3rd Anniversary of War on Gaza

Yesterday, the last day of 2011, dozens of Palestinians along with Jews and other allies gathered in downtown Chicago to commemorate the 3rd anniversary of the Israeli onslaught on Gaza in December 2008. At the end of the rally, over 300 black balloons were released. Each balloon had a card attached with a name of a child who was killed by the Israeli army,


 

It was a significant moment to publicly acknowledge the killing of innocent children (and many adults). I have participated in many interfaith and cross-cultural events in Chicago. Coming together in solidarity with Palestinians to acknowledge the death of children on the other side of the world was a moving experience. As the balloons flew up into the air, up and beyond Chicago's indifferent skyline, I felt the presence of all those children, if only for a moment.