The Killing of Children Shocks Our Consciousness

We as educators have a professional responsibility to promote and teach inclusion and respect for different ethnicities, beliefs, and religions. We have a moral imperative to educate people about antisemitism and Islamophobia, and about how to support Jewish and Muslim students and communities. 

 

The October 7th terrorist attack by Hamas killed over 1,400 Israelis and saw more than 240 people taken hostage – most of whom continue being held by Hamas. In response, Israel -- as bipartisan groups of American leaders have stated, has a right to defend itself -- declared war on Hamas. Hamas leaders have vowed to continue to attack Israel “again and again” in pursuit of the annihilation of Israel. One month after Israel’s declaration of war on Hamas, a dire humanitarian crisis exists in Gaza with thousands of lives being lost. James Elder, UNICEF spokesperson recently referred to Gaza as a “graveyard for children.” Children make up nearly half of Gaza’s population. The killing of innocent children anywhere shocks the consciousness.

 

In urging our leaders in the United States and around the world to use their influence to stop the violence to protect civilians, I echo UN Secretary-General Guterres’ call:

 

“All those with influence must exert it to ensure respect for the rules of war, end the suffering and avoid a spillover of the conflict that could engulf the whole region.”

 

Regardless of what you call it, the killing of innocent people must stop. A release of all hostages must happen. Humanitarian aid and safe passage for civilians and aid workers must be provided and protected.

 

The people of Israel and Palestine both have the right to exist in nonviolence.

 

The violence and dangerous rhetoric stemming from this war have led to spikes in both antisemitism and Islamophobia in our schools and communities here and around the world. We are witnessing violent acts of hate particularly on college campuses across our country, where Jewish and Muslim students are being targeted and harassed for who they are, and we must provide trauma-informed support and be safe havens for them.

 

Our actions will determine whether our children and students will observe leaders acting to end the violence and take the needed steps to restore stability and peace. Together, in partnership with parents, families, community leaders and partners we can act on behalf of our young people so they can witness courage and power in action as we create a safer and more just world for them and the generations to come.