Oberlin Community Peace Builders, as an organization committed to seeking nonviolent solutions to conflicts, whether interpersonal or international, urges all parties involved, directly or indirectly, in the present conflict in Gaza to act for the immediate implementation of a ceasefire.

Furthermore, we urge all these parties to commit to working in good faith for a two-state solution to the competing claims of Israelis and Palestinians to the land that they share. We do not believe that the horrific Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel can justify the ongoing collective punishment of the people of Gaza. Rather than eliminating Hamas, it inevitably fosters the very resentment toward repressive Israeli policies that leads to such desperate actions as that attack.

We welcome those who share our commitment to finding non-violent solutions to join our Community Peace Builders vigil from noon to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays at the southeast corner of Tappan Square.

Steering Committee: Anne Elder, John Elder, David Finke, Nancy Finke, Sophie Qano