“War is bloody. War is messy. It destroys the hopes, dreams and aspirations of a people. ”
-Congressman John R. Lewis
March 10, 2010
October 12, 2023
Dear Friends and Partners,
The John & Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation condemns this weekend’s violent attacks on Israeli civilians by Hamas. These acts of terror have resulted in the abduction, murder, and grievous injury of thousands of Israelis, and in the trauma of Jews in the US and around the world, worried for loved ones and viewing horrific imagery of the Jewish homeland under siege.
Further, we are heartbroken at the dire situation faced by millions of Palestinian innocents trapped in Gaza as a result of Hamas’ actions, unable to reach safety and security, or to provide for basic human needs for themselves and their loved ones
.
Congressman Lewis and Lillian Miles Lewis devoted their lives to nonviolence, justice, equality, and peace. It is in that spirit that the Foundation calls for de-escalation and restraint by all parties, and for the protection of precious human lives on both sides of the Israeli-Gaza border. And it is in that spirit that we plainly affirm the human rights, civil rights, and human dignity of the Israeli people, and of the Palestinian people.
The issues that divide this region are mired in deep differences and generational pain. Even in his darkest moments facing hatred and violence, Congressman Lewis held fast to a vision of a beloved community. In this time of profound sorrow, we too hold on to that vision, for our Jewish and Palestinian sisters and brothers, and for all peace-loving people around the world.
In solidarity,
The Board of the John & Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation
As a nation, if we care for the Beloved Community, we must move our feet, our hands, our hearts, our resources to build and not tear down, to reconcile and not to divide, to love and not to hate.