As faith leaders, colleagues, and friends who come from different traditions, we share diverse perspectives on the State of Israel and the plight of the Palestinian people. We are alarmed by the continuing violence and the ongoing war Israel is waging on Hamas due to their despicable attacks on innocent people on Oct. 7.

We are deeply concerned about the conflict’s continued impact on Gaza, the West Bank and further escalation throughout the region. People we care about are in harm’s way. Loved ones have been killed. We grieve the unprecedented loss of life. We pray for a swift resolution to the conflict, the release of all hostages and the creation of a process wherein Palestinians and Israelis can live side by side in harmony.

We are also very concerned about how the war in Israel and Palestine has impacted members of our own Muslim and Jewish communities here in Colorado — and, indeed, throughout the world.  The documented rise in anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim rhetoric and violence against members of both of our communities is alarming and unacceptable. In a world where it is becoming increasingly difficult to find connection, we look for ways to create dialogue and shun the diatribes and angry slogans that have taken the place of true communication.

We understand the complexity of finding common ground. The narratives that we hold may differ, but we also understand that these differences, in and of themselves, should not be grounds for hatred. We are especially concerned about the way in which former allies with whom we have worked on a variety of other social issues have found it necessary to condemn our people in the name of intersectionality and political expediency.

Even when we disagree, we pledge to be careful with our words, and to work to find areas around which we can build bridges of understanding and peace between our two communities. Angry slogans, glorification of terror, dehumanization of Palestinians and Israelis, anti-Muslim, or anti-Semitic tropes only serve to create a climate of fear, distrust, and hatred further separating us from one another and the communities in which we live. We ask that you join us as we journey together to find pathways to peace.

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