Monday will mark the one-year anniversary of the deadly Hamas attack on Israel that left more than 1200 Israelis dead, the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. In retaliation, Israel launched an invasion of Gaza, resulting in over 41,000 Palestinian deaths and the taking of more than 250 hostages. In Denver, Jewish and Muslim faith leaders – Rabbi Joseph Black and Imam Muhammad Kolila – are reflecting on the past year and looking towards the future.
Despite differing opinions on the origins of the conflict, Rabbi Black and Imam Kolila agree that this is not a religious war but a political one fueled by extremist ideologies. They believe that peace can only be achieved when each side sees the best in the other and strives to find common ground. Both leaders emphasize the importance of finding hope and humanity in others in order to work towards a peaceful resolution.
Colorado Jewish and Muslim organizations are marking the anniversary with remembrance ceremonies, exhibits, and planned walkouts. Rabbi Black and Imam Kolila urge their communities to come together and seek mutual understanding in the face of conflict, emphasizing the need for restorative justice and prevention of future violence. They are united in their belief that there can be no true winner in this war and that only through shared humanity and acceptance of one another can peace be achieved.
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