I am heartbroken at the war in Israel and, by all appearances, soon to be an Israeli ground war in the Gaza Strip. I understand the origin of this, that Palestinian terrorist group(s) found a weak spot in Israeli defenses and launch an invasion.

It’s difficult to understand the hate that prompts one people to attack another. From my years living in the Middle East, I believe I have a reasonably good understanding of the positions of the two peoples, Israel and Palestine. They were close to peace in the days of prime minister Ehud Barak, yet by all accounts the Palestinians under Yassir Arafat walked away at the last minute when all was finished but the signing. I wasn’t there, of course, but this is what was reported at the time and since.

I’m now at a loss for words. I simply pray for peace in the region, for Israel and Palestine, for Jews and Arabs/Palestinians. Oh God, move upon people to not hate each other.