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I am still experiencing profound grief in the face of the brutal terror attack by Hamas and the immense and ongoing loss of life and trauma of bombings in Gaza. Last weekend, I attended a wedding back east of a dear friend from International House with a guest list that included Muslims and Jews from around the world. As a unified international community, we must condemn both the terror attack and hostage taking by Hamas against Israelis and the unrelenting bombardment, siege, and blockade against civilians in Gaza. Tragically, thousands of humans are dead and traumatized, and there is now unconscionable talk about a broader regional, or even global war. 

I am also deeply concerned by and condemn the Antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents occurring in the United States as a result of this conflict, including the murder of a Palestinian-American boy in Chicago and threats against Jewish institutions. 

This is the effect of terror. This is the effect of eye-for-eye thinking which, as Mahatma Gandhi reminds us, leaves everyone blind. I am calling for all of the bombings to stop, now. I am profoundly grateful that our Congresswoman Barbara Lee has put forward a statement with other members of the House calling for an immediate ceasefire. 

In these times of crisis, I have faith that the Berkeley community can come together to call for peace, an end to bloodshed, the release of hostages, and justice for all. The Superintendent of Berkeley Schools offered the following resources to help in your communication with children regarding the current state of events: 

How to Talk to Kids About Violence, Crime, and War (Common Sense Media) Resilience in a time of war: Tips for parents and teachers of elementary school children: (American Psychological Association) Resilience in a time of war: Tips for parents and teachers of middle school children: (American Psychological Association) Talking to Children About War (National Child Traumatic Stress Network) Please reach out to my office if you have concerns about the impacts of this conflict on our community or need assistance in any way. We are here to help each other.