Over and over again even the most adept analysts of our times seem to begin their writings and speeches on the current nightmare in Gaza with, “There are no words.”
Yet there are words, oh so many words, phrases and facts that resound, haunt, pummel, challenge the heart and mind when this reality and shared planetary moment comes into view:
blockade…starvation…expulsion …obliteration…“ bomb without distinction”…50,000 dead and injured children…. 100,000 tons of explosives…”special relationship” , “ No mercy”…””
“No mercy”…GENOCIDE.
All of this defies our common humanity and our world religions be they Islam, Judaism, or Christianity. We must not recoil from the enormity of this crime. Our shared responsibility and complicity is happening in real time, in front of us now. We must not look away.
This year’s Kateri Peace Conference will invite us to grieve together, over the unfathomable suffering of the Palestinian people as well as the Israeli people. For many years, generational trauma born of violence and persecution have been weaponized by the “settler colonialism” of a Zionist vision. It has desecrated the heart of the Torah’s: “raḥamanim benei raḥamanim" – "a central Jewish value highlighting the importance of rachamim (compassion/mercy) a core value within Judaism and as "compassionate children of compassionate ancestors" or "compassionate scions of compassionate forbears".
But we refuse to withdraw or look away as we invite our speakers to help us come to a deeper understanding of this moment and dynamic in history. Sadly trauma has transformed good people of all faith traditions and has allowed the traumatized oppressed to become the frenzied oppressor. What are the processes which have led US leadership to become blind and deaf to the genocide they have and continue to enable?
And, finally, we will invite our conference presenters to lead us in continued efforts and positive steps to turn our grief into action. We must face the seemingly intractable, soul-searing conflict with the clear vision and belief that hatred and violence will not prevail, with the wisdom to know that the fruit of justice is peace and that our shared and common goodness will bring us back to our humanity.
John Amidon
Maureen Aumand
The Kateri Peace Conference has always been a labor of love. Anyone can attend for free; however, we ask for a modest $20 - $40 donation.
As we’re sure you understand, there are expenses for both days. Your donation helps cover the cost of lunch, a donation to the Shrine, speaking honoraria, and other refreshments.
Donations will be accepted at the events. Checks can be made to Veterans for Peace.