With messages like, “Recognize our shared humanity,” “All humans are closely related — so don’t kill any of them,” and “Peace now,” two dozen people came together at the last farmers market of the season to call for a cease-fire in the Middle East.
They shared the traditional Arabic and Hebrew salutations, “As-salaam alaikum” and “Shalom aleichem,” both translated as “Peace to you” or “Peace be upon you.”
The group decried the carnage of so many innocent Israelis and Palestinian civilians, a high percentage of them children, and the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Some said they worried that the escalation in violence will only increase the risk of terrorist acts, not prevent them.
Several said they were speaking out to combat a sense of helplessness and despair, and to turn their grief into calls on members of Congress, President Biden and world leaders to press for a cease-fire.
