by selise

I want to write about going to CT for Thursday night's FDL meetup, but first a moment of reflection for all the people affected by the spiraling violence in Lebanon, Israel and occupied Palestine. While UN Secretary General Kofi Annan calls for an immediate cease-fire, efforts in the UN security council to halt the fighting are blocked... and the destruction continues.

Here is Worcester, we read first hand reports sent to us from Lara Jirmanus, who went to Lebanon to work with the Red Crescent for the summer.

This picture was taken today in front of City Hall in Worcester during Friday's prayer vigil for peace. For more pictures from the vigil, see the photo album. Claire and Scott Shaeffer-Duffy of the SS. Francis and Therese Catholic Worker sent out the call:

Dear Friends, We read with growing alarm the reports of Lebanese and Israeli casualties. These deaths are a reminder that violence is too costly a response to conflict. Please join us we mourn those who have been displaced, injured or killed in the most recent attacks. Please join us as we pray for an end to the killing and a just peace in the Middle East.

Among those also present were Tom Lewis (Baltimore Four, Cantonsville Nine, Prince of Peace Plowshares) and Mike True.

Update: This past week Senators Kerry and Kennedy, and Jim McGovern (Worcester's Congressional Representative) all came out against a cease-fire. Too few tried to do or say (pdf) the right thing.