In search of peace, justice, security: American Federation of Teachers shares reflections on October 7
To mark the one year of the horrific Hamas attacks of 7 October in Israel, the American Federation of Teachers launched a video denouncing hate and calling for an end to the war and suffering in the region.
In the video, Jews and Palestinians, who are fighting for peace and security, freedom, justice and self-determination for both peoples, share their stories and perspectives.
“That day, Hamas brutally attacked Israelis, Jews, Muslims, Bedouins and Asian guest workers in the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. 1,200 people were killed, raped, injured or taken hostage. Since that day, so much more destruction and pain have happened in the ensuing war,” stated Randi Weingarten, president of AFT. “The flattening of Gaza by the Israel Defense Forces, the massive humanitarian needs, the relentless attacks on Israeli citizens by Hezbollah, and the ongoing and indiscriminate attacks by Jewish settlers on Palestinian land on the West Bank. The holding of hostages by Hamas, and the refusal by Hamas and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to consummate a cease-fire. And now, the Iranian bombing, and certain Israeli response.”
“The pain is overwhelming in the region; and here at home, the events have deeply affected our schools, our workplaces and our communities,”’ she added in a message shared widely with members and partners.
For the AFT, lifting up Jewish and Palestinian voices is essential, which is why the union has brought groups like Standing Together, Parents Circle, and the Hand in Hand schools to the U.S. to engage with people who are organizing for a better life and for peace.
Since 2016, the AFT has advocated for two states for two peoples; of deepening engagement; and a rejection of the binary. “It's clear the only way forward is to forgo the violence that’s defined the region for decades in favor of a peaceful solution,” Weingarten added.
The video shares testimonies from the region of activists working for peace and understanding, and committed to “forge a path forward for peace, freedom, security and self-determination for the 7 million Palestinians and the 7 million Jews who call Israel and the Palestinian territories their home.”
