April 8, 2024

Dear Friends:

The Interfaith Peace Project continues its ongoing observance of the International Women’s Day, March 8, by sending you a reflection on the eighth of every month. We invite you share in this effort by sending any articles or information concerning the voice of women that you would like to share to:

Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P
[email protected]
925-787-9279

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IN A TIME OF CONFLICT AND DIVISION:
Continuing to Honor International Women’s Day
by Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P.

I have long believed the time of conflict can birth vision, justice, and peace. It is important to respond to conflict and division with the desire for peace and understanding rather than react with hostility and fear. 

Consider the conflict in the Middle East today. The illogic of war can lead to such destruction as to stun everyone involved. How did the modern tendency to destroy, hurt, and retaliate become so technologically advanced? The money, research, and development invested in the methods of destruction have reached maddening proportions. The insanity of war and violence have become normalized. Compounding all of this is the ravages and cruelty of terrorism, which has absolutely no respect for human life.

There are days when I think the pursuit of justice and peace is hopeless and futile. 

Sometimes, the quest for what is right sounds more like a slogan in a commercial than a pathway to peace. It is easy to lose heart, to think nothing can be done, to despair that anything can be done.

I am deeply impressed and moved by the women of Israel / Palestine as they quest for peace in the midst of conflict and division. Their courage offers us hope, and their wisdom reminds us of the nobility of what it means to be human and humane. Please ponder and consider the Mothers’ Call from Women Wage Peace. Here is a sampling from the Call:

“We, Palestinian and Israeli women from all walks of life, are united in the human desire for a future of peace, freedom, equality, rights, and security for our children and the next generations.

We believe that the majority of the people of our nations also share our mutual desire. Therefore, we demand that our leaders listen to our call and promptly begin peace talks and negotiations, with a determined commitment to achieving a political solution to the long and painful conflict, within a limited timeframe. …

We call on the women of the world to stand by us for a future of peace and security, prosperity, dignity and freedom for ourselves, our children, and the people of the region.

We call on people of peace from around the world, both young and old, religious leaders, people of influence, community leaders, educators, and those who hold this issue close to their hearts, to add their voices to our call. …”

Please visit https://www.womenwagepeace.org.il/en/ for more information.

Let us join these courageous women and double our efforts for the compassionate pursuit of that justice that creates and sustains peace.