This is a time in our world when hope, despair, and determination are swirling around us and within us; at times, we feel one of these more than any of the others. Sometimes, we tend to the emotions and energy of others because they need our care, and sometimes, we need to borrow from the emotions and energy of others so we can receive care and keep going.
I am so grateful to see the ceasefire in Palestine and Israel come into effect. The hostages need to be home. They have experienced immense trauma and separation. There are Palestinian prisoners, including youth, who have not been charged. They need to come home. They have experienced immense trauma and separation.
It fills my heart to see these families reunited and people in Palestine celebrating when all they’ve known for more than 400 days is destruction and a will to survive.
And…
I also know that within the window of time when the ceasefire was announced (last Wednesday) and the moment it went into effect (last Sunday) the Israeli army continued to bomb Gaza, and more than 100 people were killed, including children. What is it like to survive more than 400 days in violence, debris, cold, and at times, a serious lack of food, only to die after a ceasefire was announced? More than 260 people were injured in the same window of time.
The people of Gaza continue to need our care and advocacy. And the Israeli hostages need to be released.
The work remains. Hope, despair, and determination are swirling around us and within us. We need each other. We need action.
— Renee Roederer
Smuggling Grace 