No Words
There are no words to describe the shock and sadness we are all feeling here in Wahat al-Salam – Neve Shalom. We look at the list of those killed, and we see Arabs and Jews killed, alike. Deadly rockets do not discriminate. For those of us committed to living in peace, the events of the past few days have been horrifying. And we worry for the innocent victims that will continue to die, for the rise of extremism that will feed into anger and hatred.
We are devasted by the reports of so many dead, including young people, old, Jews and Arabs. We pray for the innocent people in Gaza, for those taken hostage and for those still missing from the Gaza border area, and we extend our sympathy to all those parents, children, sisters and brothers who lost loved ones.
The rockets hitting Israel, the planes flying to Gaza: These all shake our windows and floors, and send our children into panic. Like all citizens of the country, we have entered a new reality that is violent and uncertain, and we are learning to cope all over again.
The parents of the village children held a discussion to talk about children’s fears and anxiety during wartime, and the NADI organized an activity in which the kids were invited to talk openly about everything that was giving them nightmares or have them worried during the day. As schools are still closed, the NADI has been offering extra activities for the children and youth in the village.
We have decided to increase security measures within the village, in addition to that provided by the outside security firm. Young people in the village have formed readiness groups, the shelters have all been opened, and the emergency personnel are prepared in hopes they will not be needed. The school staff is receiving support from the Ministry of Education (schools are closed for now), and the institutions are receiving support from the local authorities and the Association teams so as to deal with any possible events.
We are helping one another in any way we can, and we continue to stand by our vision – peace is possible, and it is the only way.