The Dialogue Project does not take positions on the politics of the Middle East. Our commitment is to non-violence.

We oppose the escalation of violence in Israel and Palestine. We are horrified by the severe bombing of Gaza. We do not support these counter attacks. Hundreds of bystanders in Gaza and the West Bank have been killed or maimed. We condemn rocket attacks on Israeli citizens and towns.

This chain of retaliation and revenge only serves people in power positions, wherever they sit, while citizens and civilians suffer the force of the pain it inflicts. Acts of brutal force and desperation only fuel retribution. War is not the way – there is another way.

Many of us are in pain; many of us are afraid. Can we expand ourselves and our vision to let in the pain and fear of the one who is on the other side?

Will you be willing to enter a dialogue with the intent to create together an honest listening place – not a debate?

Can you commit to working on a collective statement, for submission to newspapers and our elected officials, that we - Diaspora Palestinians and Israelis, Jews, Muslims, Christians and so many other new immigrants and long time citizens, want policies (which we will identify through dialogue), that stop enabling the pursuers of violence and war? Together, if we truly value the humanity of one another, our voices can gain meaning.

Can we together demand policies that support actual change on the ground, now.

As we enter 2009, may all our peoples pursue authentic peace; may our peoples achieve safety, freedom from oppression, and respect for life.

The Dialogue Project