Dear community,
We hope this finds you well and that you’ve enjoyed some moments of sweetness and warmth over the winter break.
For a while now, we’ve wanted to reach out to our listserv about what’s going on in Israel and Palestine. While REAL doesn’t typically focus on international issues, we know that many in our community are deeply affected by this one. We’re aware, for example, that there was a walkout at NHS before the break. We’re also aware that at least one local synagogue has received bomb threats. We know that even among our middle schoolers and high schoolers, the rhetoric around this issue can be extremely polarized and intense.
Honestly, we have struggled to figure out exactly what to say, wondering what would be supportive, honest, non-harmful, and non-redundant. So instead of trying to come up with the “right” thing to say, we thought we’d lead by asking you all some questions.
How are you doing? What have you and your family been experiencing in our schools and community in relation to the Israel-Palestine war? What actions are you taking, if any?
While we have no antidotes or easy answers, each of us has been working in our own ways to take actions that uphold our own values. For example:
–Some of us have focused on listening to and learning from people who are more directly impacted than we are, including friends who have lost loved ones in the conflict.
–Some of us are actively including our kids in the learning, seeking out resources like those here (and here) to help us, as well as attending a local author event.
–Some of us have engaged with and donated money to organizations that include Standing Together and MECA.
–Some of us have grieved with the Parents Circle – Family Forums, joining online with families who have lost loved ones in the long years of conflict in Israel and Palestine, and who find the strength to work for peace rather than revenge.
–Some of us have been calling our congresspeople regularly in support of such actions as a bilateral ceasefire, return of hostages, and an end to U.S. funding of the war.
We are all trying to educate ourselves about Palestine, Israel, antisemitism, and Islamophobia, and to help our children process and cope with what they see and hear. Many of us have found great wisdom in the words of Tara Brach, and much to consider in Ezra Klein’s related podcast episodes.
If you feel like sharing with our team of coordinators any actions you’ve taken or experiences you’ve had, please feel welcome to, in the spirit of information-sharing and connection. To do so, email us at northampton.real@gmail.com. Note: Please don’t email the entire listserv, as an email chain of 200+ people is not a great forum for deep discussion.
We also want to say that we understand the Middle East may not be foremost on your mind at the moment. As always, there are so many other places and issues—in the world, in our communities, and in our own families—that deserve our attention and care. It is all important, and it is all connected.
All our best,
REAL Coordinators*
Jenny Bender, Jen Berneche-Stiles, Kristen Elde, Leigh-Ellen Figueroa, Nicole Mangum, Amy Martyn, Noël Raley, Annie Salsich, Soledad Thorman Vargas, and Lesley Yalen
*Note: REAL’s coordinating team is not a monolithic group or a formal organization, but rather a group of volunteers who meet when we can to talk about and take action on issues of race equity and social justice, largely focused on Northampton public schools. Let us know if you’re interested in being more involved in 2024!
REAL 