The Israelis Want Peace Too

As many of you, I have been spending much of my spare time glued to network news, CNN and MSNBC following the crisis in the Middle East and praying for a break in the fighting. We have seen the pictures of the devastation and the grieving family and friends of the dead.

We have also heard the polls of the Israeli populace showing overwhelming support for the offensive and the parade of government officials who are unshaken in their commitment to the use of violence.

What the polls and the news do not show is the peace movement that is still alive and active in Israel. Members of Bat Shalom, Gush Shalom, Ta' Ayush and others continue to work for peace. "Stop fighting. Start talking" is one of the chants they recite as they demostrate. Their rallies are attended by hundreds not thousands but they are demonstrating nonetheless. They are demonstrating in public braving both verbal threats and physical violence.

May God bless these peacemakers who follow their conscience and may the path of true and lasting peace be found in the Middle East someday soon.