Man’s inhumanity to man,
Robert Burns
Makes countless thousands mourn.
Following the recent extreme violence in Israel, perhaps like many of you I’ve felt pretty numb, struggling to make sense of the senseless. This discomfort is trivial compared to the suffering of those who are directly affected, and words are utterly inadequate in response to overwhelming grief and fear.
In spite of the inadequacy of words, it still feels important to acknowledge the ongoing conflict in the Israeli-Palestinian region – and so many other regions around the world right now – and to offer compassion to all beings who are affected by violence and oppression.
As Buddhists, the principle of non-violence is at the heart of our practice.
May our thoughts, speech and actions be guided by wisdom and compassion.
May we remember our shared humanity and contribute in whatever ways we can, to living together peacefully.
Below are a few resources that have helped me get a bit more clarity about the situation, begin to thaw the numbness and reconnect with the above aspirations.
A recent post from US meditation teacher Oren Jay Sofer
WHY I’M GRIEVING THE LOSS OF BOTH ISRAELIS AND PALESTINIANS
Oren Jay Sofer
The past week since the horrific terrorist attacks in Israel by Hamas and the ensuing war in Gaza have been extraordinarily difficult. As distraught as I feel, I cannot begin to fathom the shock, grief, and pain of those directly affected. Yet I have been profoundly affected emotionally, both as a longtime peace activist and as an American Jew born to an Israeli parent.
As a Buddhist meditation teacher, I rarely speak about my Jewishness. I’ve yet to come to terms with the pain of my people’s history, or with the complexity of being white and Jewish in the United States. I’ve avoided entering the thicket of debates regarding Israel-Palestine, knowing how they can call up such strong emotions, stimulate profound trauma, and make it harder to build community and practice across the lines that divide us.
But today my heart is breaking, out of universal values for peace, dignity, and respect, my commitment to nonviolence, the particular pain of my people, and of all those affected by these recent events. …
There aren’t really words for the grief of what’s unfolding. It’s okay to feel like it’s too much to hold—because it is too much to hold. …
https://www.orenjaysofer.com/blog/israel-palestine-23
Dr. Gabor Maté Speaks Out on Israel and Palestine: A Must-Watch Discussion
Dr Gabor Maté a world-renowned speaker and author, looks into the complicated and deeply-rooted conflict between Israel and Palestine.
Israelis and Palestinians are facing their moment of greatest danger since 1948
There is still a slim chance of peace if wiser counsels prevail and other major powers intervene in a coalition of the willing
Jill Shepherd: insight meditation 
Thanks Jill for your posts, resources, and your own wisdom. These have been helpful to my own numbness, shock, grief, and feeble attempts to stand in solidarity with all peoples suffering in the war in Isreal, Gaza and anywhere around the globe where all our brothers and sisters are suffering.
Much metta,
Ed LeSage
Thank you Dear Jill,
For these wise and comforting reflections… may there be peace.