To the Editor:
As a United Methodist member of Interfaith 4 Ceasefire, our faiths compel us to work for an immediate, permanent ceasefire and an arms embargo.
Our faiths tell us to reject war and invest in conflict resolution, communication, justice, peace and human dignity.
Our faiths tell us to mourn the over 42,000 killed, the displacement of millions, and the unmitigated destruction of land and culture.
Our faiths tell us to decry U.S. and Israeli state violence against the Palestinian and Lebanese people, supported by our elected officials and tax dollars, making us complicit. I am tremendously concerned about the people of Gaza and Lebanon, as well as the innocent in Israel, but I am especially concerned about the violence, oppression, and harassment increasingly happening in the West Bank, where I have friends. I know, care about, and pray for these good people.
Our faiths tell us to demand accountability for those who violate International Humanitarian Law—targeting civilians, destroying life-sustaining infrastructure, manufacturing starvation, and facilitating the spread of disease.
Our faiths tell us that every human life is sacred. We protect one another by investing in housing, healthcare, and education.
Our faiths tell us to reject indifference and demand justice, to choose life over death, and love over fear.
Sincerely,
Rev. Dr. Judith Pruess-Mellow
Deacon, Twin Towers United Methodist Church, Alameda
Editor’s Note: The Alameda Post Received slightly different versions of the above letter from the following people: Kristen Fu, Debbie Taylor, Rachel Yu, Emily Lin, Melanie Berzon, Cindy McPherson, Amber Hatfield, MJ Baumann, and Jerry Fillingim.
