Update # 5

Shalom Friends,

I am sure many of you have been following the news or at least seen some accounts of the horrific destruction in the Gaza Strip. I found myself waiting and wanting to receive and email with some comforting words or some in depth account and opportunity to participate in some peace work - well so far nothing has come to my inbox and the lyrics from one of my favorite poets, Bob Dylan keeps ringing in my ear. So, "I guess it must be up to me".

It was three years ago when Hamas was democratically elected into power. I was here when it happened and I remeber that there was a glimmer of hope that I and others had that maybe there would be some opporutnity for change and growth and a conversation between two nations. I don't think Israel could ever accept that they were expected to dialogue with Hamas as Hamas does not accept Israel as stated in its charter. This was not an acceptable government to be working with though it was what the poeple had chosen and unfortunalety people in Gaza have been living in terrible conditions- this is not Israel's fault however they have not made it any easier. Flash forward three years and Israel has declared all out war on Hamas.

A little less then two weeks ago the 6 month ( Egyptian brokered ?) ceasefire between Israel and Hamas controlled Gaza came to an end. Hamas began launching rockets at a fairly steady pace into Israel. Most of these rockets landed in unihabited areas although more recently they are reaching into populated areas. There was talk of renegotiating the ceasefire and there still is and It seemed that Israel was about to open the border to allow humanitarian aid into the strip and then something happened, another rocket attack, and Israel very rapidly withdrew its allowance of aid into the strip and when the weather was right launced the air attack.

Over 300 people have been killed (mostly Hamas police officers) and over 1700 people ( mostly civilians) have been wounded. I am so close to all of this and also still so far away from it. Just today I saw a man throw a rock at another man but all and all I am pretty saffe. There is added security here now and I am more alert.

The waiting for weather reminded me of what the Jewish partisans would say. "The snow and rain were our friends . The moon was our enemy." On a clear night you can see your target. It is strange to look at these things, the clouds, the sun, the star and think of them as signs as to whether or not there will be more damage and destruction.

I am hoping to go to a Critical Mass bike Ride for Peace on Thursday in Tel Aviv. I was in Jaffa today , south of Tel Aviv when I heard the call to prayer. I hope we all can pray for peace or at least pray for policies that take us one step closer down that road and pray for the cesation of policies and practices that take us further away from it.

Love and Light
Jan LaurenDharanaChana Leah