To the Editor:
World events in the past two years have profoundly affected the wellness of many in the Princeton area. Not least of these, the events of October 7, 2023 in Israel, and the ensuing two years of brutal war in Gaza. The last week finally saw a ceasefire and return home of hostages and prisoners. However, feelings of happiness were mixed with fear, rage, and despair due to the fragility of the ceasefire, the lack of plans for rebuilding and healing, and the fact that the killing did not actually stop and humanitarian aid was again withheld.
You might be thinking: why is this in Town Topics? How is this all related to our lives in Princeton, and how can we make a difference from here? Indeed, we might not be able to do much, but doing nothing is also not an option for many. Which is why a group of us in Princeton, Montgomery, and the surrounds created “Unity through Understanding” — a group that brings together Muslims, Jews, Christians, Hindus, Palestinians, and Israelis, to model dialogue that seeks to learn about the narrative of others, to see each other’s pain and respect the full humanity of our sisters and brothers. Through our discussions we have also found space to process our own emotions and experiences, and together we have built a community of caring and support.
This past Wednesday, we met in Hinds Plaza in an open-mic community gathering, to process current events together. We were there together — people of all different denominations and backgrounds — reaffirming that we are all on the same side, the side of peace and humanity. The side of life, not death. And we can publicly hold space for others’ emotions and experience — because if we can’t do it here, how can we ever hope for a better future? And if we don’t do it here, we are squandering the opportunity to model for our children, and our neighbors, and our politicians, the future we want to live in.
If you would like to join this mission and hear about future events, email UnityThruUnderstanding@gmail.com. And please vote in the coming election on November 4 — so much depends on it, including our ability to continue this type of dialogue and peace building.