKU14L8FVMYpSjMEFNpJAHqFqbB5nXSOw7h8JemeXTGsfXXSRm5aCMAU3BpYylK6FDQIwxZHTY3UOT9i5F9Nv5AaYZwRGjLKY2L9or1FXHtXlRbzGHdmqaTqYwIv3jg91p1tbTwjXcm7e4FykvBD9ObCFHYAN-2FEtd1HOezbkeqcU1bR5HKgU4y4SvLLCU-2FBGiVatiON9kE0E-3D">Bassam</a> never felt safe from Israeli soldiers. Traumatized by the killing of another boy, Bassam thirsted for revenge and fought back, earning seven years in prison for his actions. There he spoke with a guard that led to greater understanding and respect for each other. In 2005, Palestinian and Israeli former combatants began to meet together to work for peace through nonviolent action. Rami and Bassam became friends through the <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPCwBIZqUpwwOd8CtyZyo95bmM6Fq-2FFJoaLsj-2F7C2-2BDX-2FZMAHGvo8xHqMsWidhAN3SA-3D-3DrXht\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjbIQ-2Bo-2FRHVxjwG5d441ISmPWG9Lp7TnI2nHJnoJ6-2BWjfbzdWmsqLogcFiWMajI4QFFm-2Fg0c2Kql4I5uxN-2FkR-2BRWYSK-2F4SlhHFwEdi0BEohH7S9qjMWQxBcLJruIK5Z5gRdgoCawIhjjbjO19uAO0OSzJcmNGnPObC9knpyhBQrolR7y-2FeN2oC28COYD-2F844sjjiK7l9qbjsZPR4Z1pYxWf0-3D">Combatants</a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPCwBIZqUpwwOd8CtyZyo95bmM6Fq-2FFJoaLsj-2F7C2-2BDX-2FZMAHGvo8xHqMsWidhAN3SA-3D-3DR-ge\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjTmGgqdC6gxydcm63LJMvtj-2BhrTFwywumP7gedWN73RMPSWn2x-2BlmaYgLfU5Ck-2B5aIlw-2BO-2FUDBC8lAG-2FXFKifBClgviNgG1lGAKYZPmqZxMVBSX-2Bcn0nsDCmCSBH-2FmSdPOFy52dnE5bQNwtdFkkBjR1ZrButE6yHyjkU4I2s5PUZllk97-2BOmwucpD00m2Oj-2BE-2BPyH0N0yDpuhDF21lv8oS4-3D"> for</a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPCwBIZqUpwwOd8CtyZyo95bmM6Fq-2FFJoaLsj-2F7C2-2BDX-2FZMAHGvo8xHqMsWidhAN3SA-3D-3DKtsa\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjQKmeVD4UbWQvlbOUsZqmc9N1TcnAeJluTxue9SXUmlxWfjXrCI5lHZOtUiXtZ4rxaLW6otW1q5UNBn3MCIEy5ZwrfBm456HcPbYpXmiDcOF3fJq1TR-2Be1Kloc-2BqJJHd031jbErTVDhtNuLkMxOe90sQI5Cma1E4MNoHRwru6EdTafaJVxDcD0Ro6pBSr5zIJ9ZSx-2BVxet8PALYhNpd085s-3D"> Peace</a> movement that developed from those conversations. "Abir's murder could have led me down the easy path of hatred and vengeance," Bassam said. "But for me there was no return from dialogue and non-violence. After all, it was one Israeli soldier who shot my daughter, but one hundred former Israeli soldiers who built a garden in her name at the school where she was murdered." "When you discover the humanity and the nobility of your enemy, he's not your enemy any more," Bassam added. "We became on the same side. We want peace. We are ready to pay the price for peace. ... Since 2005, up to today, we never fought simply because we respect each other. And really, we love each other as brothers, as family." Rami said they have the moral authority to call for the end of the bloodshed and the madness, because they paid the highest price possible. "We cannot go on killing each other forever. We must put an end to it. We must respect each other. We can live together. And me and Bassam are an example that it is possible." Unending war between Israelis and Palestinians is not inevitable, according to history professor and Combatants for Peace leader Avner Wishnitzer. "Death and killing are not a force majeure [French term used in legal arguments, meaning 'superior or irresistible force']. They are decisions we make, and therefore we can also make decisions not to kill and be killed." The <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBNgDy8izS0poEen4EI9tqdo3ZlxTAVomNp7DhtfXS8QR0s1EUYx1tp6sZS7PmfAYA-3D-3DG\_7e\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjVZ5BQX4XFB3Cl0APaC9M1bS5ovOL-2BxGrjsR8MPVDgkX16vP45mjmc7tJ8SQ8eyawW1E7HoVZgV6oJConHBnc-2BgTn1fnsQ5lXDhCFJC9Tn527YPXB-2FQSp9gcYPhL4YLeLKTWlQTQil8Yk2R8ScAOWD0GlXXHctXApT5qn8WmUnYw0tTSqOsPdlcfq5nR-2FMWmTD-2F9u50FD3pDinwKi2Gyd9w-3D">Combatants for Peace</a> website states: "It is not 'us' or 'them,' but 'us and them.' Both peoples [Israelis and Palestinians] have a past and a future in this land, and both are deserving of dignity, security, and peace. ... We believe that change is possible -- that people can change themselves and the reality they live in." Many Combatants for Peace participants say they learned that people they had viewed as enemies "were actually human beings who were also suffering." Palestinian <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBNgDy8izS0poEen4EI9tqePt-2FfIPPXlgLskDfTxBYFMZVBoGwAWUQ1O0Y5nFk4BJx4nSO3vfs8g550jyGrUYmQ-3D831k\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjSxa09vo-2FAa35braw8zUuKZyj7zwUrYKuyfbQDGhNL1jMAdRTAWtwj2kVYENMwRSr9pkrEfmbCpynR-2BRjLrE7Un4nOOfLsRt-2BFq9-2BFTirxNjJYO55aU9-2F73bP1-2FdGSQXib8aritig8Fmt3jPx7lCTf74GuRGIMHJsmrAXwqX4PqFoxH60gc2YYDsjvswq9roBexnn4gBWfwwoguRxyfzNgo-3D">Sulaiman Khatib</a> said, "I realized I had mistaken the enemy. I had thought it was the Jewish people, but I was wrong. Instead, we have common enemies: hatred, fear and collective trauma. I knew that if we could somehow unite against these common foes, then together we could end this conflict." More on this story can be found at these links: <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKy3TtZJUNBApOSK1-2FQMe4HZRNUQM9X1EtRi3ubguIU-2FLR1vY07ldyK1XErzrkIKZ7TN36xveeNExXdmBnhep7U-3DNNlx\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjaU-2Bt6F1x0RdcN1fYEEuz-2Bv-2FjiFhF1YWYqgYeYav6qzoSLYsloMmTWJWTM-2Bx5smBdkgaTbFJHacT5NFd-2BcOXNWSZqxwzEbErZYzgjGTS3UX0I8nTP8AYj2nTuZ-2FY2RwdvqkcqD8a67FkvP58rFn5v6RofXeq4vtu4I-2BXdq5qjk8AMJ4EIiD9AZ1gRGkq2FKhcTE7jDyER8xUwJ17Ekll-2B1g-3D">'We Love Each Othe</a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKy3TtZJUNBApOSK1-2FQMe4HZRNUQM9X1EtRi3ubguIU-2FLR1vY07ldyK1XErzrkIKZ7TN36xveeNExXdmBnhep7U-3DY2nQ\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjZmLwVcxTtUGuy5gsWa6mGUWVTum0e6Kq1ukx9nBM5dc8W6IcYwNZtfFY9Lyki-2B8J188eacQDXZPKiCWaN2Iz2sWQpV4WOAKVNh2El-2Ftr4oqF-2BdY4VnR16hU1BO5Uafldp-2FY9HoMfn8FYgOfucvZegql1RM1rbTd1Pjh8gNEHVKcPNABkS2BPxqMO97ZxgdBLjAaIbBOhGuPvNbJKM-2F-2BNzE-3D">r as</a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKy3TtZJUNBApOSK1-2FQMe4HZRNUQM9X1EtRi3ubguIU-2FLR1vY07ldyK1XErzrkIKZ7TN36xveeNExXdmBnhep7U-3DRt-G\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjUNFOrKfPTUS7moaZlEMZDQPATIvU-2FnrC6mqL5fj968qQymg4Uet8fXiJZKPzxSOs2eTR-2Fj2y1LBZPW-2F23JkVkaPpw6tUI-2Bx8pLOuywDjxQZTTnscnwOEPbXvyECtuauC0BLM1hY6MvSAPcEZDh-2FL1ubXuWuu9BPVrrgXFtdCH1b9VZRdQ-2BFdW0x0bLV-2F-2FiCyOpIRh7v1v4U5T-2FkaE44w3c-3D"> Brothers,' Say Bereaved Israeli and Palestinian Fathers (Video 18:18). </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKy3TtZJUNBApOSK1-2FQMe4HZRNUQM9X1EtRi3ubguIU-2FLR1vY07ldyK1XErzrkIKZ7TN36xveeNExXdmBnhep7U-3DpM2k\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjSDKPF2nH-2BIyENtd6GvjsOjfpYdcva4O-2F9FJFz4JIx12AsFAFeNeviMqe3Q8EbQHvTatToq0bIzBHaW6hLj8XkdkZm7k4Whr3lFVICof2QyDp5j-2BIN06t2HFIzgsSihcSrKgNsA7y-2Fejjh0h0blWdqUAPDDLTBwmEOWI3w-2FknWjj6DJhdTfF85i0JJZWaN3Wik54NUOYIn2tMzk4AjjCKh8-3D">CNN</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPFz190rU2SN8mn-2Fg6CtxqdBxIVAlxFpxjEil5VwWNGGh0auLr4tJR6JNshAY21hlgY-2Ffs49iomnt3lWUfxE7aGzaxWSBMDEvmNrTurrosS1YTN0Y\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjadFnn-2Fapz3dLmE0ZYrpfcAEtxCVZMVffUZLY0g7ZDKOfFljlBJb4yE7IprdxDZncZF272O3An5g66MiORcdBozdBei0Ik54PVaEDGnnZ8pfn3VeHlQbTXQQXG3tSBwpQfJj-2F6-2Fc3bO4PtHlQIopLRcKlk3KNV6-2FADWRLtBzAGQ-2BMOeQT7QAi4ZFEnDWMDdulkyp0QXx1-2FYtGLNKt7ZbGJM-3D">'We Had to Meet.' How Two Israeli-Palestinian Peace Groups Are Grieving Together. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPFz190rU2SN8mn-2Fg6CtxqdBxIVAlxFpxjEil5VwWNGGh0auLr4tJR6JNshAY21hlgY-2Ffs49iomnt3lWUfxE7aGzaxWSBMDEvmNrTurrosS1Y-PEv\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjYCyv1LBt859J2-2F6aKdjh93OuGKgpzAq3sGGw3XTAX14n1kQ1ERdbxgM2Q0ocVVjcDBczs1DqBlzr3b5JptrVs8nx79FUXb5Xq90-2BPZ8naZCOBdNtN8rmk6g-2FyXMdNK8zwllmQB76vgchCvxpcb1pWTtBRCSHEYmVPfbfSMDR5c9zmiVDaVCryhIrcdGGE1O4wkfQsNNrTRUjUYUAIJaL2M-3D">TIME </a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPDCBcPIkHS-2B0SabbhSGObflRfFCtKwbr6LMOdm9WhpaYdklNE3hNzzNcbVLq4wnIng-3D-3D9FOZ\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjf1enyrUAX-2F0WLzX8f-2FPH8iTfOoacQzUh-2FWIv-2Bg9woGdUHdvCJxtE-2BubEyUWtRh7kBrWnVP9O0WLyLBKScDs3gqsWjoH1JvboIwklkF1U2JEj-2BrVkQXWXi3VjxZ-2Bub-2BGKhGNo9Ixu2Rc2Z5FxzH2pfTENt5UHXbN-2Fknlhj4iV0WEH9aBBh2xdU12CZjqjQFQLbqpaiNRtWhNZreJd8-2Brtow-3D">From Tragedy to Solidarity, These Israelis and Palestinians Are Committed to Nonviolence. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPDCBcPIkHS-2B0SabbhSGObflRfFCtKwbr6LMOdm9WhpaYdklNE3hNzzNcbVLq4wnIng-3D-3Ducb4\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjY7GFqjUTQ2lhIJKAv-2BUUCuH332YBzCJB8Ypg34xYZoZ14-2F4HqXFmjr6DDlJAcRWSqNBtuH-2BCHH7feBj9qRRQnmF7N-2B9-2BIA5uRCIqTMNOEbKDM8c9X4yXIs-2BHsUHjc-2FaeapKNM2mAmnqk6-2FE0ZaA7evt0B7y8SjKgpBX5mJNlUdSQkgKuv4GWveGqFcg5ziE6T73Q0CTX-2F-2BnqpILocV-2Fn5M-3D">The Jerusalem Post</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPHZVyctFnipnOK9a-2FtLhZyPCtXOTwk5sPCZz-2FDGfO-2F-2BORCxn8-2BonI5vl-2BVrQikYQKQ-3D-3DWjZ0\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjTfyhVnaqtN3Eo184WuKqN67tSDgyLdHxAH1MEp0hu1Fz5Jxm8kgFyZSBQW9ppYAZxhnJi8dgfHI-2Fs47TezyGR8okUUH31fmyrZ329HaUDTclykwMiQ1HdA-2FJHh3L-2Bjxta55E6asf-2Ft-2FwBGN8NKo-2BXUXkbt8DO9mKsuatvM0v8lBPCE98LTFaQ-2BwXmuhOyemdzb4i38Qtnzzw9MUIWigV5c-3D">The Parents Circle</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBNgDy8izS0poEen4EI9tqdoBVdwHeiwU-2BYDKscrrSdwIUzb\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjaR9Qzg1sxTysg1wG141xhE05GXjdwmVsjHhoXP2ihFIqSzzFSRZ92oM4q-2BV284UJiR-2B2l6IfiGu1M9Y80AtGl34rr2a7gOEtv4YzNGZQ606eWnATNXi7qIKrNGTVaUxXkF6OSjucOwDHcma7wxtAsYKezBjZYSbYFzWK4gcdIQBIRZH3RcIQlGTp8W8qmyDESOCl8gd77O4YpRJSvblCvo-3D">Combatants for Peace</a> The Big Questions 1. Why is peacemaking so difficult? 2. How can we make space for people to share their own stories and to listen to those of others, in order to potentially find common ground and a path to a better future? 3. How might anger about injustice lead to destructive actions? How might it be channeled into productive initiatives? 4. What has helped you develop empathy for others for whom you don't have a natural affinity? How can we avoid dehumanizing and demonizing others we don't understand? 5. How might interfaith, interdenominational, ecumenical or other kinds of cooperatives lead to greater understanding, peace, friendly relations and even love? Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: 2 Samuel 21:10-14 Then Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth and spread it on a rock for herself, from the beginning of harvest until rain fell on them from the heavens; she did not allow the birds of the air to come on the bodies by day or the wild animals by night. When David was told what Rizpah daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done, David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of his son Jonathan from the people of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the public square of Beth-shan, where the Philistines had hung them up, on the day the Philistines killed Saul on Gilboa. He brought up from there the bones of Saul and the bones of his son Jonathan, and they gathered the bones of those who had been impaled. They buried the bones of Saul and of his son Jonathan in the land of Benjamin in Zela, in the tomb of his father Kish; they did all that the king commanded. After that, God heeded supplications for the land. (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxlvjJW5fipliacJeM-2BZO3Iq-2F5ik3cL3X8AHHCGaQH0-2FxVcSiVCJ2aPQgZ1-2B6caa8aM4cG\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjS90YksHe6KQnR3bsho9ezL9F2ma9cb8q-2FxLU42H7bi8ep6t6odIR7GlhOFYzlXpliisKAB6ED7qM188WPqKaYCMThVZponm9G6lRrf5EH0OzRyIUPsVEN-2F94RXrbCBAxQ4pYoH0G5cCCQENWavdU3PKs-2F-2FxHYqxnPo466u8G7sYnPyMfBXvNQry58tDMrBwcHqMySwByP5Lye4UAEdqwW8-3D">2 Samuel 21:1-14</a>.) After David became king of Israel, there was a famine that lasted three years. David spoke to God about it, and learned that the previous king, Saul, had broken a peace treaty and massacred Gibeonites. David asked the Gibeonites how to make things right, and they demanded that he hand over seven of Saul's descendants to be killed. So David surrendered five of Saul's grandsons (sons of Saul's daughter Merab), and two of Saul's sons, by Rizpah, and they were impaled together, their bodies left unburied. For months, Rizpah protected the corpses of her sons and nephews, refusing to allow them to be further dishonored. David, moved by Rizpah's bravery and grief, went to Jabesh-gilead to exhume and retrieve the bones of Saul and Saul's sons, including that of Jonathan, David's best friend, who had been killed in battle with the Philistines. After they died, the Philistines had desecrated their bodies and nailed their bodies to the wall of Beth-shan. The men of Jabesh-gilead had risked their lives to recover the bodies, burying them in a temporary grave until such time as they could receive a proper memorial (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxmUPE4DABYLa6J8v9dZxW83yKF7SLzMtCOxT6YhEvvgdyfQ7VqZ-2FYDvkOyfvDQhYhqLU3\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjWuUsz5J-2BiaUdpR1Am3xuuW6cGKlqgVg6cIy1z80Zht0zqKKTIAgdUInx8YuAd3J6rHDp2L9aMsFpjMEDMXOxIwc4aUXPMsDzyUPOuF9rcuyY02BRe-2BSDs5-2BZj7buF5KAjb7QUPMjPPgneab-2FkiaWiDKfgBW2y2CHXks9TgYLp8Mf-2F2J8XeBliPwsVu8vVvNnd3boiHrBxLLFDiGYZTiZG4-3D">1 Samuel 31:8-13</a>). Combatants for Peace, in conjunction with the Parents Circle -- Families Forum, invite Israelis and Palestinians to grieve together and unite in their call to end the violence in two ceremonies: the Joint Memorial Day on Yom HaZikaron (Israeli Memorial Day) and the Joint Nakba Remembrance (in recognition of the trauma experienced for decades by the Palestinian people). <blockquote> Questions: What is the significance of the actions David took in response to what Rizpah had done? What is the significance of the fact that David and Rizpah performed this act of memorial together? How might the joint memorials hosted by Combatants for Peace and the Parents Circle serve the cause of peace in a similar way? What are some ways a traumatized community may grieve together, potentially leading to some measure of catharsis, healing and relief for the land? </blockquote> Zechariah 8:4-6, 16-17 Thus says the LORD of hosts: Old men and old women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with staff in hand because of their great age. And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets. Thus says the LORD of hosts: Even though it seems impossible to the remnant of this people in these days, should it also seem impossible to me, says the LORD of hosts? ... These are the things that you shall do: speak the truth to one another, render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace, do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath, for all these are things that I hate, says the LORD. (For context, read <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxyHNc0t1DmEJPaB5EYTMB4exMX39jjeyRywsRkqq7z4JpdweSqAJzSlJQxXPvfdYcL0jL\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjVUsctpMZz0lRZfG8PLdX62-2BkILe7W-2BiWUwxLm-2BoLRBW0rYikUatQEv5T-2F8QDvsHNMWCt2a5yb1R4RH7nsHrjuxtvwFiZhDRLlaQPjYIAThu4x9UuDbB18zK4GF65uXSu6fB7gmeVoZElJLvKPEWoeZMKARb5RDQ-2ByxH-2BAtaoSuH80FYogkZVXIQkA3pX4GhADNVsGcTr-2BoiQM0NrpsI-2Byg-3D">Zechariah 8:1-19</a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">.) The prophet Zechariah's message to the returning Hebrew exiles stressed the need to return to God and prepare for the coming of the Messiah God had anointed to reign. God promises to return to dwell in their midst, transforming them into faithful, holy people (vv. 3, 7-8). While previously there was no safety from the enemies, no economic security, constant conflict and disaster (vv. 10-11, 14), and they "had been a cursing among the nations," God pledges to save them, do good to them, and make them a blessing (vv. 13, 15)! So they are not to fear, but strengthen their hands for the work ahead. And what work were they to do? To sow seeds of peace (v. 12)! That would lead to abundant reward, "seasons of joy and gladness and cheerful festivals" (v. 19)! What seemed like an impossibility, that elders would once again be able to sit serenely in the streets watching their grandchildren playing in the streets without fear, was not impossible for the Lord of hosts (vv. 4-6)! But the people had a role to play to make the future radically different from the past: God urges them to "love truth and peace" (v. 19). <blockquote> Questions: What is the role of hope in the path toward peace? How does peacemaking relate to "speaking the truth," "rendering just judgments," rejecting lies, and refusing to plot against one another? </blockquote> Matthew 5:43-45 [Jesus said,] "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven, for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous." (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEE9arX6m0yHZZAbtNhYaDU9-2Fovd3RQO-2BuaFghwgwsKdhs3-2BgXUVjJpPA2DZBSHJ8JM-f\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjd2F4v6NJiqsaCTVcVuYEhIhN9FYEtIpCuf2Ek7klJ5-2FJfz2RBkNMaBoWW-2BaHkw5WjIjeodNmpCxnf-2BOia09yeMuhauA4hfjdwJ58Fwkv-2B0TrVE4u4CCM6MpeEJy5vps4vgKAUalb-2Fv3Haj4KTD1rVUpy2x-2BpOX-2BHl2Yq2u6KJa6c33v0O55VhtGMZRX5bQsRtnppKrB-2B12faaHvEupHKus-3D">Matthew 5:38-48</a>.) Jesus confronted the prevailing wisdom of his day and ours that contends that when someone attacks you, your only choice is to fight back. So if someone injures your eye, you should punch them in the eye, and if someone breaks your tooth, you should break one of theirs (v. 38). But Martin Luther King Jr., cautioned that "an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth, leaves everyone blind and toothless." When we seek only to punish those who have hurt us, we perpetuate an endless cycle of violence and retaliation. Jesus taught that revenge is not the only option. To discover a different path, he invites us to look at the way God acts toward all people: indiscriminately sending sunshine and rain on good and evil alike. Imitate the way God acts, and in that way you prove that you are marked with God's DNA, that you are really God's children! <blockquote> Questions: What is the connection between loving your enemies and praying for those who persecute you? How exactly should we pray for them? How can we begin to love enemies who have hurt us deeply? </blockquote> Acts 11:25-26 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they met with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called "Christians." (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxeSto9SSBMaoYvHdk-2FIVeV0uoF3WEaJTMCPbellkSkOn0gOWL5modx66TCFl4bxYfew5-\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjR2HE7gfPkz1kdMYwYel-2B94W-2FYTRwdhnDu90Jztrs3U8HpTPLBvdQbK104-2Fpf1iX-2Bcx-2BGsAn186ZRh-2FfyfcQSoJRVt6hz6k04eHXr6se7rvzZyd9OM0aQSQnqIGfxnCiivKvy7K1IAiZ3s7tB-2FQjVrtWg1uVK7hQ-2FMfvqh3Mn7f7tfR8-2FPF7FV305rJBTUZDy-2FQhrKVe2oHxfTHXmpHplpE-3D">Acts 11:19-30</a>.) Some of the believers who were scattered because of the persecution related to the murder of deacon Stephen made their way to Antioch, where many Gentiles as well as Jews turned to the Lord Jesus in faith. The leaders of the movement who were based in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to check it out, and when he saw how God was bringing good out of evil, he thought, "Saul needs to see this! He needs to know that God has the power to transform the worst things we have ever done, to heal and restore what we have broken!" So he went searching for the man who had once zealously pursued followers of Christ, in order to put them in prison and persecute them in every way possible. When he found him, he brought him to Antioch. <blockquote> Questions: What do you imagine happened when the believers who had been persecuted first met Saul in Antioch? What did it take for the believers to accept Saul into their fellowship after he had caused so much harm to their community? What did Saul need to hear from those he had persecuted? What did they need to hear from him? Why is it significant that they not only allowed Saul to join them, but that they allowed him to teach them for an entire year? </blockquote> For Further Discussion 1. Discuss this: During the Holocaust, some Gentiles took great risks to help Jews escape the Nazi death machine. Jews called them "Righteous Gentiles." Jonathan Kuttab wrote that today the shoe is on the other foot, as some Jewish people (whom he calls <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOn6P-2BSzO-2FszyggeLPXoRkW8urYUNwvI7BHjRiok7RfnReHpUT-2FHqJI5SWMqlQcXGb8z8388nENrvVSBmbLEdtI-3DZEI7\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjU8Rp3VnDierVCJu39AGk8xsI-2FU-2Ft0d-2FOEOYGNWnaM3m2YDk8IcHO-2FJMmTXcaefg46spx0q7OysNEOP1V8xJIMxDkwUbQg9C7tma2ryweA-2B7ES30Mj-2FnBzIBPFe2uTyM1ZtvifUNy-2BeLK6NnTUsqEfM8Yf8M2-2FO-2BELZjmQRTVDbNEHEITT3huf95JiWXa-2F-2FIfDcvZg44TnhSes-2B-2FUKikcy4-3D">"Righteous Jews"</a>) risk arrest, imprisonment, ostracism, defamation of character and more, by taking a stand against what is happening in Gaza to thousands of Palestinians. "Many Jews, most of whom are unknown, ... have overcome much indoctrination and popular opinion within their communities to ... see Palestinians as equal human beings, finding their own liberation as being tied with the liberation of the Palestinian people," Kuttab said. "They reject the demonization of Palestinians, especially all in Gaza, insisting on universal standards to be applied to all. ... They are often labelled 'self-hating Jews' and accused of being traitors or at best naive fools." 2. In 2024, Pope Francis told Israeli Rami Elhanan and his Palestinian friend Bassam Aramin, two fathers united by their grief and desire for peace, "You are very courageous. There are three types of people: there are those who want to fight, and there are those who want to ignore the suffering and the pain. And then there are the peacemakers, like you, who are willing to embrace and work with one another." Where would you place yourself right now: in the group of people who want to fight, in the group that wants to ignore suffering and pain, or among the peacemakers? What factors into your placement with that group? Would you like to move to a different group? What would it take to accomplish that? 3. Consider this: <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBNgDy8izS0poEen4EI9tqePt-2FfIPPXlgLskDfTxBYFMmbHpXpz6iMvioBmwDpZGyQ-3D-3DM8Dx\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjeHi78NtzQ-2B78yHSdqqQTtHJxlrZjz-2BEGGGhqRRlsqNkaIvw0I0Naj87U2mDRHf2ANCBYYVxmDkeRhbC-2FwLxq-2FT-2FMid28iOTDvhncl-2Fz9uQwqzLTWfMHQBXlcPhFbAck67EEnDAuDo4-2BhTLWZu0F-2BovpMZ5zoJA44mjSeWTgf9i95trfHKyFTvYwC-2FaYNsqsbvUYFcJiu3xiMuIz92thukg-3D">Shai Eluk</a> wrote that when he was a youth, "there was a clear line: here are the good guys, there are the bad guys," but when he served in the Israeli military, he began to lose confidence in the legitimacy of those categories. He wondered whether the orders he was asked to obey really helped to protect the country, or if obedience might actually mean "betraying the principles" he had been raised to believe. Was the occupation of Gaza really "predestined" or might the people have other options, if they wanted to pursue a different path? 4. One day <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBNgDy8izS0poEen4EI9tqePt-2FfIPPXlgLskDfTxBYFMI6kdQCY4nSKvwDUGeFEohsjAcKH6-2BS3slIsjwx3lywk-3DqAk0\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjR0zIU2RKd2ZEXFViReGduA833EQbV29YTCRSrkLO3ewMRMy1QvM9dzq6LnHIYebofMto7QHg6ipNAYoUQND55jr4pD-2BzkR4M-2FbIWG6SESWI-2BdD4-2Fjbq3-2F6CxWZXPvR8zPUsramZg1s6Uv4vRM6ap8183CPZbq8qmYO3aB2obl5ccsCd-2FdEQ8NaQ2vZAe1drbihQDfWSHfAKQwmDicJDrFc-3D">Jamil Qassas</a> came home to see his mother and brothers crowded around the television, watching news about a bombing attack on a bus. His mother was crying over the many people who were killed. Jamil asked her why she was crying over some dead Israelis. She responded, "Those kids who were killed have mothers. And those mothers will have the same feelings and the same pain that we went through. The tears of a Palestinian mother are not different from the tears of an Israeli mother. Blood has only one color." When have you wept over the suffering of an enemy? Responding to the News You may want to schedule showings of the films <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIbk4TIc9t34wDIhcU6M93hX-2BZ7Ya2LVx4TIeURyltr02fxbJLhMkDzsh9-2B-2FsKXY6g-3D-3DlRV7\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjfj3s9QoZzn7Lmep-2FWivVXdJNVS6T9t-2F2NBSS4Y5tZ1crc1WlpHhjCNgwlItdKJUJ4Ei-2F3VS0hjqliJefOaqJ4T5JfjFbqHMLAPHHYY24DZZZLw9dBeW25Ar-2BGIl93i541xAnBYzXFojVVmLKG45-2Bi4fv4TmKKa-2BuurvLwpOtLTbcA9D1fnSm60FJAYhQ2bTSD3jbBWZWVF0YeELCOCvE9A-3D">Disturbing the Peace</a> and <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOu1xJqjv-2FDCWTJzFzyErGg5Pw5Nx-2BCjGNLWF9GAzquCpOCI\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjedwl2VnRcm-2FNVA1Eh0UZPGVdxC-2B-2FlfE780REGDoaW273-2BOVsMy0n7n-2BeNPbeJ91B2HTac-2Fr1GtCrq4y9EWe-2FYWDR97ebn37QM7ANeD3-2FSOPQRU-2FaPf-2BumrWrUefjjGLsF3rgzWmsM9Vrw38IdurF2ZcwXuqCiDLOMhCAsYtFAghk4JeVz-2Bz8tbrv9XyV4NkXJecjTrDGt2y83EMdhjC97s-3D">There Is Another Way</a> documenting the work of Combatants for Peace. You may wish to share a link to one or more of the personal stories of former enemy combatants and bereaved Israelis and Palestinians with people in your sphere of influence, as a way of building understanding and developing empathy for their humanity. Some are found in the lesson above. Here are a few others: Combatants for Peace "From Enemies to Allies" testimonies: ● <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBNgDy8izS0poEen4EI9tqePt-2FfIPPXlgLskDfTxBYFM6Qv-2FySg1QidSwAQgmZnNrw-3D-3DUHYD\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjZdm4ETyrsXyWmyIgGMBxH2AuB1GwMRy2M3Gx3jExamBrEeUuwmN0A05olZo1jCy53EagtpO1zsTaHd-2BshnbADeR-2FkDHT-2BYycPAyExMK-2Fj70HSfbudskPI7IF3iiZmGHo9UFDiwS-2BWhevjB944ZowyGbqvM3xPdf8uyYfdFFX7CVBH1HvnUDslDHRShgU9vrv2RjW9-2FDIqQRWZ9-2F8WvDCqU-3D">Chen Alon</a> ● <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBNgDy8izS0poEen4EI9tqePt-2FfIPPXlgLskDfTxBYFMZVBoGwAWUQ1O0Y5nFk4BJx4nSO3vfs8g550jyGrUYmQ-3DzKqF\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjQlPRtfmtHXOWx8XtIus-2FlO-2BBQ62DNnUV48-2Fnq0HTktvgvDkzK7za1Ne2LKsyKhcDRarz6B6g1-2FCyJ35SlxT8UNmSqafmQApoZQUCOgT7re-2BtdAb89-2B-2BzEmi83jYb-2F0J1b9k9cMOZhCh9DfjZOaDC-2BndHRuPDBJpCSCUrJ4hAblwdjF9yy36ovAaxgCPgu81uX-2FDGjfIrbheJy7rHIy5b44-3D">Sulaiman Khatib</a> ● <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBNgDy8izS0poEen4EI9tqePt-2FfIPPXlgLskDfTxBYFMnXv-2FNqmupI4Tvne03yvzMQ-3D-3DayGP\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjXq7bvV7J91bhjGFH8AgvwrrvaDnMWxBLAoN4UKAPbWSPIdoq5LGHENKaX6CDNP-2B12tK-2BYPKobNPZa9ABT-2BckD0ElFFV3lpxMo5-2BO4RpO2ZMMP4OZquBUddLwr7iTawJO6mhcMMtKcmQoVIwuT-2F8xrRUgdWwRYH3y9JKd0tQ0U4BbBa9d4ko4g1XUgr5uZTvuDiTVnfoBQnL6BTMaNTqoGI-3D">Ahmed Helou</a> The Parents Circle personal story videos: ● <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPPXTV2R-2Bm0Kz58iOCQYIq1-2Fh8KPCIaatkJZZO-2BYgh63censoTIhv85OG1aAWqIc-2BTw-3D-3DBgAx\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjW2hA9lv87a-2FqHJFPOC-2Fp6qfABnvA5urJnikVNw-2B2IPGp9NiiXYIuHzvBCclYmbo3z2XIUx12KoY-2Bx2-2BQHrbFIYTkjE-2Bn47iQlUFra7Ua24bHBoFjnX79VN-2BmgRyoxWY9-2FIUgTvXNFImtb-2FdoJ8CEBz8lqvGPr-2FnUc8s4GqF9BUpaJwgODJb-2BSL0whRKFiFpiVicFARJfze1ufilBNROlLQ-3D">Bushra (3:59)</a> ● <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPPXTV2R-2Bm0Kz58iOCQYIq1-2FTU2y7cF1yvCe-2BU7ZKEEkWDTGl5ZKsV27FvvN-2Fw3PPOw-3D-3DRXKd\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjWx66ssVDI7hEwq-2BfQoNRY1SPwNGIwgN1dD8vQ-2B3zZIZnIDy-2Fe-2FN-2BC1Cz6WOOKWv5173w9AYeI9zoWDvJ1wRYrwTi9pROMQXMjce3mwJ7ypMnT4tGtIzvgv-2F53Klwp1Fc9wQgv5988-2BovHPQmfFtYLSxdPnBpJGDWx85a5aTM2BsYVKTRM6r5nUk9h5GjEQQn912h2hH1sA7UPn3S25-2FCxc-3D">Adel (3:59)</a> ● <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPPXTV2R-2Bm0Kz58iOCQYIq1-2BG0mlo4MT71A-2Brh3sPcw-2Fg7D9Xj6oBB-2Bk1V7YgEUPLxQ-3D-3DaTU7\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjcImjQQpMbXM69FyTiFGGlGp8SU7pHYkWecLTUD7JVIeA8PSgubs8ANrWSjG790u-2BO1JaeSFTIO6tL9zFuTQ2ng-2FYJroSTxIpyyAt33e9awLUhOK-2Fp-2F3IEu4U1rNcT6Ec7R88itfjhLKv2Jrqfm1Km9NE1XGkKJb39QjtysfJBlMrww37E34dVeZc82Z9FMt0oWktI3-2BHHTEmLK8hGCyiE0-3D">Yuval Rahamim (3:03)</a> ● <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPPXTV2R-2Bm0Kz58iOCQYIq1-2FpjYTei6Y1DQbZcVXdU8-2BKMEVkT0uNSFCPjfVzteThjw-3D-3Dla7e\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjRqzbC0CeEjJr-2BzObr0GIzYRm9cr6ERAMJV92PqE409PzFqfl4l4TddTKrzIWDKJUIAdcT6bRQBaV8XnpjJgicBQptBOBvTtPxQuWL4jLeHUYoxseAa14utzaQyelip5oHubYrDz9TZe5MUzI3iaa3fPuDbykkNNyj4UubaqXxRAOghwnM88ahkfBLxLaTq2CtOoQwzvoO-2BeLjp-2FOwuhuUQ-3D">Hagai (4:35)</a> Prayer suggested by <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxIkEEsiUzCWFwEMnuuNJIuRFOF5G4Ni5dHdXg1k8u3w-2FalRudiugwfD3rUJpRA9GPonnZ\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjaevWzA-2Fxd9KdF2QnyeJvkODRlO0HvCsY2kYgzB5xgN7pPpsGb-2BrGDOQHZmPjjhImlKZlw0uRMe3ra6H8PQSPzE7IdRs0-2Bpg2-2FlUxiz-2FaivkaQhDW5-2FEp5ErUka8d-2FQCDdFXZSX3gGe5fjyBc1AAa5G-2Fy2M-2FaS2UQ1T6QHTRNBg-2Fkrur37RzI-2F4jJn3p1I8B5Ydu-2FRzSxAvljI2mwHEr1eA-3D">Luke 19:41-44</a>; <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxB1sByFkCq00De7qxK5ZsvnAspgcsx30K3On9AwSjqmYrpzQvDH1o-2BGsG6I9XTFwwqxmn\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmW8kSWEqemMTCgREOpBpnfk2t9Xs613UYBdNFLHPumjAfYa4AeBB7XXVC5l-2BmuNqjdEkJxCOvITtRjDA66vPzkXCqp6CvCpfevbH6TipCBqO80cKMUlEQQfs4ZOnUEawET88us3eOA4t0nig84rJVQyJj2sN9-2F5Bt-2F-2BJsjIV7AQQbWRmnJ0VeQn0-2F9gcC9Nv1csuKTaHXHftwPyLqqhdwU97rXBDqHrKZu8k6XABs7OfQIbg-2B9HH9yCc7nv-2FYtMqdgt1ZbemHutLetl-2Fwf-2FBUbI-3D">Romans 14:10-23</a> God of peace, open our blind eyes so that we may recognize the things that make for peace, so that we and our children will not be crushed by our own prejudice and hatred of those who we think are not like us. May we not distress or destroy those you created in your image or cause the ruin of those for whom Christ died, but walk in love, pursuing what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. For the sake of your honor, we pray these things, trusting in the power of your Spirit to make it so. Amen. Copyright 2025 Communication Resources <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/asm/unsubscribe/?user\_id=14323725&data=2S0rC\_zgjU47xm7-8LdF9wVUnkSjTgStDLhQZLYe5nhoMDAwdTAwMNYJy1EUkmL3OZLvRfAf4CdNxPldm8fmYtTRtWzY5y8M2xcTj2tU0FNHB75NlHaZq9d-aCwfeh9AtnOJjQPimF2cS09MBCF\_60BWXBEnUNnp9kzXGJEAwvGvChmO-KBTpvfrWOvzQNQ0PPjYmvw6oGNqnP35mYF00VP28ytWstt1hVGMJfvH8XkGNUD22aUAP3J\_O3cYgyeOpb7VaT\_qV0qb6FSzX9CmCSeFfC48MIWWqvCzruS9iwSxs\_ZA7noKJ1MxcroFhRDTTqsfDrPAP7i0usBfVMwGMQmEASC3Mablf\_0umO4QXL8RRHZUKvKFhdzb0svorGAA0yuBMoWeAWskeBeRGJezArOwsXbaT\_qW0T2diaq8bwXlwE0j-TAWcGUAnb4EUpcdJ5rKDOxyxNk7MuE8AVLkl\_7KXfZkaHszz2\_dcjUdQmSlrGG0AiskdusEu8-3r\_c-vTCi9XtsYzWrsEgKJMGQqDXk2A83GVSfNaDjbuaPDdCqaVdAwHvEr27wYm7AvX5u3\_YJpetKXjm4EDs6MAO\_VVVV\_M47Ajx2UZai3aNFbymPwmXYR\_DMprrPAiW\_h-o8Q4cptVuh-l8=">Unsubscribe From This List</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/wf/open?upn=u001.ri3TO7QGEXgsxcVdo6-2BoAGTuuWiDEfH5lVjP7AVQ-2Bcl7JaDKdeJ1ydQkXpTFAEqRD2SOncm40jgMuVls37ZLseTP-2Bc5kaLjFJf1Q3kw4FZdt1YoCkYWvLa1l-2BT-2F-2F8yIUiLbFHrmn64p2Xwmffzl3edR6Ty8TRKnThBIufHec6MYr94WZQxWVvMWvfNqNZdVSm2JpSP2sJuJ7h3Z8Ne0G7kTFXflK-2FIhRVL1sEYzt2Ytz6QSJFaRetCs6Zo4Tm5dhXW-2F-2F6JBPF95Xc3Ks-2BmiUbnkm01efJeaVcUyoPNuztujFmY1R09p9MBF5saODcspQBnwEDgteC-2ByHQ-2Buua5qInIi3DqrrQvIW8W3w8HoOOEq27ZVybddhh-2F6b2XANPM0Lv1sWXznqFzarn6T42HSNDBYGOuz2zmHiYWL1BETkX4umTH5I5C9TZo0gC1RZL-2BhmApim1VlCPu3gZOsc37A1Bl9VupDjqIrskNKaRfbiXYA-3D" style="height:1px !important;width:1px !important;border-width:0 !important;margin-top:0 !important;margin-bottom:0 !important;margin-right:0 !important;margin-left:0 !important;padding-top:0 !important;padding-bottom:0 !important;padding-right:0 !important;padding-left:0 !important;" width="1"/> </div>, The Wired Word for 06/15/2025, The Wired Word, 01jxjfmnz4j2k7myhnpq5te0yw.