Madeleine Dean: “Together we are witness to war in the Middle East, yet so many of us are divided in our righteous anger and desire for…”

“Together we are witness to war in the Middle East, yet so many of us are divided in our righteous anger and desire for peace. At home, I speak with friends and family and constituents who want what is just. Nevertheless, I also see how we speak past each other, missing the common humanity of both Israelis and Palestinians, the innocent people on both sides who work, live, and play on lands now ravaged and scarred by war. Let me be clear. I condemn Hamas, yet I decry Mr. Netanyahu's prosecution of this war. That is why I called for a bilateral cease- fire and a release of all remaining hostages in February. I hold both beliefs, not as an equivalence or political spin, but as a principle to stand with the innocent, with Palestinians and Israelis who must know peace and security in their lifetime. We must reject the far too tempting politics of hate and division and embrace the duty of peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians. In time warped by hate, I lean on my faith, the wisdom of the Beatitudes: ``Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.'' ____________________”