08/08/2025
Today I was invited by a friend to a vigil for the Israeli hostages. Obviously this is the same morning as the Israeli government approve the take over of Gaza City. I have to say I was moved by the sense of community. I was moved by the fact that these hostages are son, husbands and fathers too. I am conscious that I wouldn’t have taken photos of the vigil for fear of any faces that I happened to capture could face harassment for merely attending a vigil. I am conscious of the stories and words my friend said and the harassment she has faced for simply wanting human beings to be released to their families and that she has had to hide her beliefs for fear of repercussions. I do not agree with the actions of the Israeli government. But I will always acknowledge the suffering of Israelis due to the actions of Hamas. And the pain of a wider community who are targeted and held accountable for the actions of a tiny minority. I have no understanding of how anyone could not see this pain and want it to stop. I still feel helpless. I still feel sadness.
