The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian groups has led to much hardship, violence, and bloodshed over the years, much of it endured by innocent civilians.  Our hearts grieve over the the brutal killing and kidnapping of civilians, the bombings, and the cutting off of humanitarian aid and basic services.  Thousands of innocent civilians - mostly women and children, have been killed. We join Pope Francis and others in prayer and calling for an immediate end to the violence, the unconditional release of all hostages, and the restoration of basic services and humanitarian aid. We urge all parties to invest in efforts that will address immediate and historic conflicts so a just and lasting peace can be realized.

The School Sisters of Notre Dame believe in the sanctity of life, that every life has inherent dignity and worth. Urged by the love of Christ and of our sisters and brothers, we work actively toward enhancing just structures that foster fullness of life and toward changing unjust structures that inhibit it. 

Let us urge President Biden and our members of Congress to do all they can to support efforts that will bring a swift end to the violence and destruction, protect civilians, ensure humanitarian aid, and lead to concrete movement toward a just and lasting peace for all involved.