I have just read this whole thread from the beginning, and it is an amazing conversation. In nearly any other online forum I have seen, conflicts degenerate into flamewars. Here is a flamewar that turned into deep communication. I salute the participants who have shown their passion and who have apologized for statements that were out of line. And I appreciate your ability to go beyond simple truths such as "all killing is wrong" to think and talk about the long history of injury and oppression on both sides that makes the killing so hard to stop.

I myself am a Diaspora Jew who does not agree with Israeli government policy toward the Palestinians. After the recent election of Sharon I let myself despair about peace in that land where cousins and friends now live. I want to find a way back from despair to hope and action. Reading the conversation here is a step for me on that path. Thank you.

--Sarah