Letters to the editor

Use your voice for action
I read about how civilians in Gaza are being shot as they try to get food (“‘Wrong message:’ Israel dismisses call by 25 countries to end Gaza war,” online July 22). I feel helpless — like a useless bystander. The death and devastation happening elsewhere in the region deepen my feelings of hopelessness.

Strangely, it’s reading about someone else’s feelings of helplessness that makes me revisit my power and role. I saw this comment on a New York Times article, from someone identifying as an Israeli: “I in no way support the war … We Israelis are living under a brutal ultra-right wing regime run by Bibi Netanyahu whose only goal is truly to stay in power at any price. … We the Israeli people are powerless.”

It’s so easy as a human to feel powerless. And indeed, each of us has a small influence. But I would tell that writer: Small is not nothing. Somehow, I am motivated to exert that small force that I have: to contact Sens. John Fetterman and Dave McCormick and urge them to push for a ceasefire. To write to my Jewish community in this letter.

I believe that this war benefits no one. In the words of that New York Times commenter: “Myself and everyone I know hate what’s going on. All the demonstrations and protests are accomplishing nothing to get rid of Bibi and get the hostages out. And stop the war.”

That writer may feel hopeless, but their words encourage me, and I hope that my words will encourage others — to take small actions in the face of suffering and horror, toward the goal of peace.

Maya Fischhoff
Pittsburgh