Impose immediate ceasefire in Gaza

For more than five years, our chapter of the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom, a group of local Muslim and Jewish women, has met regularly. Over hearty food, in the comfort of our homes, we learned about each other’s faiths, histories and cultures, and much about the world through each other’s eyes.

We became family, celebrating holidays together. We stood in solidarity as we responded to tragedy and hate around us.

Our sisterhood has been put to the test since Oct. 7 as news of the heinous attack on Israeli citizens was followed by continuous news of bombardment and mounting humanitarian crises for the people of Gaza. Through conversation, we were able to forge understandings: of the generational trauma all our sisters face, of the sense of security a home should bring, and of the devastation felt when the sanctity of a person’s home is threatened.

As displaced Palestinians face impending death by bombardment and starvation, our sisterhood is united in calling for a drastic increase in humanitarian aid to Gazans, the immediate release of all who have been taken hostage or prisoner for political reasons, and an immediate and lasting ceasefire. Further, we agree with national leadership of the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom that the only way forward is through robust negotiations leading toward the end of the occupation and a political/diplomatic solution to the conflict itself. Zarina Jalal Paula Weiss Latham The writers are members of Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom, NYS Capital Region Chapter 2.