I was sitting with someone recently. He is a Muslim and active in the causes of his people. I am a Jew and active in the causes of my people. We are part of a dialogue group that builds bridges and develops relationships with people we usually do not get to know. But we are engaged, and through this process, a friendship has ensued.
The war in the Middle East is deeply painful for us both. We both know people we deeply care about who are direct victims of this war.
My friend recently celebrated the birth of his child. Mom and baby are doing well. He is so excited to be a father. Like most fathers, he wants to provide for his family and nurture his child with love and a bright future filled with opportunities. I recently celebrated the birth of a grandchild. We are overjoyed to have a new addition to our family and cannot wait for the next opportunity to shower our love. But in this beautiful moment was something chilling; it was an epiphany of sorts. How different would this be if we did not all live here.
If the war between our people never ends, what would become of our children? With the birth certificate, effectively, a death warrant would have been issued as well. Whether warriors or innocent victims, they would be the fodder for hostilities between two warring nations; we bring them into a killing machine. Birth should represent hope- the idea that there is a future and tomorrow promises something good. We do not have children so that they may be offered up, sacrificed on an altar of hate.
My friend and I shudder at this, as do many other mothers and fathers here and there. Birth is a miracle, and peace is no less. It is time to find a path forward together.