Letters to the editor
Readers respond
Pursuing peace is a ‘moral obligation’
Various community leaders give their thoughts on the cease-fire deal (“Local community members express cautious optimism over hostage deal,” Jan. 24). As we look toward the future, it’s clear that the challenges facing Israel, the Middle East and the world are immense. The conflict between Israel and its neighbors, the rise of extremism, the threat of wider regional war and the deep divisions within societies all require our urgent attention.
But amidst these challenges, there is also hope. The new truce, the ongoing efforts of diplomats and activists, and the resilience of the human spirit all point toward a future where peace might be possible.
It is incumbent upon all of us to remain engaged, to stay informed and to take action to support the causes we believe in. Whether it’s through political activism, community involvement, or simply engaging in thoughtful dialogue with those around us, we all have a role to play in shaping a better future.
The road ahead will undoubtedly be difficult. There will be setbacks and disappointments, and the path to peace will be long and arduous. But we must not lose hope. We must continue to strive for a future where Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace and security, where the threat of violence is replaced by the promise of cooperation, and where the divisions that currently plague our world are replaced by a shared commitment to a better future for all.
As we move forward, let us remember the words of the prophet Samuel, quoted by Netanyahu in his U.N. speech: “Israel will live forever.” But let us also remember that the pursuit of peace is not merely a political imperative; it is a moral obligation. It is a responsibility that we all share and it is a goal that we must pursue with unwavering determination.
The future of Israel, the future of the Middle East and indeed the future of the world depend on it.
Ivan C. Frank
Squirrel Hill
‘Building Bridges’ article missed the mark
The Chronicle’s coverage of the Jan. 12 presentation by Aziz Abu Sarah and Maoz Inon at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, which I attended, was a distorted account of what happened that evening (“Mayor Gainey’s ‘Building Bridges’ event marred by distribution of anti-Israel flyers,” Jan. 17). I saw your article as an attempt to discredit efforts to bring the voice of the Israeli peace movement to Pittsburgh.
Aziz Abu Sarah, a Palestinian Arab, and Maoz Inon, an Israeli Jew, presented the perspective of those who see that creating a shared society in Israel is essential to long-term peace and reduction in violence. This view is shared by many American Jews including Jews here in Pittsburgh.
Each of the men has suffered immensely from the violence, with tragic losses of parents and siblings. It was important to hear from them and learn how they have reached out to each other with respect and empathy. Their vision of the future and their practice of collaboration is the way forward for the people of that region and indeed for all of us. To illustrate their respectful approach, when an audience member described Israeli actions as “genocide,” Aziz Abu Sarah argued against use of the term, noting that it functions as a barrier to communication.
The alternative approach offered by more extreme voices on both sides of the conflict promises only continued war and destruction.
Unfortunately, that perspective was reflected in the Chronicle’s article. Rather than focus on the speakers’ presentation, the article focused on a flyer distributed by a representative of the Pittsburgh Palestine Coalition that was critical of Israel. The individual involved had no role in the event. The Chronicle’s focus on the flyer distorted the central theme of the evening and undermined the speakers’ message. It also discredited Mayor Ed Gainey, whose office sponsored the presentation.
While uncomfortable for many, the Pittsburgh Palestine Coalition’s point of view, emphasizing the massive destruction in Gaza and oppressive Israeli policies in the West Bank, has a right to be heard. Nonetheless, their flyer was not the focus of the event and most attendees had no interaction with their representatives. In contrast to what was reported in the Chronicle’s article, the focus of the evening was on the necessity of recognizing the suffering of both peoples and ending the war.
I am grateful that Mayor Gainey brought Aziz Abu Sarah and Maoz Inon to Pittsburgh.
Richard Weinberg
Edgewood
comments